“The Israel Weapon Industries US Galil ACE Pistol with stabilizing brace is now steadily arriving on dealer’s shelves.” This was the line written back in 2015 — Wait…what?

Then, as now, IWI US had to overcome various manufacturing and BATF compliance issues to get this highly anticipated product into the hands of American customers. You’ll notice a theme here of IWI having to adapt to and overcome numerous federal regulations and executive actions as they brought the Galil ACE to market here. Now, in 2024, IWI had to wait out the onerous fiat from BATF about the legality of braced pistols, all the while dealing with the scarcity of 5.45x39mm ammunition after the U.S. government’s August 2021 sanctioning of Russian ammunition imports in response to their invasion of Ukraine.

In November 2023, a federal judge issued a ruling preventing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF) from enforcing its 2021R-08F rule regulating pistols equipped with stabilizing devices. BATF had announced this arbitrary rule in the beginning of 2023, throwing the gun industry (and public) into a tizzy. Braced pistols are an extremely popular product with tens of millions already in circulation. This article is NOT about regulation, however, the way the government has handled the entire issue has been a joke and I’m glad to talk about something else. The something else being the Galil ACE GEN II Pistol chambered in 5.45×39 with 13-inch barrel.

REBORN

In 2015, IWI US decided to revive the Galil in the enhanced Galil ACE form for the U.S. civilian market and for certain foreign client contracts. The original Israeli Galil was choked out of the U.S. market in the early 1990s due to changes in federal importation regulations. Notice a recurring theme here? The Galil ACE is not merely a copy of the 1960s design, though. IWI took full advantage of the passage of time to improve and update the original Yisrael Galil and Yaacov Lior 1960s design. The pistol brace version reviewed here was definitely not contemplated by the two original designers.

The Galil was inspired by the Finnish Valmet Rk 62. The Valmet Rk 62 is itself an improved AK derivative. The Rk 62 sought to maintain the AK’s legendary reliability while improving upon its accuracy. This was accomplished with the use of quality barrel, extended iron sight radius, higher quality manufacturing techniques, tweaks to the gas tube, and long stroke gas piston operation. Israel’s Galil followed the Valmet Rk 62’s path after the IDF found the FAL wanting in terms of size, recoil, and, more importantly, reliability. The Galil in 5.56mm was officially adopted by the IDF in 1972.

The Galil ACE line is assembled from a combination of Israeli and U.S. manufactured components at their Harrisburg, PA facility. The IWI US Galil ACE (Gen I) sought improvement over the original Galil in a number of ways. Galil reliability and performance has never been doubted, however its near ten-pound weight drew criticism from troops, especially when compared to the six-pound M4. The Galil ACE makes use of a polymer lower for the magazine well, trigger guard, and pistol grip. The upper receiver (containing the action and hinged folding stock trunnion) is milled from ordnance steel. The railed forend on the Galil ACE Gen I was also derived from high strength polymer. Besides shaving weight, the Galil ACE has its reciprocating charging handle moved to the left side of the steel receiver for easier off hand manipulation. A spring-loaded gate on the left side minimizes the chance of debris entering through the charging handle pathway. The original Galil had a distinctive vertically upturned handle on the right side.

IWI US accentuated previous Galil design by securing the Galil ACE’s railed top cover tightly with an oversized release button at the end of the recoil spring. This ensures sights stays zeroed, especially red-dot or magnified optics. The top cover exhibits no wiggle. In fact, removing and reinstalling takes some effort, but is worth it considering the advantage gained. Following this theme, the Galil’s gas tube is dovetailed into the receiver’s front block. This limits any movement of the gas block that can influence barrel vibration and, thus, degrade accuracy. A recoil buffer is also present at the rear of the recoil spring. This serves multiple roles: it cushions the impact of recoiling parts, eases wear on the rear trunnion, and tames vibrations while increasing accuracy potential. All of these details related to the top cover and the gas tube differ from the original AK.

The Galil ACE was further improved upon with the Galil ACE GEN II in 2021. The GEN II features a full length, two-piece Picatinny top rail, free-float metal alloy M-LOK forend, improved trigger, more ergonomic safety, and a side-folding adjustable stock arrangement that’s M4-tube compatible. GEN II rifles ship with a Magpul CTR stock and riser. Braced pistols ship with SB Tactical’s SBA-3 arm brace. (EDITORS NOTE: According to IWI US, As of March 2024, all Galil ACE Gen II pistols will not ship with a stabilizing brace pictured. They will ship with a flat back plate.) And the GEN II rifles and braced pistols are available in 5.56mm, 7.62x39mm, and 5.45x39mm—the object of our attention here.

