SemperFi
06-04-2000, 01:14 PM
M77B1 orginally asked a question on galil's and I was able to prvide the below info. and I would like it to make it to the new section on the forum. Gald to see we finally got it going.
M77B1: This is RangerSXT posting under my home call sign hope to see some post over here from you now.
Version 1.3 - 12 April 99
This is a compilation of Galil data that has been posted on these boards,
from my personal experiences, and from some very helpful Galil owners who
responded to my Galil Questionnaire. This is a "living" document and is
constantly being updated and corrected. The thoroughness of this list is a
direct result of all its contributors.
AR model rifles: generally have plastic handguards, no bipod, and no
carrying handle. MR rifles generally have bayonet lugs and AA rifles
generally do not.
ARM model rifles: generally have wooden handguards, a bipod, and a carrying
handle. Some have bayonet lugs and some don't.
Here we go:
MR = Magnum Research - 1st Galil importer
AA = Action Arms - 2nd Galil importer and went out of business in 1989.
GS = Springfield Armory - 3rd Galil importer (between 25 July 91 & 31 July
92)
5.56mm Magnum Research Rifles
MR no model # (appears to be a Model 361 but is not marked) - 5.56mm AR, 18"
bbl., bayonet lug on barrel, no bipod or bipod attachment point, M-16 style
flash suppressor, has spring loaded firing pin, rifle is stamped "Galil"
above scope mounting notch. Serial # in MR0051x range. (1 rifle reported)
MR 361 - 5.56mm AR, 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on bbl., bipod lug
milled off gas block, M-16 style flash suppressor. Early models had a
"straight trigger" as found on Valmets. Serial # in MR00064x range. (1
rifle reported)
MR 372 - 5.56mm ARM, 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on bbl., bipod, M-16
style flash suppressor. Serial #s from MR0028xx to MR003xxx. (3 rifles
reported)
7.62mm Magnum Research Rifles
MR 331 - 7.62mm AR, 20" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on barrel, bipod
attachment milled off gas block, M-16 style flash suppressor. Serial # in
MR04xxx to MR046xx range. Caliber is marked " 7.62/.308". (2 rifles
reported)
MR 332 - 7.62mm ARM, 20" bbl., bayonet lug on bbl., M-16 style flash
suppressor. (0 rifles reported)
MR 332 - 7.62mm AR, 16.5" bbl., no bayonet lug, no bipod or attachment,
plastic handguard, M-16 style flash suppressor. Serial # in MR069xx range.
Appears to have been a "Special Run" of rifles. (1 rifle reported)
It appears that all MR Serial #s are located behind the rear handguard
(vertically) on the "left" side of the rifle.
There appears to be transitional variants of Model 331, 332, 361, and 372
rifles during the MR/AA change over period. The Model 331, 332, & 361
rifles as imported by AA hold true for the descriptions listed under their
MR brethren. The only difference is they contained "milled out" areas on
the receiver where the MR importation marks and serial # prefixes have been
removed and the AA data added.
Some Model 372 ARM rifles have been reported with more noticeable
differences. They appear to be an AR/ARM combination. Their features are
as follows: Model 372, 5.56mm, 18" bbl., 1-12" rifling twist, black plastic
handguard, bayonet lug, bipod attachment point w/o bipod, Galil style flash
suppressor, and no carrying handle. Additionally, they have a shallow
"milled out area" on the left side of the receiver where the MR importation
marks and serial # prefixes have been removed and the AA data added. It
appears these rifles were originally MR rifles, but were "redone" to have AA
markings. The Serial #s are in the AAL3xxx range and are located behind the
rear handguard (vertically) on the "left" side of the rifle.
5.56mm Action Arms Rifles
AA 361 - 5.56mm AR (transitional), 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on
barrel, no bipod, Galil style flash suppressor. Serial # in AAL000xxx to
AAL011xx range and located vertically behind the rear handguard. These
rifles are not marked Galil and have "milled out" areas on their receivers.
