Israeli assault rifle - Galil ARM light machine gun

The Galil assault rifle is an assault rifle belonging to the Israeli-made family of automatic rifles. The rifle was designed by Israel Galil (originally Israel Balashnikov, hence the rifle is also known as "Balashnikov") and Yaakov Lior in the late 1960s, and is produced by the Israeli Military Industry (IMI) (now called the Israeli Weapons Industry (IWI)). The design is closely related to the Finnish Valmet Rk 62 assault rifle, which, in turn, is an improved version of the legendary Soviet AK-47. In fact, the first Galil assault rifles were manufactured using the Valmet Rk 62 receiver. The assault rifle uses 5.56 × 45 mm NATO or 7.62 × 51 mm NATO standard cartridges. The Galil assault rifle is in service with military and police forces in more than 25 countries around the world.

The Israeli Army fielded the 5.56×45mm NATO Galil assault rifle in three main configurations. An automatic light machine gun (ARM) with bipod, wire cutter and carrying handle will become the standard weapon for frontline infantry troops. This is the version that is known to be equipped with an "opener" in the buttstock. An automatic rifle (AR) without a bipod, cutters or carrying handle was created to support troops and military police units. The Short Automatic Rifle (SAR), with a shortened barrel, was produced for vehicle crews, military personnel and special forces.

An upgraded version of the Galil is currently produced in several calibers under the name Galil ACE.

The history of the Galil rifle

In the late 1950s, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) adopted the FN FAL battle rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm. There were two models: the individual weapon "Aleph" and the automatic weapon of the "Bet" squad. The FN FAL was first used by the Israelis in major battles during the Six Day War in 1967. Although Israel achieved decisive victories, the FAL demonstrated its limited capabilities in desert conditions; The fighters' main complaint was that sand and dust caused the weapons to malfunction, but this was later attributed to a lack of proper maintenance by IDF recruits. In addition, it was an oversized and bulky weapon. Its size and malfunctions became such common problems that during the Yom Kippur War of 1973, some soldiers armed themselves with a long-barreled Uzi assault rifle.

During the Six-Day War, the Israelis captured thousands of AK-47s and valued them. The rifle proved to be much more reliable and controllable than the FAL, and the required maintenance was less demanding and could be performed with ease by "unfired" recruits. For this reason, the IDF began the process of purchasing a new automatic rifle that would provide the same benefits as the AK-47 with minimal operating costs, but with the accuracy of the M16 and FAL. Several weapons as assault rifles for the Israeli army were provided for a lucrative deal; America proposed the M16A1 and Stoner 63 series, and Germany the HK 33. The AK-47 design was also considered, but procurement difficulties limited its viability.

The first design was proposed by Uziel Gal, the creator of the Uzi assault rifle, but it was ultimately found to be quite complex and unreliable for approval. Another option was proposed by Israel Galil. This rifle used the 7.62×39mm Valmet Rk 62 cartridge. In fact, the first machine guns were made using the Valmet Rk 62 receiver. The Galili rifle was built for the American 5.56×45mm cartridge. At the time, the United States was replacing France as Israel's main partner and arms supplier. Tests carried out from the late 1960s to the early 1970s resulted in the Galili rifle being the winner. However, the rifle's release was delayed due to the sudden outbreak of the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Although the Galil assault rifle was Israel's official combat rifle from the mid-1970s to the early 1990s, it was never the most widely used rifle. Around 1975, Israel received 60,000 M16A1s under the US Military Assistance Program (MAP) and were quickly integrated into IDF service. Because the cost of producing the Galil was very high, Israel continued to purchase M16s and, later, M4s in parallel with a military loan from the United States, replacing many of the Galil assault rifles then in service. In general, the Israeli military preferred the M16 because it was lighter and more accurate. When the M4 Carbine arrived at the same time as this weapon, its short length and light weight became even more attractive, along with the versatility of using a variety of optics without losing the zero when disassembling the weapon, as well as other rack-mounted accessories. The M16 and M4 also proved better suited for throwing grenades using the US M203's built-in 40mm launcher. Israeli paratroopers in particular preferred the M4 carbine to the Galil assault rifle, and the M16 was retained for training recruits, reservists, the artillery corps and the tank corps (Heil Shirion).

By 2000, both the Galil ARM and AR variants were dropped from standard production and replaced by the M4 and M16 variants. The Galil SAR was used by some logistics services, including the Knesset Guard and the Armored Corps, until 2005.

Within a short time, Galil was licensed by NWM (Nederlandsche Wapen-en Munitiefabriek) De Kruithoorn NV for sale to NATO countries.

