The Galil Classic: A Battle Rifle Evaluated through IDF Perspectives
The Galil Rifle: An Objective Examination by an Expert
The Galil rifle, a household name among the Israel Defense Force (IDF), has been a focal point of ongoing debate among soldiers. While some affirm its superiority, others find it cumbersome. In this article, I offer an in-depth evaluation of the Galil Classic and its variants, drawing from my personal experience and the perspectives of both the Glilon and M16.
Galil Classic Rifle: User Experience
I currently carry a Galil Ace 21N rifle, equipped with optics, a laser aiming device, and a weapon light. While these accessories enhance the weapon's performance, they also add significant weight, making it unwieldy in fast-paced tactical operations. Adding a suppressor exacerbates the issue, making it feel bulky and heavy, akin to handling a sledgehammer. The ambidextrous magazine release, while a neat feature, is overly sensitive and prone to accidental ejection due to slightest bump. Improving this feature requires grinding the mag release button.
Paradoxical Venturing with Galil and Glilon
My experience with the Galil as a soldier in the armored corps at Hel Shirion was mixed. Initially, I found it quite decent compared to the M16 rifles we had. Its foldable stock made it easier to get in and out of tank hatches, thus providing me with an advantage. However, the Glilon variant, a shorter version of the Galil, was far more user-friendly. Service members often added the wooden handguard from the Galil to the Glilon for show purposes, highlighting how much lighter and more manageable the Glilon was.
Comparative Analysis: Galil vs. M16
During my final year of service in the regular army, we switched from Galils to M16s. This switch allowed me to evaluate the differences between both rifles. Personally, I resented the Galil due to its weight and length, which significantly affected comfort. A full magazine’s weight was approximately 800 grams, making the full vest with nine magazines and the rifle weigh in at around 12.8kg. This was about 4-5 kg heavier than the M16 and its full vest.
On the other hand, the Glilon relieved the overall weight issue and was more user-friendly. Many soldiers, including myself, would sometimes attach the wooden handguard from the Galil to the Glilon for a lighter and more practical experience. Both the Galil and Glilon were reliable, although they contracted rust more easily compared to the M16.
The transition from Glilon to M16 felt like a significant downgrade. The M16 felt fragile and breakable, and cleaning it was a hassle due to the small pin that holds its bolt, which could easily get lost, rendering the weapon useless.
In summary, while the Galil and Glilon had their merits, the M16, with its lighter weight and ease of use, emerged as a more practical choice, especially in fast-paced tactical operations.
Conclusion
The Galil Classic and its variants, particularly the Glilon, have been invaluable in the IDF. However, the switch to M16 reflects a shift towards lighter, more manageable weapons that better suit modern military requirements. For anyone considering purchasing or using any of these rifles, the M16 stands out in terms of comfort and practicality.