{
  "apiVersion": 1,
  "kind": "work-order",
  "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.",
  "firearm": {
    "slug": "galil-ace",
    "name": "IWI Galil ACE",
    "manufacturer": {
      "id": "iwi",
      "name": "Israel Weapon Industries"
    },
    "category": "rifle",
    "action": "gas-operated-long-stroke",
    "calibers": [
      "7.62x39mm",
      "5.56x45mm NATO",
      "7.62x51mm NATO"
    ],
    "alsoKnownAs": [
      "Galil ACE GAR",
      "Galil ACE SAR"
    ],
    "coversAlso": [
      "Galil ACE GAR and SAR",
      "Galil ACE Gen II variants"
    ],
    "page": "firearms/galil-ace.html",
    "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/galil-ace.json",
    "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29"
  },
  "notices": [
    "This work order is written for the IWI Galil ACE. It is reported to cover Galil ACE GAR and SAR; Galil ACE Gen II variants — if the firearm on the bench is one of those, check the torque notes: values do not always carry over.",
    "No torque values are recorded for this firearm. Get them from the manufacturer or a gunsmith; do not estimate."
  ],
  "disclaimer": {
    "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.",
    "points": [
      "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.",
      "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.",
      "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.",
      "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.",
      "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.",
      "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.",
      "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.",
      "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material."
    ],
    "page": "disclaimer.html",
    "legal": {
      "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.",
      "page": "legal.html",
      "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md"
    }
  },
  "sourcing": {
    "confidence": "high",
    "verification": "manufacturer-manual-verified"
  },
  "manufacturerDisassembly": {
    "status": "published",
    "limit": null,
    "statement": null,
    "source": {
      "title": "IWI US Galil ACE Semi-Automatic Rifles & Pistols Operator Manual (7.62x39mm)",
      "publisher": "IWI US, Inc.",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": "https://iwi.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IWI-Galil-Ace-Manual.pdf",
      "page": "43",
      "pdfPage": null,
      "pageUrl": null,
      "quote": null
    }
  },
  "recalls": [],
  "shopTier": {
    "tier": 2,
    "group": "rifle",
    "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's",
    "reason": "An AK-pattern long-stroke rifle with 86 line items (93 pieces) and many sprung sight and stock parts (rear sight plungers, front sight detent, butt catch). IWI makes everything past the five-part field strip armorer work. The return spring, bolt and gas cylinder each have a documented reassembly failure.",
    "confidence": "medium",
    "partCount": {
      "value": 86,
      "kind": "line-items",
      "covers": "Galil ACE 7.62x39 (rifles and pistols) list; the only list in the manual",
      "basis": "manufacturer-parts-list",
      "source": {
        "title": "IWI US Galil ACE Semi-Automatic Rifles & Pistols Operator Manual (7.62x39mm)",
        "publisher": "IWI US, Inc.",
        "reliability": "primary",
        "url": "https://iwi.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IWI-Galil-Ace-Manual.pdf",
        "page": "85",
        "pdfPage": null,
        "pageUrl": null,
        "quote": "86 NUT, FLASH HIDER LOCK"
      }
    },
    "painPoints": [
      {
        "issue": "IWI restricts anything past the operator field strip to a certified armorer.",
        "during": "both",
        "source": {
          "title": "IWI US Galil ACE Semi-Automatic Rifles & Pistols Operator Manual (7.62x39mm)",
          "publisher": "IWI US, Inc.",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://iwi.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IWI-Galil-Ace-Manual.pdf",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "Disassembly beyond what is described in this manual should only be performed by an IWI US cerified armorer or by IWI US, Inc."
        }
      },
      {
        "issue": "The return spring goes back by pushing its rear end against spring force and leaning it on the inner rear wall under the grooves; it often will not seat.",
        "during": "reassembly",
        "source": {
          "title": "IWI US Galil ACE Semi-Automatic Rifles & Pistols Operator Manual (7.62x39mm)",
          "publisher": "IWI US, Inc.",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://iwi.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IWI-Galil-Ace-Manual.pdf",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "Push its rear end against the spring force, then lean it against the inner rear wall of the receiver below its grooves."
