The Galil ACE GAP556SB takes IWI's innovative design, chambers it in one of America's favorite rounds and configures the firearm for fast, close-quarters action.
The updated civilian model of the classic Galil has captured shooters’ imaginations since it returned to the U.S. market in 2015. Addressing many of the original firearm’s issues, particularly weight, the Galil ACE has been a unique, potent and reliable addition to the stateside marketplace. And, if the expansion of the line is any indication of popularity, it’s been one that has struck a cord with consumers.
In a little over two years, Israel Weapon Industries has released numerous variations of the updated Israeli take on the Finnish take of the Polish variation of the Soviet’s iconic AK-47. As planned, the Pennsylvania-based subsidiary (IWI US) of the Israeli company recently turned its eye to chambering the rifle for an American favorite — the 5.56×45 NATO. The round should make a perfect match for the most recent iteration now being shipped, the Galil ACE GAP556SB.
The pistol is outfitted with a SB Tactical stabilizing brace, which combined with the 5.56 round’s mild recoil should make it a dandy close-quarters combat option. It’s important to note, due to recent developments, this stabilizing brace can be used as originally designed, wrapped around the forearm, or it can be shouldered. This comes after much volleying by the ATF over whether shouldering a stabilizing brace constitutes a redesign of the firearm into a short-barreled rifle (which would make it regulated by the NFA). The Federal department determined it does not, but only if manufactured by SB Tactical, as it was the company's products the clarification was addressed.
This is the third such configuration of the Galil ACE, with the 7.62 NATO GAP51SB and 7.62x39mm GAP39SB coming on line over the past couple years. The new pistol is nearly identical to the GAP39SB, except at 7.6 pounds without a magazine, it comes in around a pound heavier that the previous iteration.
The Galil ACE GAP556SB is designed as a fast-maneuvering weapon, boasting an 8.3-inch barrel and measuring in at 27.5 inches in overall length with the brace extended. For easy storage, the stock folds to the right, cutting down the firearm’s length to 19.5 inches.
The pistol has a Tritium front post and two-dot Tritium rear aperture sights, giving it a leg up in low-light situations. And it has a side-mounted charging handled (a tweak from the original design) that allows manipulation with the off hand. However, the handle does reciprocate upon firing. The pistol is also compatible with any Mil-Spec AR magazine and comes with a 30-round Magpul AR/M4 GEN M3 Window mag.
IWI has priced the Galil ACE GAP556SB the same as the other folding stock pistols it has released, with an MSRP of $1,849.
Specifications:
IWI USA Galil ACE GAP556SB
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Operating System: Closed rotating bolt, long stroke gas piston
Magazine Type: MAGPUL PMAG GEN M3 with Window
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
Barrel Material: Cold hammer forged, CrMoV, chrome lined
Barrel Length: 8.3″
Overall Length: 27.5″ w/brace extended; 19.5″ folded
Weight: 7.6 lbs w/out Magazine
Rifling: Right Hand, 1:7 inch twist
Stock Color: Black
Sights: Adjustable with Tritium front post and 2-dot Tritium rear aperture.
MSRP: $1,849
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