Israeli assault rifle - Galil ARM light machine gun

Even despite the successful outcome of the Arab-Israeli “six-day” war in June 1967, the command of the Israel Defense Forces was very critical of its weapons. For example, the Belgian-made FN FAL rifles were noticeably inferior in convenience and reliability to the Soviet AK-47 assault rifles in service with the Syrians and Egyptians. The advantages of light assault weapons developed for a machine gun cartridge over weapons chambered for a rifle cartridge were also demonstrated by the experience of using the American M16, supplied to Israel.

After testing various foreign models, it was decided to create our own model, which would combine the capabilities of a light machine gun assault rifle chambered for the American M1 93 cartridge of 5.56 mm caliber, but based on an AK. This problem was solved by Israel Galil (“original” surname Blashnikov) and Yakov Lehr. It should be noted that Uziel Gal also proposed his own rifle design. In the system proposed by Galil and Lehr, the operation of the main mechanisms and automatics of the rifle, the design of the bolt frame, trigger mechanism and bolt are similar to the AK assault rifle. The design of the magazine and barrel was borrowed from the American experimental Stoner-63 system, the magazine latch and sighting devices from the Finnish M62 (which was also created on the basis of the AK), the flash suppressor from the M16A1, and the folding stock from the FAL Para carbine ( Belgium). The combination of successful borrowings and the addition of our own solutions made it possible to relatively quickly create an acceptable sample. In March 1968, military trials began.

The Galil ARM rifle (Assault Rifle - Machine Gun - "assault rifle - machine gun") was put into service in 1972. The production was undertaken by the IMI Corporation (Israel Military Industries). The elite Golani brigade was the first to receive the Galil, and its combat debut took place in 73 during the Yom Kippur War.

The gas outlet coupling is mounted on the barrel, the gas outlet hole is drilled to the axis of the barrel bore at an angle of 30 degrees. back. The gas piston is chrome plated and is centered on the rod in an asterisk in the gas tube. After the system has received sufficient impulse, excess gases are discharged through holes in the gas outlet tube, opened during the withdrawal of the piston. The operation of the main systems and automation is similar to the Kalashnikov assault rifle. The Galil bolt carrier has a significant difference from the AK bolt carrier - the handle is curved upward, which ensures ease of operation with both right and left hands. The massive bolt frame and relatively light bolt inherited from the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the preliminary “moving” of the cartridge case while unlocking the bolt, and the “hung” position of the moving parts, which have relatively large gaps, ensured the operation of the system even in very dusty conditions. The shape of the receiver does not differ from the Finnish M62 and AK. The first Galils were equipped with receivers, parts for the recoil and trigger mechanisms, which were produced in Helsinki. A second safety switch was added to the design, which is located above the pistol grip on the left. Since it is put on the axis of the main safety, controlling it without taking your palm off the pistol grip is not very natural - to manipulate the safety, the flag must be moved back.

Shifting the front sight support back allows you to fire rifle grenades from the flash hider - another approach to “NATO standards” and a difference from the AK. The diopter sight has fixed positions at a range of 0-300 meters and 300-600 meters. Thanks to the transfer of the sight to the receiver cover, the length of the aiming line was 475 millimeters. “Night” sighting device (usually removed) - luminous dots on the rear sight and front sight, provides aiming at a distance of up to 100 meters. A night or optical sight is mounted on a dovetail-type rail placed on the left wall of the receiver - also inherited from the AK.

The rifle has a lightweight folding stock, a wooden fore-end and a plastic pistol grip. A removable plastic “cheek” can be placed on the butt. For carrying, there is a folding handle that is located above the center of gravity. Folding bipods are attached in front of the gas outlet unit. Their fastening allows the rifle to swing in two planes relative to the support. Bipods also serve as scissors for cutting, and here they are more convenient than a bayonet knife (as in the AKM) due to the longer lever length. The bipod can also be used as an opener. However, the bayonet is included in the kit of all three main Galil variants - AR and ARM (“assault rifle”), SAR (“short assault rifle”).

