The IWI Galil Ace Gen 2 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, drawing on the Galil's long lineage while adding modern ergonomic refinements. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: IWI 
• Model: Galil Ace Gen 2 
• Type: Modern Sporting Rifle 
• Caliber: 5.45 x 39mm 
• Barrel Length: 16 inches 
• Overall Length: Adjustable from 36 to 39 inches 
• Capacity: 30+1 rounds (includes one magazine) 
• Weight: Approximately 8 lbs (7.8 lbs) 
• Finish Color: Black Polymer 
• Stock Type: Side Folding / Collapsible Stock 
• Action Type: Semi-Auto 
   

Detailed Features 

 
The side-folding, collapsible stock keeps overall length between 36 and 39 inches, handy for transport and storage without sacrificing shoulder stability when it's deployed. The free-floating M-LOK handguard trims weight and gives you mounting points for lights, grips, or other accessories without affecting barrel harmonics. Sights are adjustable with a tritium front post, so low-light use doesn't require a separate optic. 
 

Usage 

 
At 30+1 rounds per magazine in 5.45x39mm, the rifle works well for home defense. The caliber's modest recoil also keeps follow-up shots manageable during range sessions or competition stages. The M-LOK rail system and adjustable stock make it straightforward to configure for different shooters or roles without tools.

Owner feedback on the Galil Ace Gen 2 in 5.45x39mm is generally positive, though a few consistent complaints surface.

On the positive side, most owners comment on the solid build quality. The rifle feels dense and well-fitted, not rattly. The adjustable stock and control layout get consistent praise for comfort across different shooter sizes. Accuracy reports are good, with many users noting tight groups at typical range distances, and reliability with various 5.45x39mm loads rarely comes up as an issue.

The main criticisms: the rifle runs around 7.8 lbs unloaded, which is heavier than several competitors in the same caliber. That weight becomes noticeable during longer carry or dynamic drills. Price is another recurring topic. It sits at a premium over comparable AK-pattern rifles, so buyers weigh that gap carefully. Aftermarket accessories specific to the Galil Ace platform are more limited than what's available for AR or AK variants, which frustrates users who want to customize heavily. A handful of shooters also mention that recoil during rapid fire is more pronounced than expected given the caliber, likely tied to the weight distribution.

The milled receiver makes this 5.45 rifle particularly appealing to me. It shoots very softly with almost no felt recoil and proved impressively accurate. I do wish it included the excellent sights found on the first generation, but that remains my only real complaint.