        }
      }
    ],
    "minutes": {
      "strip": 50,
      "rebuild": 70,
      "basis": "estimated",
      "note": "Estimate: AK-style strip: dust cover, return spring, carrier/bolt, gas cylinder, fire control (hammer, trigger, disconnector, springs), selector, rails and handguard, rear/front sights with plungers and detents, stock hinge/catch, mag catch. Rebuild longer for the fire control springs and sight detents.",
      "source": null
    },
    "stripScope": [
      {
        "assembly": "Fire control",
        "removes": [
          "hammer and spring",
          "trigger, disconnector and springs",
          "blocker and spring",
          "selector",
          "pin retaining spring"
        ],
        "tools": [
          "drift punch"
        ]
      },
      {
        "assembly": "Receiver/upper",
        "removes": [
          "dust cover/rail",
          "return spring assembly",
          "bolt carrier, bolt, firing pin and spring, extractor, pin and spring",
          "gas cylinder and piston pin",
          "handguard/rails",
          "rear sight drum, plungers and springs",
          "front sight, detent and spring",
          "magazine catch and spring"
        ]
      },
      {
        "assembly": "Stock",
        "removes": [
          "folding stock, connecting pins, butt catch and spring",
          "cheek rest",
          "pistol grip"
        ]
      }
    ],
    "hardware": {
      "pins": 14,
      "springs": 14,
      "detents": 4,
      "basis": "counted from the manufacturer's parts list (one per key number unless a quantity is given)"
    },
    "specialTools": [
      {
        "tool": "Sight adjustment tool (zeroing key)",
        "usedFor": "Front/rear sight"
      },
      {
        "tool": "Pin punches",
        "usedFor": "Stock connecting pins, mag catch pin, gas piston pin"
      }
    ],
    "fitOnRebuild": [
      {
        "check": "Gas cylinder seated",
        "why": "A gas cylinder that moves is not seated (IWI check)",
        "source": null
      },
      {
        "check": "Headspace",
        "why": "IWI: headspace checked by a gunsmith with GO/NO-GO gauges",
        "source": {
          "title": "IWI US Galil ACE Semi-Automatic Rifles & Pistols Operator Manual (7.62x39mm)",
          "publisher": "IWI US, Inc.",
          "reliability": "primary",
          "url": "https://iwi.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IWI-Galil-Ace-Manual.pdf",
          "page": null,
          "pdfPage": null,
          "pageUrl": null,
          "quote": "Always have the headspace checked by a competent gunsmith"
        }
      },
      {
        "check": "Zero",
        "why": "Sights moved for coating; re-zero",
        "source": null
      }
    ],
    "assessed": "2026-10-29"
  },
  "videos": [
    {
      "title": "IWI US Expert's Corner: Galil ACE Disassembly & Assembly",
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmnzjB-WeQA",
      "platform": "youtube",
      "embedUrl": null,
      "shows": [
        "field-strip",
        "reassembly"
      ],
      "appliesTo": "Galil ACE rifle (per description)",
      "published": "2018-07-16",
      "note": null,
      "channel": {
        "id": "UCp6VBnbvSj7XYUahhekxAZQ",
        "name": "IWI US",
        "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@IWIUS",
        "owner": "IWI US, Inc. (US subsidiary)"
      },
      "accessed": "2026-10-15"
    },
    {
      "title": "IWI US Expert's Corner: Galil ACE Sight Removal & Mounting Optics",
      "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTMmSygbD-Y",
      "platform": "youtube",
      "embedUrl": null,
      "shows": [
        "adjustment"
      ],
      "appliesTo": "Galil ACE (per description)",
      "published": "2018-09-10",
      "note": null,
      "channel": {
        "id": "UCp6VBnbvSj7XYUahhekxAZQ",
        "name": "IWI US",
        "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@IWIUS",
        "owner": "IWI US, Inc. (US subsidiary)"
      },
      "accessed": "2026-10-15"
    }
  ],
  "configurations": [],
  "tools": [],
  "phases": [
    {
      "id": "clear",
      "title": "Clear and make safe",
      "steps": [
        {
          "n": 1,
          "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger."
        },
        {
          "n": 2,
          "instruction": "Place the selector on safe."
        },
        {
          "n": 3,
          "instruction": "Press the magazine release and remove the magazine.",
          "partsFreed": [
            "Magazine"
          ]
        },
        {
          "n": 4,
          "instruction": "Pull the charging handle fully to the rear and lock the bolt back if the rifle has a hold-open."