The weight of a box-shaped sector magazine with 35 rounds was 690 g. The “light machine gun” version also uses a 50-round magazine weighing 1.0 kg. The export version of the Galil is chambered for the 7.62×51 cartridge. Experts believe that Galil combined the unpretentiousness of its prototype and high reliability with some successful ergonomic solutions. Galil rifles have been adopted by more than 15 countries, including Botswana, Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Zaire, Chile and Estonia. Since 1982, South Africa has been producing the ARM Galil variant under the designation R4 to replace the FN FAL. This rifle does not have a left safety switch and is distinguished by a reinforced receiver, an elongated butt, a modified forend made of reinforced plastic, and a simplified carrying handle. Galil rifles, along with Kalashnikovs, are common in the countries of South and Central America. To be fair, we note that Estonia’s choice of the Galil rifle was rather a success of “market policy”, which successfully played on the hopes of the country’s leadership to join NATO. In terms of popularity, the Galil equaled its prototype and became one of the best assault rifles. However, the role of the Galil light machine gun was not very successful - as in most cases of such a combination, the rifle remained an “ersatz” machine gun, but the accuracy of fire for an assault rifle turned out to be decent. The design of the “Galil family” includes 104 parts and 6 basic main components.

The procedure for unloading the assault rifle - the Galil ARM light machine gun:

1. Turn on the fuse. 2. Press the latch behind the magazine socket to disconnect it. 3. To remove a cartridge that may be in the chamber, pull the bolt handle back and inspect the chamber through the receiver window. 4. Release the bolt handle and pull the trigger.

Technical characteristics of the assault rifle - light machine gun "Galil" ARM (export version data in brackets):

Caliber – 5.56 (7.62) mm; Cartridge – 5.56×45 (7.62×51); Weight without cartridges – 4.3 (4.0) kg; Length with the butt folded down - 979 (1050) mm; Length with stock folded – 742 (810) mm; Barrel length – 460 (535) mm; Number of grooves – 6 (4); Rifling pitch - 305, 178 (305); Initial bullet speed – 980 (850) m/s; Rate of fire – 650 (650) rounds per minute; Effective range – 500 (600) m; Magazine capacity – 35, 50 (25) rounds.

Design of the Galil machine gun

Principle of operation

The Galil series rifles are selective firearms operated by a Kalashnikov-type gas piston system without a regulator. The barrel is locked by a rotating bolt with two locking lugs, which are located in the recesses of the receiver.

When ignited, some of the propellant gases are pumped into the gas cylinder through a 1.8 mm hole, which is drilled at an angle of 30° in the barrel and through a channel in the gas chamber. High pressure gases drive the piston rod, which is attached to the bolt holder, backwards. During this movement, a cam slot inserted into the bolt carrier engages the cam pin on the bolt and rotates it, activating it. This arrangement of parts allows free movement, allowing the gas pressure in the barrel to drop to a safe level before unlocking. Directly behind the chrome-plated piston head is a toothed ring that provides a reduced bearing surface and reduces excess gas buildup. When the bolt carrier moves rearward, it compresses the recoil spring directed into the hollow part and the recoil energy contained in the spring pushes the moving assembly, thereby removing a new row of cartridges from the magazine. The cocking handle is attached to the bolt carrier on the right side of the receiver and reciprocates with each shot; the bolt handle is curved upward, allowing left-handed operation while the “shooting” hand remains on the pistol grip.

Ejecting spent cartridges from a machine gun is sometimes incorrect. Cases can be dented by the ejector and in some cases ejected up to 40 feet from the rifle, depending on the position.

Characteristics

The Galil assault rifle is a small weapon that has a trigger mechanism designed after the American M1 Garand. The variable rifle fire mode switch is located on the left side above the pistol grip and has three positions: SAR. The standard switch for the AK-47 is located on the right side of the receiver. Moving the left selector to the rear "R" position (in British terminology "repetition" - repeat) provides semi-automatic fire. Pressing the middle position “A” switches to automatic fire. Pushing the lever all the way forward to "S" activates the safety. Some models use the reverse RAS principle, which performs the opposite function - moving the selector forward puts the weapon into burst or automatic mode, and switching it back activates the safety.

Galil prototypes used a stamped or riveted sheet steel receiver, but due to the higher operating pressures of the 5.56×45mm cartridge, this solution was abandoned and designers turned to forging. Evidence of this is that early prototypes were manufactured using a Valmet Rk 62 receiver made in Finland. All external metal parts are phosphated for corrosion resistance and then coated with black enamel (except the barrel, gas chamber and sight). Machining the hard steel blank avoided the splintering problems that the AK series had with sheet steel stampings, but it made the Galil rifle significantly heavier.

The gas chamber, forend and flap mechanism are made by casting. The sights are also fully cast and machined for durability. The only stamped components on the Galil are the magazine release, trigger safety, dust cover and magazines.

The weapon is equipped with an impact-resistant protective casing and a pistol grip made of plastic, as well as a folding side (folds to the right) steel skeleton-like butt. The rifle can be used with a silencer. The weapon is equipped with a bottle opener at the front of the grip and cutters built into the bipod. The bottle-opening feature was included to prevent damage to machine gun magazines used by inexperienced IDF civilian reservists to open bottles. Using magazines to open bottles has been a common cause of lip damage in Uzi assault rifles. The wire cutters were included to reduce the time required for IDF troops to cut through the wire fences common in rural areas of Israel.

