Golani Rifles

[Crash]

Anybody know anything about Golani rifles? They are a Galil clone sold, I think, by Century Arms. I've read mixed opinions about the build quality, reliability, and functionality. Anybody have any first-hand experience with them?

Appreciate any info you can give me.

Crash

[jeep4x4greg]

I did an FFL transfer on one to a friend from work and he's a big fan of it. Initially he had some issues with the sights but he finally got them adjusted the way they need to be. It may not be the rifles fault because he also wears some think glasses :)

all in all the rifle is as accurate as my 16" AR when we took them out on his back 40

fit and finish was excellent on it in my opinion...

[Pitdog]

They are nice enough, however mags are expensive.

[Mikee Loxxer]

I have shot one before. It functioned fine until a case got stuck in the chamber. Used a cleaning rod to push it out and ended up bending it (cheap Hoppes rod).

There is some internet chatter that the receivers were not properly hardened and may stretch. Additionally these are parts kit guns assembled by Century some of which have spotty quality. Really you would have to put one through its paces before deciding whether it was worth the money.

Personally I would steer clear of them and buy an AR from a reputable manufacturer.

[Incoming]

Think parts - they arn't available on most street corners or gun stores.

[Clem]

Before the ban I really wanted a Galil. Didn't manage to get one. Now I feel it is still a very good design, but my enthusiasm has cooled. Parts and mags make it a non-starter now. I am in the process of purchasing a SIG 556: many of the same design features of the Galil, but AR-15 mags.

[Theyeti]

I have one and its a good rifle. On the heavier side, but cleanly finshed and the ORF reciever is solid. Have about 500 rounds through mine at this point. I found out early that the gas pressures needed for the op-rod to function are in the upper end. UMC .223 sucked horribly and I still won't run it. Sellier and Bellot has worked flawlessly as well as Winchester .223. The action was fairly stiff but is loosening up nicely(most of my feed failures occured with the first box or so). PMC seems to function well too. I also got some spray lithium grease and LIGHTLY coated the bolt carrier and the action rails.

Keep in mind there have been plenty of issues. Some were easy fixes (like magazine clearance of rounds) and were merely issues of functional familiarity, break in time and so forth. Others were fatal failures of function having to do with bad QC on Century's end. If I were to buy one I would find one that is already PROVEN, as in the owner has fired 500 + rounds with no major functional or mechanical issues. I wouldn't risk buying one from a dealer as there is no use history to be documented. Always try to get an opportunity to test run it before purchase (I realise that this can be hard to arrange at times).

Yes mags are expensive...about as bad as HK93 mags. Most run about $40 per 35 rnd mag whether they be Orlite or steel. Parts are another issue though firing pins, extractor springs, bolts and other high wear parts CAN be found but like was said...typically not at the local gun shop.

Frankly I would suggest another platform that won't have the 'possible' QC issues that a new Golani MIGHT have. While I like the look and feel of my Golani over the AR platform my Golani is rare and AR's are as common as roaches in Mexico City. You might also look at some AK platforms. Though they are not the 1" MOA beasts that AR's can be they can still be used to deadly effect are rugged and used by more nations than any other small arm in the world. Parts are common and cheap and there is a growing after market of options for these rifles. The SIG 556 is also appealing, when one can find one, and not get raped over the price.

Hope I helped.