The Galil ACE GEN II braced pistol we tested features a 13-inch 1:7.5” RH twist chrome-lined hammer-forged barrel with removal A2 style flash hider. Overall length is 32 inches open and 24 inches with the brace folded. Weight is just under 8 pounds. An 8.3-inch barreled pistol also available, as is a 16-inch rifle version. A Magpul 30-rd AK74 MOE magazine arrives with the pistol. IWI US literature makes mention that a U.S.-made magazine was used for 922R compliance purposes—another onerous government regulation. A centrally located magazine release reinforces ambidextrous functionality. Magazines do not drop free and there is no last round hold-open provision or bolt open device found with the Galil ACE a ’la AK.

The Galil ACE comes equipped with the same trigger type used in the Galil sniper rifle. This is a nice upgrade offering a 5-pound pull that begins with a slight take up. The Galil ACE pistol emerges from the box remediating known AK shortcomings in terms of mounting optics over the receiver. With the IWI Galil ACE you possibly have the finest AK variant currently in production.

I decided to take full advantage of the Galil ACE pistol’s flattop upper by mounting a Meprolight TRU-VISION red dot sight in front of a Meprolight MMX3 slide flip magnifier. Independence from set eye relief requirements is a major advantage of red dot sights. This is born out when working in tight confines or finding oneself in awkward firing positions when maximizing available cover. Keep both eyes open and pull the trigger when you see the red dot on the target. The adjustable intensity of the TRU-VISION red dot sight allows you to tune the 2MOA dot reticle as needed either in low light or bright conditions. A pistol like the Galil ACE that is created from an assault rifle by removing the rear stock is a perfect candidate for the red dot. The ability to boost magnification to 3x with the MMX3 extends the platform’s effective range.

CHAMBERING

5.45x39mm (5.45mm) military surplus 7N6 ammunition was banned in early 2014 by executive fiat. (Notice a recurring theme?) Up to this point, the availability of cheap, plentiful 5.45 surplus ammunition had 5.45 chambered AKs increasing in popularity. While we will avoid arguing over the validity of declaring the 7N6 5.45 surplus “armor piercing”, the ban did take the steam out of sales of 5.45-chambered AKs. However, IWI US decided to make a limited run of 5.45×39 chambered Galil ACE rifles and pistols few years back, anyway. These sold out so quickly that the company decided to continue with the 5.45 chambering when the Galil ACE GEN II models were introduced.

The 52.9-grain 7N6 “poison pill” bullet first gained notoriety in the Soviet Afghan War. The Soviets designed the 7N6 5.45×39 cartridge with an air space inside the jacket at the bullet’s tip. The air space serves to shift the bullet’s center of mass toward the rear. This increases likelihood of yaw (tumbling) when striking soft targets—flesh. In addition, the lead core behind this air space shifts forward upon impact, producing a peculiar curvature of the bullet’s path in the last half of its travel through tissue. One downside typical to most surplus ammunition is that it uses corrosive primers. While “spam” cans of 7N6 5.45 can still be found, don’t expect to find them for just a few cent a round anymore—they are more like .80-90 cents a round these days. This is what happens when government makes rules in the marketplace.

5.45 ammunition is available from both Russian and non-Russian manufactures. I’ll admit to having acquired an adequate supply of 5.45 ammo over the years. Multiple 5.45×39 loads were tested with the Galil ACE 5.45 such as Wolf, Tula, Silver Bear in 60-grain and 70-grain varieties. We also ran some Century International Red Army Standard 5.45×39.

Two other 5.45 loadings of interest were also fired with the Galil ACE 5.45. Hornady’s 60-grain V-Max and Dynamit Nobel 59-grain HP. The Hornady 5.45×39 load is a godsend for 5.45 owners looking for a quality, U.S.-made ammunition choice for their rifles. By good fortune I discovered the German Dynamit Nobel 59-grain 5.45×39 several years ago and picked up a couple of cases. The Hornady V-Max loads delivered accuracy in the 1.25-inch range at 50 yards with the Dynamit Nobel producing 1.5-inch groups at the same sdistance. The other ammunition brands produced 50-yard groups of 2-inches and under. Accuracy testing was done with the Meprolight TRU-VISION red dot and with the 3x MMX3 magnifier in place.

