When we first got our hands on the ICS Galil ARM we were impressed with the quality of the build and materials used, especially the wooden handguard. So when I heard that ICS is releasing a Tactical Rifle variant of the Galil, I was a bit sceptical as I have always envisioned the Galil as an old, historic rifle with wood and metal alone. No fancy bits, simply “Old School.” So a tactical variant seemed very odd and I have always imagined it not looking very pleasant to the eyes.

It was like déjà vu when I received the ICS Galil ICAR-MRS. It came in the same packaging as the old Galil ARM. I am not sure if this is the same box that the rifle will come in when it is properly purchased. I see nothing wrong with this except that the ICAR-MRS is not on the photos printed in the box.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

When I opened the box, my first thoughts were the same as when I first heard about the release of this AEG, It looks weird. For me these rifles are meant to look like classic not modern. The rifle comes with the usual ICS bundle with a bottle of ICS BBs and two metal hi-cap mags.

Upon lifting the rifle, the first obvious difference from the ARM version is the weight. I find the MRS lighter and easier to manoeuvre than the ARM version.  I think this is mainly due to the material used for the modular rail system. Other than that, it is exactly the same as the old ARM version.

WHAT'S DIFFERENT?

Basically, there are some new parts that ICS changed from the old variant to create this MRS version. Let me start with what they changed.

1. First obvious change was the wooden handguard is replaced by a modular rail system. The Gas tube that runs along the top of the wood handguard is now inside the MRS as compared to the original Galil design where the gas tube is exposed. The stick battery simply slips into gas tube which you can do by opening the upper receiver cover and insert the battery. The design of the tactical handguard is good as they were able to incorporate the rail system on all 4 sides of the handguard without making it look awkward.

2. The upper housing or receiver cover has also been replaced by a new one. Similar to the old cover but only this time, they added a top rail that, amazingly, runs continuous with the tactical handguard top rail. At the rear end of the top rail is a miniature flip-up rear sight, which I think could have been made a bit better. I would have preferred ICS to have included a detachable MBUS-style rear sight to make the rifle look more modern.

3. The skeleton type stock is the same as that of the ARM, albeit a little bit shorter than the Galil ARM , but they added a cheek piece. One thing I found difficult with the check piece is that it serves right handed shooters. My son, being a lefty, found this out the hard way when he used the rifle during the Ground Zero National Weekender. He could not get a comfortable shooting position as he can not use the cheek piece. I am not 100% sure if it can be reversed for southpaws but it looks like it can be disassembled.

4. And finally, the old style grip is replaced into a more ergonomically designed tactical grip that is more comfortable to hold.

Doing all of these changes meant that some of the cool features of the old ARM variant has to be removed namely the bi-pod, the folding carry handle and the rear sight. Although the bi-pod can still be installed there is no facility to be able to fold it into the handguard anymore.

Despite all those changes, most features of the ARM variant still exist such as the folding stock and the ambidextrous fire selector.

The internals are unchanged from the originalwhich you can refer to the  ICS ICAR ARM version which we previously reviewed. And as I always say, if it works, why change it?

PERFORMANCE

The best feature of the MRS is its weight. It was so light that my 14 year old son was able to run around with it for a whole day of hardcore skirmishing during the National Airsoft Weekender held here in the UK.

The accuracy and range mirrors its original counterpart and the rate of fire is very decent even with a mere 8.4v battery powering its motor.

I am very impressed with how “skirmishable” this AEG is and the versatility that the Rail System adds to it is great giving the user the flexibility of attaching accessories that he needs for any firefight scenario. 

A BLEND OF THE OLD AND NEW

As I said in the beginning, I was a quite sceptical when I heard of the release of this MRS variant of the Galil. Gut instinct telling me: “It will not work.” But surprisingly ICS did manage to create a design that works and actually doesn’t look bad. With the MRS, ICS was able to incorporate the modernity of the rail system with the old classic design of the ARM, which now gives it flexibility and ease when adding after market accessories that caters to players who spend a lot of money in “pimping out” their AEGs. This MRS variant will surely rival the Tactical AKs that are out in the market at present and gives an even better choice to players who prefer these types of firearms.

Hats off to ICS for another great design.