Trunk

Early production models were equipped with barrels with six right-facing bores and a 305 mm (1:12 in) twist (optimized for use with M193 ammunition), while late production models have a 178 mm (1:7 in) twist. Barrel with six "right-hand" flutes (used to stabilize the heavier SS109/M855 projectile). The barrel is equipped with a 6-port muzzle compensator/flash suppressor and can be used to launch rifle grenades (eg BT/AT 52) or to mount a bayonet.

Ammunition

The Galil assault rifle is "fed" from a curved steel box magazine that holds 35 rounds (SAR and AR versions) or 50 rounds (ARM model) or a special 12-color color-coded magazine locked for use exclusively with blank cartridges used for launching rifle grenades. The magazine is inserted first, as in the AK family of assault rifles. An additional magazine adapter allows the use of STANAG type M16 magazines. Some shooters noted that the magazine's long length made it difficult to hit targets at elevated altitudes when firing at the ground in a prone position.

Sights

The L-shaped diopter sight has two preset positions for shooting at a distance of 0–300 m and 300–500 m respectively (the sight can only be adjusted for height). The A-pillar is fully adjustable both horizontally and vertically, and is enclosed in a protective casing. The optional flip-up front and rear sights have three luminous tritium inserts, which provide low-light shooting capability up to 100 m. Some variants have a dovetail adapter mounted on the left side of the receiver, which is used to mount a variety of optical and night sights.

Butt

The standard stock on the Galil is a copy of the FN-FAL stock with modifications for ease of manufacture and ease of use. Unlike the FAL folding stock, the Galil does not use a lock button and is operated entirely by a pin and spring rotation mechanism.

The bracket and knuckle assemblies have cam surfaces that allow emergency stock deployment by simply pulling the rear end backwards, however this should generally be avoided as the mechanism will wear quickly over time and cause the stock to wobble in both positions.

There were six different types of Galil folding stocks (not including Micro or Galatz models) that were used over time on Galil and R4 series weapons. AK-47 style wooden stocks were also offered upon request, although none are known to have been used by the military and were mostly consigned to the civilian market.

All folding stocks of the Galil assault rifle are made of tubular aluminum, as on the FAL rifles. Steel was never used as it would have added too much extra weight, and aluminum stocks were more than durable for classical shooting and rifle grenade use.

Modifications of the Galil assault rifle

AR

This is the standard version of the rifle, which is equipped with an impact-resistant plastic handguard and pistol grip, a tubular metal side-folding stock (folds to the right), which is installed on all variants except the Galil Sniper. The 5.56mm NATO version uses a 35-round magazine and has a 460mm barrel. While the 7.62mm NATO version uses a 25-round magazine and has a 535mm barrel.

SAR

This is a variant of the SAR carbine (aka G'lilon) with a shorter barrel. Due to the shorter barrel on the SAR, it uses a shorter piston and gas tube, as well as a unique gas block. This variant of the Galil had the longest service life in the IDF, and was used in the tank corps until 2005. The 5.56mm NATO version uses a 35-round magazine and a 332mm barrel. While the 7.62mm NATO version uses a 25-round magazine and has a 400mm barrel.

Galil SAR

ARM

This is a variant of the ARM light machine gun, which is additionally equipped with a carrying handle, a folding bipod and a large wooden handguard.
The wooden forend cools down during continuous automatic fire and has grooves for a bipod. When folded, the bipod legs form a high-speed chute for quick magazine insertion; The bipod forms a wire cutter, and the rear tip, which holds the bipod legs, can be used to open bottles, preventing the use of a cartridge magazine for this purpose to avoid damaging them. The 5.56mm NATO version uses a 35-round magazine and has a 460mm barrel. While the 7.62mm NATO version uses a 25-round magazine and has a 535mm barrel. Galil ARM

MAR

This newest addition to the Galil family of weapons is a compact MAR carbine that retains the internal characteristics of the original Galil rifle with an all-new frame, operating system and an even shorter barrel. Unveiled to the public at the 2nd International Defense Industry Exhibition in Poland in 1994, the weapon was developed for use by special army and police units, vehicle crews, military personnel, special operations personnel and airborne troops.