WORTH IT

Several hundred rounds were fired through the Galil ACE GEN II pistol for this article. After initial inspection and light lubrication, no cleaning was performed. No issues were encountered in terms of reliability. I paid special attention to the gun’s ability to hold zero by removing and reinstalling the top cover numerous times between evaluation scenarios. I also had some concern about heat transfer to the railed polymer forend. This proved a non-issue thanks to the effective heat shields and spacing between barrel/gas block and forend. In fact, even after multiple rapid fire magazine dumps, I could grip the forend with a non-gloved hand.

PERFORMANCE

Range tests consisted of moving around barricades and simulated cover while engaging an assortment of paper and steel targets, including automobiles located at Echo Valley Training Center. One thing I liked immediately was the ACE’s ambidextrous safety lever. The right-side safety lever has been reduced in size since it’s no longer required to act as dust cover. The right-side safety lever is accessed with the right index finger or by removing your hand from the pistol grip and using multiple fingers. On the left side, just above the pistol grip, there is another safety lever, meant to be operated by the shooter’s thumb. I favored this method of use in terms of ergonomics.

The fact that the Galil ACE pistol is classified legally as a handgun (again—for now) offers users who have a concealed carry license a certain amount of flexibility compared to a true rifle or NFA classified weapon. If considering the Galil ACE pistol for a serious defense or a tactical role, it would be best to look at it as a personal defense weapon (PDW) instead of a rifle. The Galil ACE pistol is definitely more potent and offers longer effective range than a traditional pistol; especially if the shooter is trained to use it effectively and appreciate its nuances.

Many will argue that there is no defensive or tactical value in such a non-traditional pistol as the braced Galil ACE pistol; just use a full-size rifle or typical handgun, they’ll say. However, some will be lured to the Galil ACE GEN II pistol by its ability to offer handgun status with rifle performance. Compared to a standard pistol, the folding ACE’s ability to be transported more discretely than a full-size rifle gives out-and-about defenders a rifle-caliber tool without the rifle-caliber size, should they need to deal with unexpected threats.

SPECIFICATIONS

The CMMG Mk47 MUTANT proved capable of handling AK drum magazines, something that most other AR 7.62x39mm rifles are incapable of doing.

By Todd Burgreen

Certain calibers and weapons are naturally associated with each other due to the success experienced together. A good example of this is .45 ACP and the 1911. Even though the 1911 is chambered in other calibers, .45 ACP is the immediate assumption made by most when the 1911 is mentioned. Just as intimately intertwined are the 7.62x39mm cartridge and the AK-47 platform. The Soviets developed 7.62x39mm in 1943 as an intermediate round to replace the 7.62x54R. The thought was to have one caliber for use in light machine guns in response to the battles being
fought in WWII.

7.62x39mm drives a 123 grain projectile at 2,300 feet per second (fps). If this sounds familiar to current trends with the 6.8 SPC and the .300 Blackout, it should. A certain amount of respect needs to be paid the 1940s Soviet designers for creating the 7.62x39mm design, which has stood the test of time. The Russians were not the only country looking for a change from their full-powered rifle rounds. The German 7.92×33 Kurz used in the StG 44 is another example. This heralded the arrival of the assault rifle genre typified by the German StG 44 and the Soviet’s own AK-47.

This article is not about Soviet-derived AK weapons, but rather other rifles available to U.S. civilians chambered in 7.62x39mm. While not intended as an all inclusive list, the variety may surprise readers by including bolt action as well as AR direct impingement, SIG SAUER rotating bolt, Czech pivoting lock and Garand-style breech bolt locking system-based operating systems. This article will focus on two variants that serve to show the wide variety available: CZ 527 Mauser bolt action and CMMG Mk47 MUTANT AR.

The CZ 527 utilizes the classic Mauser action and adds two twists: a micro-Mauser and an interesting chambering in 7.62x39mm. The CZ action is a true micro-Mauser, not a standard Mauser action that has been chopped and rewelded. This makes for a sleeker action. The compact 7.62x39mm cartridge is a natural, though unlikely, candidate for use in conjunction with a Mauser bolt action. Credit must be given to CZ for coming up with this for the American market…to my knowledge they are one of the few main line firearms companies offering 7.62x39mm in a bolt action rifle format.

While the CZ 527’s bolt has been scaled down, the Mauser’s twin opposed locking lugs are maintained to provide precise and safe bolt closure. Common to most Mauser designs is the external extractor, which is non-rotating and acts in conjunction with the bolt stop positioned ejector spur to eject used cases positively. The CZ 527 has the micro-Mauser action at its core allowing for a more compact, faster handling rifle compared to a standard length bolt action. The legendary performance and loyal following of the Mauser action starts with control round feeding. The cartridge is captured and held in place by the claw extractor as it comes free from the magazine and is placed into the chamber. However, CZ has added some improvements with a streamlined bolt sleeve, set trigger (more on this later), two-position safety, stiffer tang, Winchester Model 70 type bolt stop and blade ejector, and the primary extractor cam is at the base of the bolt handle.

