Description
The Galil earned its reputation the hard way, born in the late 1960s from lessons taken off the AK-47 and the Finnish Valmet RK 62, then refined by IWI for over five decades. The ACE Gen2 is the latest evolution of that line, and this GAR71 model chambers it in 5.45x39mm, a light-recoiling, flat-shooting cartridge that AK fans have loved for years. Underneath the modern furniture you still get the heart of the platform: a milled steel receiver and a long stroke gas piston system that keeps running when lesser rifles start choking.
What the Gen2 Update Brings to the Galil ACE
IWI didn't just slap new plastic on an old design. The Gen2 adds a free-float M-LOK handguard, a full-length two-piece Picatinny top rail for optics, an updated trigger profile, and a shortened safety throw that makes the ambidextrous lever quicker to run. The reciprocating charging handle sits on the left side of the receiver so you can work the action with your support hand while keeping your firing grip in place. The side-folding, telescoping buttstock ships with a Magpul CTR and riser, and since it's M4 stock compatible, swapping to your preferred setup takes minutes.
A 5.45 Rifle Built for Serious Round Counts
The 16 inch barrel is cold hammer forged from CrMoV steel and chrome-lined, exactly what you want if you plan on feeding this thing cases of surplus-style ammo. A 1:7.5 twist stabilizes common 5.45 loads, and the fully adjustable iron sights include a tritium front post, so you're ready to shoot straight out of the box even before mounting glass. It feeds from AK-74 pattern magazines and includes one 30 round Magpul PMAG.
Why the Galil ACE Gen2 Stands Out in the AK World
There are cheaper AK-pattern rifles out there, but few blend old-school durability with modern ergonomics this well. If you want a piston gun that folds up compact, takes optics without drama, and runs like a Galil should, this one delivers.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: IWI – Israel Weapon Industries
- Model: Galil ACE Gen2
- Manufacturer Part Number: GAR71
- UPC: 818004022634
- Caliber: 5.45x39mm
- Action: Semi-Auto, Long Stroke Gas Piston
- Barrel Length: 16 in, Chrome-Lined Cold Hammer Forged CrMoV
- Twist Rate: 1:7.5
- Capacity: 30 Rounds
- Magazine Compatibility: AK-74 Pattern
- Receiver: Milled Steel
- Handguard: Free-Float M-LOK Rail
- Stock: Side-Folding, Adjustable Telescoping (M4 Compatible), Magpul CTR
- Sights: Fully Adjustable with Tritium Front Post
- Safety: Ambidextrous Lever with Shortened Throw
- Overall Length: 40.15 in
What’s Included
- IWI Galil ACE Gen2 5.45x39mm rifle
- One 30-round Magpul PMAG magazine
- Magpul CTR buttstock with riser (installed)
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
What magazines does the IWI Galil ACE Gen2 in 5.45x39mm accept?
This rifle feeds from AK-74 pattern magazines and ships with one 30 round Magpul PMAG. US-made AK-74 pattern mags are widely available and affordable, so keeping a stack of spares loaded for range day is easy.
Can I mount an optic on the Galil ACE Gen2?
Yes, and it's one of the biggest upgrades over classic AK-pattern rifles. The Gen2 has a full-length two-piece Picatinny top rail, so red dots, LPVOs, and magnified optics mount directly without side rail adapters. The free-float M-LOK handguard also gives you plenty of real estate for lights and other accessories.
Is the stock on the Galil ACE Gen2 replaceable?
It is. The side-folding, telescoping buttstock uses an M4-compatible interface and comes from the factory with a Magpul CTR and riser installed. If you prefer a different carbine stock, swapping it out is a quick job, and you keep the folding mechanism for compact storage.
How does the Gen2 differ from the original Galil ACE?
The Gen2 adds a free-float M-LOK handguard in place of the older tri-rail forearm, an updated trigger profile, and a shortened safety lever and throw for faster manipulation. It keeps the milled steel receiver, left-side reciprocating charging handle, and the long stroke piston system that made the original ACE so dependable.



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