Galil MAR
MAR (Micro Galil), is a smaller version of the SAR Galil (length 706 mm when stock unfolded / 465 mm when folded), and weighs 2.98 kg without ammunition. Compared to the original carbine, the MAR has a shorter barrel (210 mm), receiver, piston, gas tube and pistol grip. The weapon is fed from a 35-round steel magazine. The MAR has the same rate of fire (630-750 rounds/min) as other 5.56mm Galil models. An additional adapter inserted into the magazine allows the use of standard 20-30 round M16 round magazines. The safety and fire mode selector (located on both sides of the receiver) has four positions: “S” - weapon is safe, “A” - automatic fire, “B” - 3-shot burst, “R” - semi-automatic mode. The barrel has a multifunctional muzzle device. The MAR is equipped with a folding skeleton-like aluminum stock and an open sight with two positions: 0-300 m and over 300 m. The MAR can also be equipped with night vision, a daytime optical sight, low-light sights with tritium illuminated dots, a vertical designator, a suppressor and nylon sling.

The MAR has undergone several changes over the years, and it's worth noting that it can also be equipped with an aluminum or polymer stock. The Model 699 is available with a 267mm barrel and an optional left-hand charging handle.

Sniper rifle Galil

The 7.62mm Galil sniper rifle (aka Galil Tzalafim or "Galatz") is an ARM-based rifle combined with high-quality 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition to provide high accuracy.

Galil Galatz Sniper Rifle
The Precision Rifle is a semi-automatic rifle with an operating system similar to other Galil variants, but optimized for high accuracy. The rifle is fed from a 25-round box magazine. It uses a massive barrel that is heavier than other rifles. The rifle is equipped with a multifunctional muzzle device that acts as a flame arrester and muzzle brake. It can be replaced with a suppressor, which requires the use of subsonic ammunition for maximum effectiveness.

The weapon has been modified with a two-stage adjustable-pull trigger, a wooden stock that folds down the right side of the weapon, and a heavy-duty bipod attached to the front base of the receiver housing that folds under the rail. when not in use. The stock is fully adjustable in length and height and is equipped with a variable-height riser. The rifle comes with iron sights and an adapter that is used to mount a telescopic day sight (Nimrod 6x40) or a night sight. The mount is quick-release and retains zero after removal. The precision rifle is stored in a durable transport case that comes with a scope, mount, filters, two slings (for carrying and shooting) and a cleaning kit. Latest production models include synthetic plastic components and a skeletonized metal stock.

Galatz was first introduced in 1983. The SR-99 is an upgraded version of the Galatz. This is a slightly less durable, but more ergonomic option.

Galatz is manufactured under license from Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems.

Modifications of the Galil rifle (Israel)

Galil assault rifles are successful and reliable weapons. It was created on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but Israeli gunsmiths managed to make a number of improvements to the design compared to the prototype. The great capabilities inherent in the design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle allowed Israeli designers to fully exploit its potential.

At the end of the 1990s, the Israeli armed forces received another very successful model of the Galil assault rifle, a small-sized assault rifle (machine gun) MAR (Mini Assault Rifle)! which is an analogue of the Soviet shortened Kalashnikov assault rifle AKS-74U. The new version of the Galil was intended primarily for non-combat army units - signalmen, drivers, as well as for arming special forces and police. Compactness (total length - 690 mm, length with folded stock - 445 mm, barrel length - 195 mm) along with the powerful 5.56 mm low-pulse SS 109 cartridge made this weapon a truly effective weapon (compared to the favorite Israeli pistols - Uzi machine guns) for combat at close ranges - up to 200-300 m. In addition to its short length, it is distinguished from its predecessors by the absence of a bipod, a carrying handle and a new plastic forend, in the front of which there is a protrusion that prevents the shooter’s hand from sliding forward, which can lead to her injury or burn, given the proximity of the muzzle of the barrel. The MAR assault rifle can be equipped with a silencer, a laser designator mounted in the forend, as well as various options for optical and night sights.

Typically, Galil assault rifles intended for the Israel Defense Forces were marked in Hebrew and stamped on the left side of the receiver above the pistol grip fire control - a crossed sword and olive branch inscribed in the hexagonal Star of Zion, and for export - in English language. Since the early 1980s, Galil rifles received a new marking - from the IMI concern (now the TAAS weapons group) - a sword and an olive branch superimposed on a gear.

Since 1975, the IMI concern has launched the production of several more weapon options based on the 5.56-mm Galil rifle: AR, ARM and SAR assault rifles, designed for the 7.62x51 mm NATO SS 77 rifle-machine-gun cartridge. small-caliber analogues, they were distinguished by a reinforced receiver, an elongated and weighted barrel, on which there was no bayonet lug, and a box-shaped 25-round magazine. The new rifles were intended mainly for export sales.

