The ultimate Galil Ace: 13" Gen 1 5.56x45 that takes rock-n-lock magazines

[Bret]

I'm a complete Galil Ace whore. My latest acquisition is a 13" Gen 1 chambered in 5.56x45 that takes rock-n-lock magazines. Like the 8" version of the same, it holds the bolt back on the last shot provided you use one of the new Galil magazines with a special bolt hold open follower. In my opinion, this barrel length, cartridge, magazine and generation on setup is the best configuration yet.

[SteyrAUG]

That ought to be enough to make "but it should take AR mags" heads explode.

[MadAngler1]

I should probably buy one. I love
my gen 1 7.62x39 ACEs

[Bret]

I put 40rds of IMI M193 55gr FMJ and 20rds of Tula 55gr FMJ through it today just to test the reliability. It functioned 100%, but is way over gassed like most Galil Aces. A KNS adjustable gas piston is definitely in order.

[MadAngler1]

People were griping about 922R on a post I found on the AK forum. Simple solutions for parts if one chooses to SBR:

1. KNS piston
2. Dead air or Surefire fh
3. Midwest Industries or RS regulate handguards
4. KNS pic rail adapter for a stock of your choice

I would ask KNS to see if their plastic delete kit will work on this model. Their website says the 5.45 and 7.62x39 versions only

[Bret]

When I contacted IWI USA regarding 922(r) parts in the 5.45x39 Gen1 pistol, I was told that the trigger group and flash hider are US made. To confirm, I compared them to the same parts in my 5.56x45 Gen1 rifle. They look identical, though I think the 5.45x39's flash hider is threaded differently. The same parts in this 13" 5.56x45 Gen1 pistol also appear to be the same as the same parts in my 5.56x45 Gen1 rifle. Therefore, only one more US part is needed for sec922(r) compliance. I'll be using a KNS gas piston.

[The Dumb Gun Collector]

To me that is definitely THE Galil Ace.

[Bret]

Installing a KNS piston on an ACE is easy. There's no need to drill out a rivet. You just knock out the roll pin, unscrew the factory piston, screw in the KNS piston and install the supplied roll pin. I took it to the range yesterday and started off with 10rds of IMI M193 55gr FMJ with the KNS piston set to fully closed. Immediately, the ejection distance was significantly less. The dents on the cases were much smaller. Next, I tried 10rds more at 20 clicks. It would eject the spent case, but wouldn't feed the next cartridge. I then set it at 10 clicks. It ran the IMI 100% at the 10 clicks with only the slightest mark on the sides of the spent cases. I then tried running some Tula 55gr FMJ, but it wouldn't even eject the spent cases. Next, I tried some Norma Tactical 55gr FMJ 223Rem. It ran 100%. The Tula is known for being underpowered, so I'm not going to use it in this rifle anyway. I couldn't be more pleased with this gun. Now I just have to wait and see if big brother is going to force me to make it an SBR. Meanwhile, I have to get some sort of optic. I tried fitting a 4x32 ACOG, but the rear of the scope wouldn't clear the rear sight. A 3.5x35 ACOG will clear the rear sight but doesn't need to go that far back due to the eye relief. I'm also going to try a 3x30 ACOG.

[Circle_10]

I really wish they hadn’t discontinued the Gen 1 ACEs. I wanted a somewhat more “modern” 7.62x39 slinger but never got around to getting an ACE, but I don’t have much interest in the current Gen 2s.

[MadAngler1]

Bret, do your 5.56 Galils eat 77 SMKs ok?