[5] The original Galil was built with a machined solid steel billet action in order to increase the structural integrity and survivability of the weapon.

Unfortunately this resulted in a weight of up to 9.6 lb (4.4 kg), depending on its variant, which was one of the primary criticisms from the Israel Defense Forces.

[6] According to American Rifleman: "Although this rifle is clearly based on the AK design, it demonstrated a superior level of accuracy potential compared to several of its cousins.

[7] The gas tube, unlike the AK-47 system, is mounted on the rifle via a dovetailed slide machined on the receiver upper-front block.

The long-stroke system is found in the M1 Garand, AK-47 (upon which the Galil's internal mechanism design borrowed heavily) and more recently in the IWI Tavor.

The side forearm rails have central grooves to provide routing channels for electric wiring used by pressure switch activated accessories.

Another addition by IWI to the original Galil is the last round bolt catch (for variants of the ACE in 5.56×45mm NATO only).

The bolt hold-open feature is a common request of military customers, to reduce reloading times during combat.