In 1982, Israel Galili-Blashnikov, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, developed a new 7.62 mm Galil SASR , based on the ARM model. The rifle's trigger mechanism with adjustable trigger force is designed to fire only a single fire. In addition, the sniper rifle differs from its prototype by an elongated to 508 mm and a weighted barrel with a powerful muzzle brake-compensator, a folding wooden butt (with the ability to adjust the back of the head and cheek pad), as well as a 25-round detachable box magazine. The DTK can be quickly removed, and in its place it is possible to install a device for silent and flameless shooting (silencer). The SASR rifle, unlike the prototype, has a durable bipod attached not to the barrel, but to the front of the receiver, which improved the stability of the weapon when firing. On the left side of the receiver on the rail it is possible to install both a Nimrod 6x40 telescopic sight and IR night sights. The 7.62-mm Galil sniper rifle has high accuracy: when firing with single fire at a distance of 300 m, the dispersion of bullets is 120-150 mm, and at a distance of 600 m - 300 mm. The Galil SASR rifle comes in a special case for transportation. Its kit includes a telescopic sight with light filters, a portable belt, a belt loop for the second hand, two spare magazines and accessories for cleaning weapons (pencil case and cleaning rod).

In 1987, another self-loading version of the .308 (7.62 mm) Galil rifle mod. AR with extended wooden stock. It was named "Hadar II" and is used as a police weapon ("Hadar I" was developed with a 5.56x45 mm NATO cartridge). It is possible to install a muzzle attachment for firing rubber bullets, as well as for shooting grenades with tear gas.

Currently, Galil assault rifles of all modifications are in service with the Israeli IDF army and special law enforcement units. However, the Galil has not become the main type of small arms in the Israeli armed forces, since no more than a quarter of all soldiers are armed with it. This was facilitated by a fairly balanced policy of the leadership of the State of Israel, which, in order to reduce the cost of defense programs, seeks to purchase weapons that are not their own, although good, but expensive, while it is possible to receive, within the framework of the mutual assistance program, from its American “big brother” at least a few the worst rifles are the M16A1, but they are practically cheap (only 100-120 dollars). At the same time, the Galil rifles were significantly inferior in weight and size to the American M16A1, which was an extremely important factor for conducting maneuverable combat operations in desert areas. Therefore, the production of these weapons has currently remained at a minimum level, mainly as a reserve for the combat qualities of American assault rifles. The presence of even a small production of its weapons, constantly maintained at a certain level, serves as a reliable guarantee for the possibility of its widespread deployment if necessary.

However, if in Israel itself not all soldiers are armed with Galils, then the businessmen of this state, with their aggressive policies, contributed to the widespread distribution of these weapons in many potential and actual theaters of military operations. "Galils" are currently widely used in almost all "hot spots", from South Africa to Latin America. The high service and combat qualities of these weapons were the main reason that not only the military of many states turned their attention to them. “Galils” in automatic and self-loading versions in both calibers began to go on commercial sale in large quantities in America and Western Europe, and rifles of 5.56 mm caliber are produced as in the standard Israeli version with a rifling pitch of 305 mm (chambered M 193), and in the version chambered for the 5.56x45 mm NATO SS 109 cartridge with a rifling pitch of 178 mm, a chrome-plated bore and chamber.

Since 1978, the South African company Lyttleton Engineering Works Pty (LIW) (currently Vector Engineering) in Pretoria, under license, began manufacturing the 5.56-mm R 4 - an almost exact copy of the Galil ARM rifle, adopted by the South African Defense Forces in 1982. It differed slightly from its Israeli prototype. This was mainly due to neutralizing the harmful effects of the poor climatic conditions typical of South Africa, including high humidity and extreme heat. In the production of the R4 rifle, the use of modern structural materials was significantly increased: the forend and pistol grip fire control, butt, as well as 35-round magazines, by the way, which received a new, more technologically advanced form, were made of impact-resistant plastic. In addition, the South African rifles were distinguished by an elongated butt, the frame of which was connected by a long jumper, since the soldiers of the South African army were larger than the Israeli ones (total length - 1005 mm versus 979 mm for the Galil). There was no bayonet lug on the barrel. Subsequently, Lyttleion Engineering Works Pty mastered the production of several more new models of these weapons: in 1987, the 5.56-mm R 5 carbine (Galil SAR), intended for arming the South African Air Force and Marine Corps units, and since the mid-1990s gg. 5.56-mm automatic carbine (small-sized machine gun) R 6 Compact (which became another analogue of the 5.45-mm AKS-74U) with a barrel length of 280 mm, adopted for arming the crews of armored vehicles, airborne units, etc.