(3 rifles reported)
AA 372 - 5.56mm ARM, 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug, bipod, M-16 style
(early) flash suppressor or Galil style (later) flash suppressor. Serial #
in AA03xxx to AAL207750x range. Early rifles had bayonet lugs on a ring
pinned onto the bbl. and later rifles have them attached to the "front end"
of the gas block. (6 rifles reported)
AA 386 - 5.56mm AR, 16" bbl., 1-12" twist, no bayonet lug, no bipod
attachment point, Galil style flash suppressor. Serial # in AAL207765x to
AAL209xxxx range. (4 rifles reported)
AA 392 - 5.56mm ARM, 16" bbl., 1-12" twist, no bayonet lug, Galil style
flash suppressor. Serial #s in AAL207910x to AAL207947x range. (3 rifles
reported)
AA 392S - 5.56mm "ARM Sporter", 16" bbl., 1-7" twist, wood handguard, carry
handle, no bayonet lug, no bipod, but has bipod attachment pt., no night
sights, threaded muzzle. (1 rifle reported)
AA 397S - 5.56mm "AR Sporter", 16" bbl., 1-7" twist, black plastic
handguard, no carry handle, no bayonet lug, no bipod attachment pt., no
night sights, threaded muzzle. Serial # in AAL210xxxx to AAL21005xx range.
(3 rifles reported)
AA 710S - 5.56mm "ARM Sporter", 16" bbl., 1-7" twist, wood thumb-hole stock,
wood ARM hand guard, no carrying handle, no night sights, threaded muzzle,
bipod attachment point. Serial # in AAL 210022x range. (1 rifle reported)
7.62mm Action Arms Rifles
AA 331 - 7.62mm AR (transitional), 20" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on
barrel, no bipod or bipod attachment point, Galil style flash suppressor.
Serial # in AAL049xx range and located vertically behind the rear handguard.
These rifles are not marked Galil and have "milled out" areas on their
receivers. (3 rifles reported)
AA 323 - 7.62mm ARM, 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, no bayonet lug, bipod, Galil
style flash suppressor, Serial # in AAL2089xxx to AAL2094xxx range. (4
rifles reported)
AA 329 - 7.62mm AR, 18" bbl., no bayonet lug, no bipod attachment, Galil
style flash suppressor, Serial # in AAL209094x range. (1 rifle reported)
AA 332 - 7.62mm ARM, 20" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on bbl., bipod,
Galil style flash suppressor, Serial # in AAL2078xxx range. (2 rifles
reported) There is one unique transitional rifle reported with the
following characteristics: Serial # in MR076xx range and located
vertically behind the rear handguard, not stamped Galil, but imported by
Action Arms. Yes, it has the MR prefix. Box and paperwork are dated 1992.
The receiver does have "milled out" areas.
AA 329S - 7.62mm "AR Sporter", 18" bbl., black plastic handguard, thumbhole
stock, no bayonet lug, no bipod attachment point, no night sights, threaded
muzzle. Serial # in AAL209xxxx range. (2 rifles reported)
5.56mm Springfield Armory Rifles
GS 386 - 5.56mm AR. Serial # in GS2095xxx. No "S" after Model #. (Only 1
rifle reported).
GS 710-S - 5.56mm "ARM Sporter", 16" barrel, 1-7" twist, wood thumb-hole
stock, wood ARM hand guard, no carrying handle, no night sights. Serial #
in GS2100xxx range. (1 rifle reported) There is also a GS 710 rifle
reported without the "S" stamped after the model number and without the GS
Serial # prefix. Serial # in 210020x.
7.62mm Springfield Armory Rifles
GS 329-S - 7.62mm "AR Sporter", 18" barrel, 1-12" twist, wood thumb-hole
stock, black plastic hand guard, no night sights. Serial # in GS2099xxx
range. (1 rifle reported)
It appears that all AA (except for transitional models) & all GS Serial #s
are located above the scope mounting "notch".
All Magnum Research rifles are Pre-89. Most appear to be Kalifornia legal,
but there is at least one documented MR rifle which is stamped "Galil".
Some Action Arms rifles are Pre-89 and some are Post-89.
All Springfield Armory rifles are Post-89. (CDNN was a known vendor.)
Springfield imported less than 1000 Galil rifles between 7-25-91 and
7-31-92.
