Accuracy testing was done at 50 yards, the range the RDS was zeroed at. Even though it’s a rifle caliber, it’s a pistol, and as such is really designed for 100 yards and closer, more across the room or street than anything else. It is more than lethal out to 300 yards, but that’s not its design purpose. Best accuracy came from the Black Hills 55-grain TSX at just under an inch, although all ammo was about the same, just at or under an inch or so using the RDS. At my age, precision with an RDS is less than likely, so my guess is it will shoot tighter with a scope. Barnes’ 55-grain TSX bullet is one of the most often used in a short 5.56mm, and the Black Hill’s load is excellent and remains in the 2,400 f.p.s. range out of this short barrel.
SureFire’s new Warcomp proved to be an excellent muzzle device. Nowhere near as loud as a brake, it was about the same as a standard flash hider with some muzzle rise control. If my attempt to video the flash is any indication, it is excellent; after several attempts in normal conditions (not at night) even a frame by frame did not pick up much of anything. Whether you attach a suppressor or not this is an excellent flash hider with moderate recoil reduction.
Attaching the SOCOM RC-2, it worked well, although a bit harsh. As is often the case on AK-47 gas systems, recoil is increased and debris is often thrown at the shooter due to the blow back. The RC-2 worked great, was pretty quiet (as quiet as these short barrels get) and remains pretty compact, offering the ability to run with or without the suppressor for concealment or storage. There was minimal change to the zero at 50 yards with the RC-2, maybe an inch or less.
It’s really Handy
Unsuppressed and folded, the Galil ACE 556 SB fit in several of my less than tactical packs and bags. Out of the bag it slides into nooks and crannys of the FJ making it easily accessible. Working it inside the truck was pretty easy, especially since you can fight as needed with it folded. I could reach the trigger folded, but the right-side magazine release was an issue, although maybe not for those with smaller fingers. Since there is a left-side release it can be run that way. Brace length is well thought out, about right if you need to get it on the cheek, or if it unintentionally slides into the shoulder, your nose is safe.
Final Thoughts
With just a bit of thought, staying within its defined design parameters as a pistol, it is very usable in the real world. I’m not sure, given my current FFL, that I would not turn this into an SBR and add a stock, but I’d give it some thought. Configured this way it is well suited to most any close-quarters use, whether in the home, car, traveling, or for work, remaining legal where an SBR may not be. Using an 8.3” barrel, the terminal ballistics with the correct ammunition are solid and you can reach out farther if needed. It ran everything including my “box ‘o steel”, assorted steel cased 5.56mm accumulated over the years. It is very controllable, compact and as accurate as most any 5.56mm weapons this short. If you are an AR guy, the left side charging will take some getting used to, but all my AKs are configured the same. With a bit of work its very fast, and its well suited to harsh conditions with a large knob. After a while its very intuitive. If you are making the jump to a 5.56mm pistol then this would be a good one to take a hard look at. Check it out at your nearest dealer, or for more information, contact IWI US, Inc.; Tel.: (717) 695-2081; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.iwi.us
