IWI Galil ACE 52
Israel Weapon Industries · Battle Rifle · In Production · 2014
Also known as: Galil ACE 52, Galil ACE 7.62 NATO, ACE 52, GAR1651
Overview
The IWI Galil ACE 52 is a 7.62x51mm NATO battle rifle and designated marksman platform developed by Israel Weapon Industries as a complete modernization of the original Galil rifle. The ACE 52 retains the proven long-stroke gas piston operating system and rotating bolt of the original Galil but houses them in an entirely new modular platform with contemporary ergonomics and accessory interfaces. The 16-inch cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined CrMoV barrel features a 1:12 twist rate optimized for 147-grain and 175-grain 7.62mm projectiles, providing effective engagement capability to 600 meters. The rifle accepts SR-25/LR-308 pattern magazines (including Magpul LR/SR25 Gen M3 20-round magazines) and features a side-folding, adjustable polymer buttstock. The aluminum alloy receiver with M-LOK handguard and full-length Picatinny top rail provides a modern accessory mounting platform. The ACE 52's combination of Kalashnikov-derived reliability with Western ergonomics and magazine compatibility has made it attractive to military and law enforcement customers worldwide who need a 7.62mm capability in a compact, reliable package.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3950 g (139.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4600 g (162.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 916 mm (36.06") |
| Folded Length | 690 mm (27.17") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 780 m/s (2559 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3450 J (2545 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Folding Stock, Adjustable Stock, M-Lok Handguard, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Ambidextrous Controls, Suppressor Ready, Sr25 Magazine Compatible
Variants
- Galil ACE 52 11.8" SBR — Short Barrel
- Galil ACE Gen II 7.62 NATO — Gen2 Upgrade
Service history
Operators
- Colombian Armed Forces · adopted 2014 · as Galil ACE 52
- Vietnamese Armed Forces · adopted 2017
- Georgian Armed Forces
- Philippine National Police
Conflicts
- Colombian Armed Conflict (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 2014-present
In active production for domestic, export, and US commercial markets. Colombian and Vietnamese contracts represent significant production volumes.
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Notes
The '52' designation in the Galil ACE naming convention refers to the 7.62x51mm NATO chambering (51.18mm case length rounded up). The ACE 52 has been adopted by several nations including Colombia and Vietnam, with Colombia being one of the largest operators. The Gen II version introduced updated ergonomics including a redesigned handguard and improved trigger. The rifle's long-stroke gas piston is renowned for reliability in adverse conditions -- mud, sand, and extreme temperatures -- making it popular in tropical and desert environments. The 11.8-inch barreled SBR variant provides a compact CQB configuration while retaining .308 caliber firepower.
Background
The Galil ACE 52 represents the remarkable evolution of a design lineage that traces back through the Israeli Galil to the Finnish Valmet RK 62 and ultimately to the Soviet AK-47. What Mikhail Kalashnikov started as a peasant soldier's rifle has been refined through four generations of Israeli engineering into a precision 7.62mm NATO battle rifle that accepts American SR-25 magazines and mounts Western optics. It is perhaps the most cosmopolitan rifle in production -- Russian bones, Finnish refinement, Israeli engineering, and American accessories.