The difference between Pre & Post rifles is as follows: Post-89 rifles have
the letter "S" stamped (sometimes crudely) AFTER the model number. On some
rifles the letter "S" was added after the rifle was imported and on other
rifles the "S" was added when the rifle was manufactured. This is not to be
confused with "S. Auto Galil" stamped onto the receiver. Post '89 rifles
have thumbhole stocks, no bayonet lugs, no bipods, no night sights, and no
flash suppressors.
Some Galil rifles (appear to be only Magnum Research imports) do not have
the word "Galil" stamped onto the receiver and these rifles are called
"Kalifornia Legal" and bring a premium price.
Early MR imported rifles did not come with Tritium night sights or spring
loaded firing pins. Owners could send in their bolts for firing pin spring
refit and request their night sights. It is believed that the U.S.
Government was in the process of approving tritium for importation at that
time.
Serial #s appear to start low in MR rifles and reach almost 7000. The
reported low MR # is 005xx and the reported high MR # is 69xx. There have
been no rifles reported in the MR5xxx range.
Serial #s appear to be in prefixes: 2077xxx, 208xxxx, 209xxxx & 210xxxx for
AA rifles.
Serial #s appear to be in prefixes: 2099xxx & 2100xxx for GS rifles.
The first 100 MR imported Galils arrived with commemorative paperwork
signifying their special status to their owners.
There is a 10 Yr. Anniversary commemorative sticker attached to the box of
"appropriate" AA import rifles.
Plastic handguards are now available for ARM style rifles.
There are several types of IMI scope mounts. The original (best &
expensive) utilizes a lever and attaches onto the scope mounting "groove" on
the left side of the rifle. This scope mount comes in three variants. One
variant is designed for STANAG scopes, another variant is designed for a 1"
tube scope, and the final variant is designed for a "channel" for ACOGs or
M-16 style scopes.
The cheaper scope mount also attaches onto the scope mounting "groove" and
is tightened with a "wheel" or "screw".
There is also a scope mount designed for AN-PVS/2 night vision devices.
Additionally, GG&G manufactures and sells a Galil scope mount.
Both plastic "Orlite" and steel magazines are available for the 5.56mm
rifles. Steel magazines are available in 12, 35, and 50 round capacities.
Orlite magazines are available in 35 round capacities. South Africa also
manufactures a 35 round steel magazine and a plastic 35 round magazine.
There are two types of M-16 magazine adapters designed for the 5.56mm
rifles. One type was designed by/for MR and the other by/for AA. As far as
can be determined, the only difference is that the MR version has a "safety
catch" to prevent accidentally discharging the adapter while changing
magazines.
There are 20 and 25 round 7.62mm steel magazines available. The 25 round
magazines appear to be originally designed for the Galil by IMI. The 20
round magazines appear to be modified M-14 magazines.
Valmet ejection port buffers will fit Galil rifles.
There is a IMI Blank Firing Adapter that was available for the 5.56mm
rifles.
Many serious students of firearms consider the Galil to be the "ultimate" AK
rifle. Galils are manufactured from/with a "milled" receiver as opposed to
a "stamped" receiver for most Valmets and AK series weapons. Milled
receivers are heavier, stronger, and much more expensive to manufacture than
stamped receivers. Some people consider milled receivers unnecessary due
to the success of the stamped receiver guns and the weight and cost of the
milled steel. Perhaps, one should examine the pros and cons of each and
arrive at their own conclusions. A Valmet rifle is an excellent rifle if
someone did not want to incur the weight & expense of the Galil.
It appears there were approximately 7,000 - 9,000 Semi-Automatic Galil
rifles imported (total). This included both calibers and all three
importers.
Perhaps the most intriguing piece of information I received regards South
African Galil rifles. An informed source has related that there were about
130 Semi-Automatic South African Galil receivers imported into the U.S. He
stated that they were receivers only and had to be assembled with other
Galil parts.
Feel free to contact me (off post) with any questions you may have. I'll be
glad to answer them if I can. Flamers need not apply.
Also, feel free to post (PLEASE DO) any additional information that is
available on any Galil rifles. Again, flamers need not apply.
