Very Early Galil? Need info please.

[Nitzel]

I picked up this .308 Galil at a local show. I have several other early MR Galils, but none with this serial number pattern and markings. It also has what I think is the early riveted ejector. Interestingly, IMI .308 mags do not fit - only the modified M14 mags that came with the gun. Receiver is marked as a MR import.

Thoughts? Info? History?

Thanks.

 

[lomalinda]

Very early indeed. There was a 223 AR of this vintage that recently sold on GB for about 2450.

Weird about the mag incompatibility.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[adipose]

I picked up this .308 Galil at a local show. I have several other early MR Galils, but none with this serial number pattern and markings. It also has what I think is the early riveted ejector. Interestingly, IMI .308 mags do not fit - only the modified M14 mags that came with the gun. Receiver is marked as a MR import.

Thoughts? Info? History?

Thanks.View attachment 30451View attachment 30452View attachment 30453

Very nice; as that is so early; it actually has the serialization set-up from Israel. The first early imports had the MR 000500 thru MR 000650 range. I also like the highlighted red selector marks; which is common on these.

Could you please verify the date code on the barrel; as you will have to take your gas tube off, possibly the hand guard if it is on the bottom side.

Should be around 1982.

Also pics of the rest; mainly the gas block area.

If the original mags. fit; the newer IMI 25 rounder's should fit. Do you know what cross dimension in the issue?

 

[lcastillo]

Good find. very interesting rifle indeed.

 

[Mr Folgers]

What you have is a very, very special rifle in your hands.

The early, non-model marked imports are difficult in themselves to find, but most are in 5.56/.223. I've only ever seen another early 7.62/.308 import such as yours, and it was in AR configuration.

You are correct in the assertion that it has a riveted ejector, a feature found only on the very first .308 Galil rifles made. You will also note that it has virtually the same receiver as the full-auto guns, and that the hole on the left side for the safety axis indicates this.

If you have more pictures of this model, we would all be very interested to see the rest of it, particularly the barrel. There is a small chance that you may have one of the sample guns as featured on the MR and AA catalogs that tend to have odd barrel lengths and other features that sets them apart from normal imports.

 

[Nitzel]

Thanks for the great info. I'll post more pics when I get home tonight. IIRC, the barrel length was that of a standard MR .308 ARM (with birdcage FH and bayo lug). More to follow.....

 

[Nitzel]

Here are more pics. I'm reluctant to remove the handguards because they look to have never been removed. The handguard retaining plate lever is undisturbed and I'd hate to marr it accidently unless someone has a good method and a necessary reason. Whaddya all think?

 

[Nitzel]

 

[Nitzel]

 

[Nitzel]

A few more including markings on barrel under gas tube....

 

[lcastillo]

Never seen these type of initials or stampings on barrel flats before. Good stuff

 

[Mr Folgers]

It is no doubt fully authentic.
The best way to describe this piece is just an 'early and unmarked model 332', since all the features are identical.

One thing I would be interested in seeing personally is the riveted ejector. That is a very odd feature that was done on the earliest 7.62 guns, for not many clear reasons.

You have a fantastic example on your hands! Do take excellent care of it

 

[AresShrike]

Yes, I'm sure we'd all love to see that riveted ejector please!!!

 

[adipose]

Factory rivet on my AA import for comparison; plus stand alone.

Here is a Early .308 in the AR configuration; only 13 digits above yours that just sold not too long ago. Looks like the IMI mag. fits.

Yours is the first early I have seen in the ARM configuration.

I like how the early MR imports had the individual components serialized; which a few of mine have.

Still would like for you to take your hand guard off and see the date stamp on the barrel; which looks like it is blocked by it. I thinking 82'; maybe 81'.

You will not hurt anything taking it off carefully and you will be able to inspect your rifle closer; plus clean / oil in those spots.

 

[AresShrike]

I wonder how many had those riveted on ejectors, and if any 5.56 guns have them?

Adipose, is that a 20" barrel? That barrel looks huge!

 

[Nitzel]

Gentlemen, thanks again for the expertise. Will take pics of the ejector and maybe barrel under hsndguards tomorrow.

 

[Nitzel]

Pics of ejector, barrel markings under the handguard, and bolt carrier. Gave her a detailed cleaning and oiling afterwards. Great shape, barely fired best I can tell.

 

[Nitzel]

 

[Nitzel]

Adipose - good call on the bbl date!

 

[adipose]

Adipose - good call on the bbl date!

Thank you so much for the pics. The earliest date codes I have on my imports is 82'; you have a gem.

Hopefully you plan on shooting it, as with the 20 inch barrels; they are impressive.

Just need to figure out your magazine issue. Maybe get another 25 round one or get a pair of calipers and compare the 2 dimensions between mags. that go in and ones that won't