IWI US, the US subsidiary of IWI in Israel, has brought a semiautomatic variant of the combat proven weapon system named the Carmel to United States. Although similar to the AR-15 platform there are enough differences to make this rifle a serious contender and choice for operators at all levels. The following is the description offered on the IWI US website:
The IWI US CARMEL rifle is a semiautomatic, short stroke, gas piston rifle. Made from superior steel, aviation grade aluminum and high strength impact modified polymer for outstanding performance in all environmental conditions. The rifle has a locking, rotating bolt system ensuring maximum safety for the user. IWI US CARMEL is fully ambidextrous and can be easily customized with MLOK rails at the 3, 6 and 9 position to allow compatibility with various accessories.
Features:
*Short-stroke gas piston
*Completely ambidextrous and can be converted easily in the field
*2 position gas regulator – (Regular, Suppressor)
*Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floating barrel, for enhanced accuracy & prolonged life cycle
*Hard-anodized monolithic aluminum MIL-STD 1913 Rail
*MLOK accessory rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions
Advantages and Benefits:
*Designed for minimum operator and armorer level maintenance
*All the metal parts of the weapon are corrosion resistant
*Body built with high strength impact modified polymer
*Uses any NATO MIL STD 5.56 Steel, aluminum, or polymer magazines
Optimized Ergonomic Design:
*Side folding stock with variable length of pull and comb height – the weapon can be fired with a folded stock
*Fully ambidextrous: safety lever, magazine release, bolt catch, non-reciprocating charging handle
*Enlarged trigger guard for easier access for glove use
*3 points of sling attachments QD or Cord
Some interesting information about the IWI US Carmel is that in 2014 it started with IWI Israel as a 7.62 x 39 caliber rifle for a military contract. When that contract went away the Carmel was next converted to a 5.56 x 45 NATO rifle still designed for military application. Finally in 2017, under new management, IWI US visited IWI Israel and took interest in the Carmel and decided to further develop the platform for the American market. The final product is now available at your local gun store in the United States at a starting price point of $1,700.
IWI, whose goal is "developing the most technologically advanced small arms systems based upon the demands of troops fighting in urban areas and harsh environments," has brought some excellent and innovative weapons systems to the US market and around the world. Some of their other notable weapons are the UZI®, TAVOR®, X95®, NEGEV®, GALIL ACE®, JERICHO®, and the ZION-15®.
IWI has been making some very good quality, robust, and durable weapons systems available to the US market and the IWI US Carmel appears to be no different. Only time will tell if the Carmel will simply be an excellent alternative to the very popular AR-15 rifle or will it take the place as the number one next generation battle rifle?