        },
        {
          "n": 5,
          "instruction": "Inspect the chamber and magazine well with a light and physically confirm the chamber is empty.",
          "warning": "Look and feel. Both, every time."
        },
        {
          "n": 6,
          "instruction": "Remove all live ammunition from the work area."
        }
      ],
      "videos": []
    },
    {
      "id": "disassemble",
      "title": "Disassemble",
      "videos": [
        {
          "title": "IWI US Expert's Corner: Galil ACE Disassembly & Assembly",
          "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmnzjB-WeQA",
          "platform": "youtube",
          "embedUrl": null,
          "shows": [
            "field-strip",
            "reassembly"
          ],
          "appliesTo": "Galil ACE rifle (per description)",
          "published": "2018-07-16",
          "note": null,
          "channel": {
            "id": "UCp6VBnbvSj7XYUahhekxAZQ",
            "name": "IWI US",
            "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@IWIUS",
            "owner": "IWI US, Inc. (US subsidiary)"
          },
          "accessed": "2026-10-15"
        }
      ],
      "procedures": [
        {
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "title": "Field Strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "configuration": false,
          "steps": [
            {
              "n": 1,
              "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure. Remove the magazine and confirm there is no live round in the chamber."
            },
            {
              "n": 2,
              "instruction": "Press the cover catch inward with your thumb, then with the other hand lift the cover up and pull it back off the rifle.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Cover"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 3,
              "instruction": "Push the return spring slightly FORWARD, then pull it upward and out of the receiver.",
              "tip": "Forward first to clear its seat, then up. Pulling straight up will not release it.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Return spring"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 4,
              "instruction": "Pull the bolt carrier all the way backwards and extract it from the receiver.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Bolt carrier"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 5,
              "instruction": "Holding the bolt carrier, rotate the bolt COUNTER-CLOCKWISE and pull it out.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Bolt"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 6,
              "instruction": "Hold the end of the gas cylinder, pull it backwards and lift it out.",
              "partsFreed": [
                "Gas cylinder"
              ]
            },
            {
              "n": 7,
              "instruction": "Stop here.",
              "warning": "These five parts are the whole of IWI's operator-level disassembly. Disassembly beyond this level is armorer work."
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "refinish",
      "title": "Refinish",
      "components": [
        {
          "name": "Cover",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 2
        },
        {
          "name": "Return spring",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 3
        },
        {
          "name": "Bolt carrier",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 4
        },
        {
          "name": "Bolt",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 5
        },
        {
          "name": "Gas cylinder",
          "procedure": "field-strip",
          "level": "field-strip",
          "step": 6
        }
      ],
      "manufacturerPartsList": {
        "parts": 86,
        "scope": "The manual's only list, for the Galil ACE in 7.62x39 mm (rifles and pistols). The entry's 5.56 and 7.62x51 versions are not covered by it."
      },
      "partsDiagrams": [],
      "materials": [
        {
          "component": "Barrel",
          "material": "CrMoV",
          "finish": "Chrome lined",
          "appliesTo": "Galil ACE GEN II Rifle, models GAR27 (5.56), GAR37 (7.62x39), GAR55 (7.62 NATO), GAR71 (5.45x39)",
          "note": null,
          "source": {
            "title": "Galil Ace Gen 2 - Modernized AK Rifles | IWI US (Rifle Technical Data)",
            "publisher": "IWI US, Inc.",
            "reliability": "primary",
            "url": "https://iwi.us/firearms/galil-ace-gen-2/",
            "page": null,
            "pdfPage": null,
            "pageUrl": null,
            "quote": "Barrel Material … Chrome lined, Cold hammer forged, CrMoV"
          }
        }
      ],
      "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked."
    },
    {
      "id": "reassemble",
      "title": "Reassemble",
      "videos": [
        {
          "title": "IWI US Expert's Corner: Galil ACE Disassembly & Assembly",
          "url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmnzjB-WeQA",
          "platform": "youtube",
          "embedUrl": null,
          "shows": [
            "field-strip",
            "reassembly"
          ],
          "appliesTo": "Galil ACE rifle (per description)",
          "published": "2018-07-16",
          "note": null,
          "channel": {
            "id": "UCp6VBnbvSj7XYUahhekxAZQ",
            "name": "IWI US",
            "url": "https://www.youtube.com/@IWIUS",
            "owner": "IWI US, Inc. (US subsidiary)"
          },
          "accessed": "2026-10-15"
        }
      ],
      "procedures": [
        {
          "procedure": "reassembly",
          "title": "Reassembly",
          "configuration": false,
          "steps": [
            {
              "n": 1,
              "instruction": "Lift the gas cylinder, fit its guides into the slot on the upper front edge of the receiver above the chamber, and its front end into the opening below the front sight, then push it forward."