In 1979, the Dutch company Nederlandsche Waapenen Mumtiefabriek (NWN) de Kruithoorn BV mastered, under a license from the Israeli company IMI, the production of Galil assault rifles of the ARM model under the symbol MN-1 , as well as a light machine gun based on the Galil rifle ARM under the symbol NM- 1.M.2.

International cooperation of gunsmiths also contributed to the production of Galil - the Rheinmetall International SA concern together with the Swedish company Forenade Fabriksverken AS (FFV) mastered it in the early 1980s. for commercial sale the production of two of its variants - the FFV 890 and the FFV 89QC . The use of a heavier bullet in Swedish rifles with the new 5.56 mm SS 109 cartridge (index M 855 in the US Army) required an increase in the steepness of the rifling pitches from 305 to 178 mm. In addition, the harsh operating conditions of weapons in Northern Europe caused some changes to be made to the design of the rifle, aimed at increasing the reliability of the moving parts of the automation (the system for removing powder gases from the barrel was improved), improving ergonomics (a barrel lining with ventilation holes was installed, completely covering the gas tube, and the trigger guard is enlarged - for ease of shooting in winter with gloves). These samples were offered for armament of the Swedish army, but preference was given to the Belgian FNC rifle.

In Italy in the mid-1980s. Vincenzo Bernardelli SpA has created a family of 5.56 mm VB-SR (CP 556) based on the Israeli Galil assault rifle.

The main difference between the Italian version of the Galil and its Israeli SAR prototype was the presence of a special adapter inserted into the magazine receiver, which made it possible to use not only standard 35-round magazines, but also 20- and 30-round magazines in the VB-SR assault rifle from 5.56 mm assault rifles: M16 (USA), FNC (Belgium), GAI (Germany), L85A1 (Great Britain). However, this modification of the Galil, like Sweden, was expected to fail; the Italians adopted another rifle - the Bereta AR-70/90.

In total, the Galil rifle is currently in service with the armies of 15 countries, including: Bolivia, Botswana, Honduras, Zaire, Israel, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Chile, Estonia.

Tactical and technical data of Galil assault rifles

(S. Monetchikov)

Other variants of the Galil assault rifle

Magal

This is a carbine version of the Galil MAR for the Ministry of Internal Affairs forces chambered in .30 Carbine. It uses the same 15- and 30-round magazines as the M1 Carbine, plus a dedicated 27-round magazine with a bolt retainer. First released in 1999, MAGAL was withdrawn from service in 2001 after numerous complaints about malfunctions.

Marksman Mark 1 assault rifle

This is a 5.56 mm marksman rifle released in 1996.

Golani

Civilian version with a new production semi-automatic receiver made in the United States. All other components are original parts manufactured by IMI Galil.

Galil Golani

Galil ACE

A new generation of Galil rifle, featuring a left-side charging handle, a spring-loaded dust cover, and a plastic or polymer lower receiver designed to reduce cost and weight.
The ACE was produced in three versions (Micro, SAR and AR) for the 5.56mm NATO, 7.62mm Soviet M43 and 7.62mm NATO. All options have up to five Picatinny rails for mounting optical devices and accessories. It can be removed without any tools. Galil Golani ACE

Foreign options

Italian options

Italian firearms firm Vincenzo Bernardelli produced the Galil assault rifle under license in 1980 in two different models for government use. The Bernardelli Mod.377 VB-STD assault rifle was a direct clone of the Galil AR/ARM variant.

The Bernardelli Mod.378 VB-SR assault carbine was a modified SAR Galil clone with a STANAG magazine. Both rifles competed in trials to accept the new 5.56×45mm NATO rifle, but lost to the Beretta 70/90 assault weapon system.

Both rifles have an ARS (SEF; Safe, Semi-Automatic, Automatic) trigger group. An STD can be used to mount the M203.

VB-SR parts can be replaced if necessary from R5 and Galil SAR rifles.

Myanmar options

The MA series, which stands for Myanmar Army, is Myanmar's variant of the Galil assault rifle with some localized modifications made with Israeli assistance. Sometimes referred to in firearms literature as EMERK-3. The rifles are manufactured in Myanmar by Fritz Werner Industries.

They were introduced with a wooden handguard, even though the initial models were made of brown polymer material. Later versions were made with black material and a one-piece Galil handguard, designated Mk II. The bipod was not standard like the MA-1c with a cleaning kit stored in a hollow space in the buttstock.

