IWI Galil Sniper (Galatz) Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle / Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)

Specifications

Year: 1983
Manufacturer(s): Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) (fmr Israeli Military Industries (IMI)) - Israel
Roles: Long-Range Precision;

Action: Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt
Caliber(s): 7.62x51mmNATO
Sights: Adjustable Iron; Optional Optics
Overall Length: 1,115 mm (43.90 in)
Barrel Length: 508 mm (20.00 in)
Weight (Unloaded): 14.11 lb (6.40 kg)

Muzzle Velocity: 2,674 feet-per-second (815 meters-per-second)

Operators: India; Israel

With the success of the IMI Galil within the Israeli Army and those of other participating foreign nations, it was only natural to continue to evolve the family line. This resulted in developments beyond the basic assault rifle and included a shortened carbine form, a submachine gun-like micro-assault rifle form for special operations and the Designated Marksman Rifle variant of 1996. Back in 1983, the Galil was also branched to include a dedicated sniping platform based on the form and function of the Galil, itself based on the Soviet AK-47 by way of the Finnish Valmet M62 series.

The Galil Sniper - or "Galatz" - was brought about an IDF need for an accurate, long range version of its Galil platform. The 5.56x45mm NATO chambering of the original Galil was changed in favor of the larger and heavier 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge which offered better performance at longer ranges. The basic Galil gas-operated, rotating bolt function was kept, as was the receiver housing the charging handle, ejection port, fire selector and all important internal components. The gas cylinder was fitted over the barrel in true Kalashnikov style while the two-strut folding stock allowed for a more compact weapon when transporting. The firing action (through a two-stage trigger) was, however, limited to semi-automatic fire which played well with the precision side of the weapon. The stock also held an adjustable cheekpiece and recoil pad for added comfort. Key additions to the design were a heavy duty precision barrel, an adjustable folding bipod and a standard telescopic sight (Nimrod 6x40). The barrel was heavier than in the base Galil and capped by a dual-use muzzle brake/muzzle compensator attachment. The bipod was fitted just ahead of the magazine feed, within easy reach of the operator. The bipod folded forwards up against the forestock when not needed. The scope mounting was found along the left side of the receiver while the stock folding over the right side - though not impeding gun functionality in any way. Iron sights were retained as a backup measure to the standard scope.

The Galatz was modernized in the SR-99 model which added a lighter-weight adjustable skeletal stock and synthetic pistol grip and handguard.

Variants / Models

• Galil Sniper "Galatz" - Base Series Name; based on the Galil ARM and chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO; semi-automatic-fire-only; two-stage adjustable trigger; wooden folding buttstock.
• SR-99 - Modernized variant of original Galatz rifle; synthetic pistol grip and handguard; skeletal stock.