Hope this helps. Many thanks to all the Galil owners who have shared their
information and experiences.
M77B1: This is RangerSXT posting under my home call sign hope to see some post over here from you now.
Version 1.3 - 12 April 99
This is a compilation of Galil data that has been posted on these boards,
from my personal experiences, and from some very helpful Galil owners who
responded to my Galil Questionnaire. This is a "living" document and is
constantly being updated and corrected. The thoroughness of this list is a
direct result of all its contributors.
AR model rifles: generally have plastic handguards, no bipod, and no
carrying handle. MR rifles generally have bayonet lugs and AA rifles
generally do not.
ARM model rifles: generally have wooden handguards, a bipod, and a carrying
handle. Some have bayonet lugs and some don't.
Here we go:
MR = Magnum Research - 1st Galil importer
AA = Action Arms - 2nd Galil importer and went out of business in 1989.
GS = Springfield Armory - 3rd Galil importer (between 25 July 91 & 31 July
92)
5.56mm Magnum Research Rifles
MR no model # (appears to be a Model 361 but is not marked) - 5.56mm AR, 18"
bbl., bayonet lug on barrel, no bipod or bipod attachment point, M-16 style
flash suppressor, has spring loaded firing pin, rifle is stamped "Galil"
above scope mounting notch. Serial # in MR0051x range. (1 rifle reported)
MR 361 - 5.56mm AR, 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on bbl., bipod lug
milled off gas block, M-16 style flash suppressor. Early models had a
"straight trigger" as found on Valmets. Serial # in MR00064x range. (1
rifle reported)
MR 372 - 5.56mm ARM, 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on bbl., bipod, M-16
style flash suppressor. Serial #s from MR0028xx to MR003xxx. (3 rifles
reported)
7.62mm Magnum Research Rifles
MR 331 - 7.62mm AR, 20" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on barrel, bipod
attachment milled off gas block, M-16 style flash suppressor. Serial # in
MR04xxx to MR046xx range. Caliber is marked " 7.62/.308". (2 rifles
reported)
MR 332 - 7.62mm ARM, 20" bbl., bayonet lug on bbl., M-16 style flash
suppressor. (0 rifles reported)
MR 332 - 7.62mm AR, 16.5" bbl., no bayonet lug, no bipod or attachment,
plastic handguard, M-16 style flash suppressor. Serial # in MR069xx range.
Appears to have been a "Special Run" of rifles. (1 rifle reported)
It appears that all MR Serial #s are located behind the rear handguard
(vertically) on the "left" side of the rifle.
There appears to be transitional variants of Model 331, 332, 361, and 372
rifles during the MR/AA change over period. The Model 331, 332, & 361
rifles as imported by AA hold true for the descriptions listed under their
MR brethren. The only difference is they contained "milled out" areas on
the receiver where the MR importation marks and serial # prefixes have been
removed and the AA data added.
Some Model 372 ARM rifles have been reported with more noticeable
differences. They appear to be an AR/ARM combination. Their features are
as follows: Model 372, 5.56mm, 18" bbl., 1-12" rifling twist, black plastic
handguard, bayonet lug, bipod attachment point w/o bipod, Galil style flash
suppressor, and no carrying handle. Additionally, they have a shallow
"milled out area" on the left side of the receiver where the MR importation
marks and serial # prefixes have been removed and the AA data added. It
appears these rifles were originally MR rifles, but were "redone" to have AA
markings. The Serial #s are in the AAL3xxx range and are located behind the
rear handguard (vertically) on the "left" side of the rifle.
5.56mm Action Arms Rifles
AA 361 - 5.56mm AR (transitional), 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on
barrel, no bipod, Galil style flash suppressor. Serial # in AAL000xxx to
AAL011xx range and located vertically behind the rear handguard. These
rifles are not marked Galil and have "milled out" areas on their receivers.