Serial production began in 2002 after signing an agreement with IMI. Assault rifles were primarily produced at Ka Pa Sa Factory No. 1 or DI-1, located near Lake Inya. MA rifles are manufactured with vented grips and horizontal charging handles, unlike the Galil which has a vertical charging handle. They can also use 5.56 NATO magazines created for the IMI Galil.

By 2009, it became known that the army was almost completely equipped with the MA series. They are not only used by the Myanmar Army, but have also been found in the arsenals of the Karen National Liberation Army and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, captured by Myanmar Army forces or defectors.

Options for the MA Galil rifle:

The MA-1 is a standard assault rifle with a bayonet mount option. The MA-2 is a light machine gun version with a heavy barrel and bipod. It was originally designed without the ability to use a drum magazine, relying on assault rifle magazines. This is commonly seen on the MA-15, a clone of the MG 3. The MA-3 is a carbine version with a folding metal stock. MA-4 is a version of the MA-1, equipped with an under-barrel grenade launcher. The MA-S is a military sniper rifle based on the MA-2, whose design is influenced by the Dragunov SVD. The rifle is chambered for 7.62×51 NATO caliber and has a 10-round magazine.

South African variants of Galil

Vektor R4

The Vektor R4 is a South African variant of the Galil ARM assault rifle with several modifications.
Notably, both the grip and magazine are made from high-strength polymer, and the grip has been lengthened to tailor the weapon to the average South African soldier. Vektor R4
The South African Navy, South African Air Force and South African Police Service adopted a short version of the 5.56mm Galil SAR carbine, which was manufactured under license as the R5. The R5, compared to the larger R4, has a shorter barrel, gas system and handguard. It also does not have a bipod and does not support rifle grenades.

In the 1990s, an even more compact variant of the R5 personal defense weapon, designated the R6, was developed for armored vehicle crews, which has an even smaller barrel and a shortened gas chamber and piston assembly.

Lyttleton Ingenieurs Werke (LIW) / Denel Land Systems (DLS) also introduced a line of semi-automatic variants of the R4, R5 and R6, referred to as the LM4, LM5 and LM6 respectively, aimed at civilian and law enforcement applications.

Today, the Galil assault rifle is in service in about 28 countries around the world. Therefore, it can rightfully be called a world weapon.

Sniper rifle GALATZ (Galil) cartridge caliber 7.62 mm

When the State of Israel was proclaimed in 1948, the country's armed forces were equipped with technically outdated repeating sniper rifles from Great Britain, the number of which was far from meeting the needs. Therefore, first, to get out of this situation, the Swiss carbine model 1911 and the carbine model 98, produced in Germany, were converted into sniper rifles. Both carbines are multi-shot weapons.

Galatz variant for special operations

Only in the seventies, on a private initiative, a small company began production of self-loading sniper rifles, which were also not their own design and were produced in small quantities. These were Kalashnikov AK 47 assault rifles, which were converted to fire NATO standard 7.62x51 cartridges, redesigned accordingly and named Sirkis self-loading sniper rifles after the Israeli designer. The gas channel was lengthened, a completely new front receiver pad and bipod were added, and a muffler was also produced. The weapon began to be equipped with an optical sight, which could be replaced with a night vision device. The average dispersion circle of this weapon at a firing range of 600 m is 200 mm.

The private firm was later purchased by the state-owned Israel Military Industries (IMI) in Tel Aviv, and the Sirkis rifle design was further developed and used in modern weapons. Since 1983, IMI has been producing weapons whose design and operating principle correspond to the Galil system, but are based on the experience of manufacturing and using the Sirkis rifle - the Galil self-loading sniper rifle (GALATZ). The operating principle of the rifle is based on the use of powder gas pressure. The weapon has a rotating bolt and is designed to fire single shots only. Special 7.62×51 cartridges are used as ammunition. A bullet from the FN-match cartridge weighing 10.9 g has an initial speed of 815 m/s, a bullet from the M 118-match cartridge weighing 11.2 g has a muzzle velocity of 780 m/s. At a distance of 300 m, the dispersion radius is from 120 to 150 mm. at a distance of 600 m - 300 mm.

Galatz under the name Fort-301 from the Ukrainian.

The length of the sight line of the Galil sniper rifle (GALATZ) is 475 mm. The optical sight, shifted to the left along the longitudinal axis, has optics with fourfold magnification and can be replaced with a night vision device. The wooden stock, equipped with a rubber shock absorber and a cheek pad, folds to the right during transportation. A bipod is attached to the receiver pad, which also folds. The barrel is equipped with a silencer. The cutting pitch length is 305 mm.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the Galil rifle

Photo of the GALATZ rifle

Galatz on bipod with 12-round magazine

Galatz with 25-round magazine, bipod folded

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