The bolt is easy to operate for smooth, trouble-free cycling. CZ has fitted the 527 with an 18.5-inch cold hammer forged barrel. The hammer forged barrel is free floated from just in front of the action forward. The CZ 527 measures 37 inches in length and weighs in at a modest 6 pounds. Sling swivels are a standard feature with the CZ 527. The CZ 527 comes equipped with a sturdy, fully adjustable set of open sights. The hood design for the front sight is very well done with the notch machined in the top to allow for the maximum amount of light to enter while still protecting the front sight from damage. The sights are more than usable for anyone not wanting to mount a scope. One crucial improvement with the CZ Mauser is its square bridge design which allows an integral scope base. CZ rings mate up right to the action for solid attachment and help ensure reliable scope zeroes. A Leupold VX-2 2-7x33mm was mounted. The overall appearance of the CZ 527 is enhanced by an attractive grade of Turkish walnut used on the stock. The CZ 527 sports a single set trigger design. This definitively European feature may surprise U.S. shooters, but will prove useful when firing from the bench. The trigger is set by pushing it forward, with a trigger weight of 2 pounds. However, the normal trigger pull was an acceptable crisp 4.5 pounds and was certainly no problem during accuracy testing at the range.

7.62x39mm is equivalent to 30-30 in terms of ballistics, with more loadings steadily becoming available. WOLF 154 grain SP, 124 grain SP, and 123 grain FMJ as well as Hornady 123 grain V-MAX and SST were tested with the CZ 527. Users of the 7.62x39mm cartridge will appreciate the performance enhancement offered with the CZ 527 in terms of accuracy and svelte sporting handling. The accuracy premium offered by the combo of the bolt action CZ 527 with Leupold optics was a pleasant surprise. Hornady 123 grain V-MAX (now discontinued) and SST loads produced just over 1-inch groups with all loads testing sub-3”, even with FMJ surplus loads.

While by no means rivaling a semi-automatic for fire power, detachable five round magazines are handy to recharge the CZ 527. As expected from a bolt action, no malfunctions were experienced. The safety selector was different compared to U.S.-based rifles with the safety engaged by pushing it forward and released by moving it rearward. The safety made no audible noise when manipulating it, an important consideration when hunting. Recoil was not a factor with nearly 100 rounds fired during the first trip to the range with no issues or detriment to accuracy experienced. The CZ 527 proved too accommodating, digesting 5-round detachable box magazines, one after another.

To give readers an idea of what is available in 7.62×39 options, the second rifle evaluated was the CMMG Mk47 AKM MUTANT. The urge to merge AR modularity, ergonomics and accuracy with the 7.62x39mm cartridge has shown constant appeal to the U.S. shooting community. The CMMG Mk47 MUTANT has caught many shooters’ attention. The CMMG Mk47’s upper and lower receivers are created from 7075-T6 billet aluminum. The MUTANT’s upper is an M4 “flat top” style transitioning into a similar rail along the top of the CMMG RKM forend rail. The CMMG MUTANT’s upper receiver is equipped with a case deflector as well as an ejection port dust cover. The Mk47’s receivers and bolt group are derived from CMMG’s Mk3 series of 7.62x51mm/.308 Win rifles. CMMG describes the Mk47 as a mid-sized AR receiver and views its adaptation from the larger AR-10 receiver/bolt group as an important component of the Mk47’s reliability and durability, in lieu of trying to force an AR-15 receiver into utilizing the 7.62x39mm cartridge and AK magazines. CMMG was able to do this while still minimizing the Mk47’s weight. An AR-15 type trigger group, pistol grip and rear stock were utilized so users can still access plentiful aftermarket options, if desired.

The Mk47 MUTANT combines the versatility and ergonomics of the AR-style platform with the 7.62x39mm chambering. Most importantly, it accepts steel and polymer AK-47 magazines (compared to other ARs chambered in 7.62x39mm that take proprietary magazines or only certain types of AK magazines). CMMG uses a carbine length direct impingement gas system with the Mk47. A 4140 Chrome Moly 16.1-inch 1:10 twist .311 groove barrel is surrounded by CMMG’s RKM KeyMod forend rail. The AKM MUTANT measures 33.5 inches with the rear stock collapsed. Even though chambered in 7.62x39mm, the Mk47 is one of lighter AR versions on the market, weighing in at just 7 pounds. This is especially noteworthy because the Mutant features a full-length rail and .30 caliber firepower.