(3 rifles reported)
AA 372 - 5.56mm ARM, 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug, bipod, M-16 style
(early) flash suppressor or Galil style (later) flash suppressor. Serial #
in AA03xxx to AAL207750x range. Early rifles had bayonet lugs on a ring
pinned onto the bbl. and later rifles have them attached to the "front end"
of the gas block. (6 rifles reported)
AA 386 - 5.56mm AR, 16" bbl., 1-12" twist, no bayonet lug, no bipod
attachment point, Galil style flash suppressor. Serial # in AAL207765x to
AAL209xxxx range. (4 rifles reported)
AA 392 - 5.56mm ARM, 16" bbl., 1-12" twist, no bayonet lug, Galil style
flash suppressor. Serial #s in AAL207910x to AAL207947x range. (3 rifles
reported)
AA 392S - 5.56mm "ARM Sporter", 16" bbl., 1-7" twist, wood handguard, carry
handle, no bayonet lug, no bipod, but has bipod attachment pt., no night
sights, threaded muzzle. (1 rifle reported)
AA 397S - 5.56mm "AR Sporter", 16" bbl., 1-7" twist, black plastic
handguard, no carry handle, no bayonet lug, no bipod attachment pt., no
night sights, threaded muzzle. Serial # in AAL210xxxx to AAL21005xx range.
(3 rifles reported)
AA 710S - 5.56mm "ARM Sporter", 16" bbl., 1-7" twist, wood thumb-hole stock,
wood ARM hand guard, no carrying handle, no night sights, threaded muzzle,
bipod attachment point. Serial # in AAL 210022x range. (1 rifle reported)
7.62mm Action Arms Rifles
AA 331 - 7.62mm AR (transitional), 20" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on
barrel, no bipod or bipod attachment point, Galil style flash suppressor.
Serial # in AAL049xx range and located vertically behind the rear handguard.
These rifles are not marked Galil and have "milled out" areas on their
receivers. (3 rifles reported)
AA 323 - 7.62mm ARM, 18" bbl., 1-12" twist, no bayonet lug, bipod, Galil
style flash suppressor, Serial # in AAL2089xxx to AAL2094xxx range. (4
rifles reported)
AA 329 - 7.62mm AR, 18" bbl., no bayonet lug, no bipod attachment, Galil
style flash suppressor, Serial # in AAL209094x range. (1 rifle reported)
AA 332 - 7.62mm ARM, 20" bbl., 1-12" twist, bayonet lug on bbl., bipod,
Galil style flash suppressor, Serial # in AAL2078xxx range. (2 rifles
reported) There is one unique transitional rifle reported with the
following characteristics: Serial # in MR076xx range and located
vertically behind the rear handguard, not stamped Galil, but imported by
Action Arms. Yes, it has the MR prefix. Box and paperwork are dated 1992.
The receiver does have "milled out" areas.
AA 329S - 7.62mm "AR Sporter", 18" bbl., black plastic handguard, thumbhole
stock, no bayonet lug, no bipod attachment point, no night sights, threaded
muzzle. Serial # in AAL209xxxx range. (2 rifles reported)
5.56mm Springfield Armory Rifles
GS 386 - 5.56mm AR. Serial # in GS2095xxx. No "S" after Model #. (Only 1
rifle reported).
GS 710-S - 5.56mm "ARM Sporter", 16" barrel, 1-7" twist, wood thumb-hole
stock, wood ARM hand guard, no carrying handle, no night sights. Serial #
in GS2100xxx range. (1 rifle reported) There is also a GS 710 rifle
reported without the "S" stamped after the model number and without the GS
Serial # prefix. Serial # in 210020x.
7.62mm Springfield Armory Rifles
GS 329-S - 7.62mm "AR Sporter", 18" barrel, 1-12" twist, wood thumb-hole
stock, black plastic hand guard, no night sights. Serial # in GS2099xxx
range. (1 rifle reported)
It appears that all AA (except for transitional models) & all GS Serial #s
are located above the scope mounting "notch".
All Magnum Research rifles are Pre-89. Most appear to be Kalifornia legal,
but there is at least one documented MR rifle which is stamped "Galil".
Some Action Arms rifles are Pre-89 and some are Post-89.
All Springfield Armory rifles are Post-89. (CDNN was a known vendor.)
Springfield imported less than 1000 Galil rifles between 7-25-91 and
7-31-92.
