Facebook: http://facebook.com/XboxAhoy Twitter: http://twitter.com/xboxahoy In this episode we're covering the fifth assault rifle, the Galil. It's a fully automatic weapon, unlocked at level 20. The Galil is an Israeli weapon, taking its name from its designer - Yisrael Galil. The weapon was introduced into service with the IDF in 1972, winning in testing against rival designs such as the M16A1, Stoner 63 and AK-47. Its design is based on the earlier Finish Rk 62 rifle, which in turn is derived from the Soviet AK-47 design. The version seen in Black Ops is the ARM variant - or 'Assault Rifle and Machine gun', intended to fill a squad support role. The larger wooden hand guard and carry handle are the characteristic features of this variant. When adopted by the IDF in 1972, the Galil replaced the FN FAL as Israel's service rifle of choice - the FAL not proving particularly reliable in the harsh middle-eastern environment. The Galil would have 29 years of service as Israel's prime service rifle, before being supplanted by the newer TAR-21 in 2001. It did have considerable impact during its era, however - with no fewer than 28 countries adopting the rifle in some capacity. The design lives on in the licensed South African service rifle, the R4 - which entered service in 1982, and remains the rifle used by the South African Defence Force. The Galil is chambered for the NATO standard 5.56mm round, although some later Galil variants also fired the larger 7.62mm calibre. Magazine capacity is a cut above most of the other rifles, at 35 rounds instead of 30 - only the G11 bests it with 48 rounds, and the G11 lacks the extended magazine attachment. With Extended Mags, you'll get an unequaled 50 rounds at your Galil's disposal. Damage is moderately good, being one of the higher damage automatic rifles, on par with the Commando and AK-47. Capable of killing in just 2 headshots, this higher damage will mean the Galil kills in 3 rounds consistently out to a substantial distance. Rate of fire is moderately slow, however - at just 750 rounds per minute. This will lessen its close range effectiveness when compared to weapons such as the FAMAS, but will give you the ability to lay down more sustained, controlled fire. Recoil is fairly low, but if you're not careful it can pull you away from your target - with a fairly predictable pull upwards and to the right. With good fire control, firing in bursts to keep recoil in check, the Galil can be effective at a considerable range. Aim time is standard for the assault rifles, at 250 milliseconds - but reloads are a little on the slow side, at 2.8 seconds. Certainly not a major inconvenience, but it pays to stick close to cover so you don't get caught reloading in the open. The Galil is a weapon that's best employed in a manner similar to a mobile LMG - you're able to lay down impressive fire while still retaining the mobility and aim speed of an assault rifle. In a temporary defensive emplacement, the weapon is very effective - the moderately high damage will despatch enemies before they can target and dislodge you, and quite often you'll even find you'll have the advantage over groups of two or three unexpectant enemies. The Galil is king in sustained mid-range gunfights, with both substantial damage and unequalled capacity at its disposal. No other assault rifle can match its capacity, and with controllable automatic fire the Galil rivals the LMGs in its capability to lay down suppressive fire. However, the lower rate of fire can sometimes result in close-range foes getting the jump on you, with the SMGs and some of the assault rifles boasting a better time to kill. This need to keep enemies at arm's reach means it's generally best to avoid direct close-quarter gunfights with the Galil, as such exchanges will all too often lead to you losing against superior firepower. Still, if played to its strengths the Galil is no doubt a top-tier weapon, and one that can tilt the tide of battle in your team's favour. Whether defending the holy land or a key objective in Black Ops, no other rifle - has quite the capacity.