IWI Galil ACE Sniper
Israel Weapon Industries · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2010
Also known as: Galil ACE Sniper SA, ACE Sniper, Galatz successor
Overview
The IWI Galil ACE Sniper is an Israeli semi-automatic designated marksman rifle based on the modernized Galil ACE platform, developed by Israel Weapon Industries as the successor to the original Galil Sniper (Galatz). The ACE Sniper retains the proven long-stroke gas-operated piston system of the Galil family while incorporating modern features including a 584mm (23-inch) cold hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel, fully adjustable folding stock with cheek piece, and compatibility with standard SR-25 pattern magazines. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the rifle provides Israeli designated marksmen with reliable semi-automatic fire capability in harsh desert and urban environments. The Galil ACE platform represents a complete modernization of the classic Galil design with improved ergonomics, modularity, and accuracy over its predecessor.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5690 g (200.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 6200 g (218.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Folded Length | 840 mm (33.07") |
| Barrel Length | 584 mm (22.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3430 J (2530 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 241 mm (9.49") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Folding |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .308 Winchester · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Heavy Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Chrome Lined Barrel, Folding Stock, Adjustable Stock, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Integral Bipod, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Muzzle Brake, Sr25 Magazine Compatible, Suppressor Ready
Variants
- IWI Galil Sniper (Galatz) — Predecessor
- IWI Galil ACE — Base Model
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Israel Defense Forces · adopted 2010
- Israeli Border Police
- Colombian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2010-present)
- Israel-Hamas War (2023-present)
Production
Production years: 2010-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Manufactured by IWI in Ramat HaSharon, Israel.
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Notes
The original Galil Sniper (Galatz) was adopted in 1983 and used a modified Galil ARM action with a 508mm barrel and proprietary 25-round magazines. The ACE Sniper modernizes this concept with the improved ACE receiver, longer barrel, and SR-25 magazine compatibility for better NATO interoperability. The long-stroke gas piston system, derived from the AK/Galil lineage, provides exceptional reliability in adverse conditions at the cost of slightly reduced inherent accuracy compared to direct impingement or short-stroke systems. The rifle features a multi-functional muzzle device serving as both flash suppressor and muzzle brake. The 1:9.5 inch (241mm) twist rate is optimized for heavier match-grade 7.62 NATO projectiles.
Background
The Galil family traces its lineage directly to the Finnish Valmet Rk 62 and, through it, to the Soviet AK-47. Yisrael Galili and Yaacov Lior adapted the Finnish design after the Six-Day War, and the resulting Galil served as Israel's standard service rifle for decades. The ACE Sniper continues this half-century lineage, proving that the fundamental Kalashnikov operating system, when refined to Israeli standards, can serve effectively even in the precision marksman role.