The difference between Pre & Post rifles is as follows: Post-89 rifles have
the letter "S" stamped (sometimes crudely) AFTER the model number. On some
rifles the letter "S" was added after the rifle was imported and on other
rifles the "S" was added when the rifle was manufactured. This is not to be
confused with "S. Auto Galil" stamped onto the receiver. Post '89 rifles
have thumbhole stocks, no bayonet lugs, no bipods, no night sights, and no
flash suppressors.
Some Galil rifles (appear to be only Magnum Research imports) do not have
the word "Galil" stamped onto the receiver and these rifles are called
"Kalifornia Legal" and bring a premium price.
Early MR imported rifles did not come with Tritium night sights or spring
loaded firing pins. Owners could send in their bolts for firing pin spring
refit and request their night sights. It is believed that the U.S.
Government was in the process of approving tritium for importation at that
time.
Serial #s appear to start low in MR rifles and reach almost 7000. The
reported low MR # is 005xx and the reported high MR # is 69xx. There have
been no rifles reported in the MR5xxx range.
Serial #s appear to be in prefixes: 2077xxx, 208xxxx, 209xxxx & 210xxxx for
AA rifles.
Serial #s appear to be in prefixes: 2099xxx & 2100xxx for GS rifles.
The first 100 MR imported Galils arrived with commemorative paperwork
signifying their special status to their owners.
There is a 10 Yr. Anniversary commemorative sticker attached to the box of
"appropriate" AA import rifles.
Plastic handguards are now available for ARM style rifles.
There are several types of IMI scope mounts. The original (best &
expensive) utilizes a lever and attaches onto the scope mounting "groove" on
the left side of the rifle. This scope mount comes in three variants. One
variant is designed for STANAG scopes, another variant is designed for a 1"
tube scope, and the final variant is designed for a "channel" for ACOGs or
M-16 style scopes.
The cheaper scope mount also attaches onto the scope mounting "groove" and
is tightened with a "wheel" or "screw".
There is also a scope mount designed for AN-PVS/2 night vision devices.
Additionally, GG&G manufactures and sells a Galil scope mount.
Both plastic "Orlite" and steel magazines are available for the 5.56mm
rifles. Steel magazines are available in 12, 35, and 50 round capacities.
Orlite magazines are available in 35 round capacities. South Africa also
manufactures a 35 round steel magazine and a plastic 35 round magazine.
There are two types of M-16 magazine adapters designed for the 5.56mm
rifles. One type was designed by/for MR and the other by/for AA. As far as
can be determined, the only difference is that the MR version has a "safety
catch" to prevent accidentally discharging the adapter while changing
magazines.
There are 20 and 25 round 7.62mm steel magazines available. The 25 round
magazines appear to be originally designed for the Galil by IMI. The 20
round magazines appear to be modified M-14 magazines.
Valmet ejection port buffers will fit Galil rifles.
There is a IMI Blank Firing Adapter that was available for the 5.56mm
rifles.
Many serious students of firearms consider the Galil to be the "ultimate" AK
rifle. Galils are manufactured from/with a "milled" receiver as opposed to
a "stamped" receiver for most Valmets and AK series weapons. Milled
receivers are heavier, stronger, and much more expensive to manufacture than
stamped receivers. Some people consider milled receivers unnecessary due
to the success of the stamped receiver guns and the weight and cost of the
milled steel. Perhaps, one should examine the pros and cons of each and
arrive at their own conclusions. A Valmet rifle is an excellent rifle if
someone did not want to incur the weight & expense of the Galil.
It appears there were approximately 7,000 - 9,000 Semi-Automatic Galil
rifles imported (total). This included both calibers and all three
importers.
Perhaps the most intriguing piece of information I received regards South
African Galil rifles. An informed source has related that there were about
130 Semi-Automatic South African Galil receivers imported into the U.S. He
stated that they were receivers only and had to be assembled with other
Galil parts.
Feel free to contact me (off post) with any questions you may have. I'll be
glad to answer them if I can. Flamers need not apply.
Also, feel free to post (PLEASE DO) any additional information that is
available on any Galil rifles. Again, flamers need not apply.
Hope this helps. Many thanks to all the Galil owners who have shared their
information and experiences.