The minimalist CMMG RKM KeyMod rail design, measuring 15 inches, defines the CMMG Mk47’s aesthetics. This rail system permits the barrel to be free floated and shows versatility in satisfying customer needs by not using full-length Picatinny quad rails, but instead a lower-profile handguard with adjustable KeyMod Picatinny rail sections.

The CMMG Mk47’s magazine well represents the best to-date adaptation of an AR receiver to accommodate the AK-47 magazine’s rocking hook-and-latch system (i.e. you first insert the front of the magazine before rocking it back and locking it in place). A plethora of AK magazines were evaluated with the CMMG Mk47 MUTANT. These consisted of polymer US PALM, Magpul, TAPCO, Bulgarian (smooth and waffle) and I.O. Inc., as well as surplus steel magazines. The CMMG Mk47 proved capable of accepting and working with all magazine types tested. Even drum magazines (which are often the bane of AR 7.62x39mm rifles) were tested and proved usable with the MUTANT.

It was decided to take full advantage of the Mk47 MUTANT’s flattop upper receiver by mounting a Trijicon ACOG TA33A-13 3×30 with horseshoe/dot reticle calibrated for 7.62x39mm trajectory. A quick release mount was used with the ACOG. The mount is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and weighs only 2.7 ounces. The secure mounting of eye-relief-dependent optics is a major weakness for the AK that the CMMG Mk47 solves. The Trijicon ACOG offers the capability to engage multiple targets in rapid sequence compared to open sights, while at the same time providing accuracy at extended distances. The ACOG is a preferred optic for the U.S. Army and Marines for good reason.

Multiple 7.62x39mm loads were tested with the CMMG Mk47 from Hornady and WOLF, as well as from Century’s Red Army Standard and Elite ammunition. A Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10×40 was mounted for accuracy testing before switching back to the Trijicon ACOG for a more dynamic T&E. WOLF and Red Army Standard loads grouped into 2.66 to 3 inches at 100 yards. Red Army Elite brass 7.62x39mm delivered 2- to 2.5-inch groups. The Hornady 123 grain SST loads delivered accuracy in the 1 5/8- to 2-inch range at 100 yards.

The CMMG Mk47 AKM MUTANT had several hundred rounds fired through it for this article. It was important to explore if the direct impingement 7.62x39mm AR Mutant would choke on “dirty” AK ammunition. No issues were encountered in terms of reliability; overall accuracy and shootability were pleasant surprises. After an initial functionality test, the CMMG Mk47 AKM was then put through its paces on different courses of fire. Magazine changes, shooting from the non-dominant shoulder and from unconventional positions around barricades all helped to evaluate the MUTANT. Strings of fire ranged from 15 to 80 rounds with target distances measured in feet out to a couple hundred yards. The CMMG SV muzzle brake and in-line AR recoil impulse enabled multiple rounds to shoot rapidly on target. A major focus with the direct impingement Mk47 MUTANT was monitoring reliability after hundreds of rounds fired, including magazine dumps and breaking contact drill scenarios. These types of drills quickly generate high heat and carbon grime in the receiver and bolt group and also induce carbon from the gas system.

Magazine change drills turned out to be a combination of AK and AR methods in terms of manipulation. This was due to the need of rocking the AK magazines into place and working the charging handle in the absence of a last round hold-open feature. The technique was not particularly hard to master, but different from what dyed-in-the-wool AK or AR operators are accustomed to. The MUTANT’s magazine well is excellent in that magazines seem to glide into place without binding. It was discovered that the wider CMMG magazine release lever enabled the operator to finger it forward with his firing hand index finger in lieu of thumbing it with offhand while simultaneously removing the magazine. Overall, I found that magazine changes with the CMMG MUTANT were faster than other 7.62x39mm magazine-fed rifles I’ve evaluated to date (AK-47 derivative rifles are included in this statement).

Whatever roles 7.62x39mm rifles are considered for (be it hunting, personal defense, or sport), they can perform it with options available outside of the AK genre. This statement is not meant as disrespect towards AK rifles, which need no defense considering their solid reputation and record of performance since the 1950s. It is good to have increasing options for the civilian consumer.

SITES OF INTEREST:

CZ-USA
www.cz-usa.com

CMMG
www.cmmginc.com

Century Arms
www.centuryarms.com

WOLF Performance Ammunition
www.wolfammo.com

Hornady Manufacturing
www.hornady.com

Trijicon, Inc.
www.trijicon.com