            },
            {
              "n": 2,
              "instruction": "Confirm the gas cylinder is properly fitted in the gas block and does not move.",
              "warning": "IWI calls for this check explicitly. A gas cylinder that moves is not seated."
            },
            {
              "n": 3,
              "instruction": "Hold the bolt carrier horizontally, install the bolt inside it, and pull the bolt forward while it rotates until it stops in the carrier."
            },
            {
              "n": 4,
              "instruction": "Keeping the bolt in its forward position, install the bolt carrier group into the receiver, directing the piston towards the gas cylinder and the rear end towards its groove.",
              "warning": "Bolt forward. Installed with the bolt rotated back the carrier will not run."
            },
            {
              "n": 5,
              "instruction": "Fit the return spring into the receiver and seat it."
            },
            {
              "n": 6,
              "instruction": "Fit the cover and press it down until the catch engages."
            },
            {
              "n": 7,
              "instruction": "Cycle the action several times and perform the function check."
            }
          ],
          "instruction": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "torque",
      "title": "Torque",
      "coverage": "none-recorded",
      "manufacturer": [],
      "reported": [],
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "id": "function-check",
      "title": "Function check",
      "checks": [
        "Verify the rifle is unloaded with no magazine inserted before each step.",
        "Cycle the action by hand and confirm the bolt locks and returns fully to battery.",
        "With the selector on safe, press the trigger. The hammer must not fall.",
        "Move the selector to fire, cycle the action, and press the trigger. The hammer should fall.",
        "Hold the trigger back, cycle the action, and release slowly to feel the disconnector reset.",
        "Confirm the dust cover is latched and the magazine seats and locks positively."
      ],
      "videos": []
    }
  ],
  "troubleshooting": [
    {
      "symptom": "The return spring will not come out, or will not go back in.",
      "cause": "It is being pulled straight up. IWI's motion is forward first, then up.",
      "fix": "Push the spring slightly forward to clear its seat in the receiver, then lift it out — and reverse that to refit."
    },
    {
      "symptom": "The bolt will not separate from the carrier, or will not go back in.",
      "cause": "It is being rotated the wrong way. Counter-clockwise releases it.",
      "fix": "To remove, rotate the bolt counter-clockwise and pull it out. To fit, install it in the carrier and pull it forward while it rotates until it stops."
    },
    {
      "symptom": "The bolt carrier group will not enter the receiver.",
      "cause": "The bolt is not in its forward position, or the piston is not lined up with the gas cylinder.",
      "fix": "Push the bolt fully forward in the carrier, then enter the group with the piston directed at the gas cylinder and the rear end towards its groove."
    },
    {
      "symptom": "The gas cylinder is fitted but moves, or the rifle short-strokes.",
      "cause": "Its guides are not in the slot above the chamber, or its front end is not seated in the opening below the front sight.",
      "fix": "Refit the cylinder guides into the receiver slot and its front end below the front sight, push forward, and confirm it is solid in the gas block before firing.",
      "damageRisk": "A gas cylinder that is not seated will not direct gas correctly and can work loose under fire."
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "n": 1,
      "id": "iwi-galil-ace-manual",
      "title": "IWI US Galil ACE Semi-Automatic Rifles & Pistols Operator Manual (7.62x39mm)",
      "publisher": "IWI US, Inc.",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": "https://iwi.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IWI-Galil-Ace-Manual.pdf",
      "accessed": "2026-09-15"
    },
    {
      "n": 2,
      "id": "iwi-specs-c04453",
      "title": "Galil Ace Gen 2 - Modernized AK Rifles | IWI US (Rifle Technical Data)",
      "publisher": "IWI US, Inc.",
      "reliability": "primary",
      "url": "https://iwi.us/firearms/galil-ace-gen-2/",
      "accessed": "2026-10-03"
    }
  ]
}