Beretta ARX160 Automatic Rifle

When I first saw the Beretta ARX160, I was taken aback, mainly because I didn't know anything about it! And judging by the reaction at this year's SHOT Show most who were there never heard of it either.   But I think the ARX160 has everyone's attention now and with good reasons.
The ARX160 is Beretta's new generation of automatic military rifle and adopted recently with the Italian Armed Forces.   It was developed for the Soldato Futuro (Future Soldier System) program that comprises of an integrated system for the individual soldier. The Beretta ARX160 is one component of many that includes tactical wear, body armor, helmet, communication, command & control and other items.

The ARX160 was designed as a lightweight rifle and is capable of automatic fire. Its notable features are polymer receivers with full length picatinny rails on top, picatinny rails on sides and bottom. It's lubricant-free for reliability in extreme conditions, it has ambidextrous controls, a quick change barrel without tools, and a side-folding and collapsible stock. According to Beretta, it is also easily converted to other calibers such as 5.45x39mm, 7.62x39mm, and 6.8mm SPC. As the video shows, the ARX160 seamlessly integrates all of the little features that experienced operators always want in an individual weapon. For me, it's the little details that won me over, such as the 3 different magazine releases, the ambidextrous bolt catch/release, and most importantly the ease of removing the barrel! So simple, yet it must have taken Beretta countless of engineering hours to make this rifle what it is! According to one of their reps, when it becomes available to civilians (semi-auto version) it'll be priced under $2k!!! I think Beretta's got a winner.


Technical Specifications 

Caliber: 5.56x45 NATO
Barrel Options: 16"-12"
Overall Length: Extended Stock: 920mm (16"barrel), 820mm (12"barrel)
Collapse Stock: 855mm (16"barrel), 755mm (12"barrel)
Folded Stock: 680mm (16"barrel), 580mm (12"barrel)
Overall Width: 80mm
Overall Height: With 30-round magazine and flip-down sights: 250mm
With 30-round magazine and flip-up sights: 280mm
Overall Weight: 3.1 Kg (16"barrel), <3 Kg (12"barrel)
Operating System: Gas-Operated
Locking System: Rotating Bolt
Safety/Selector: 3 positions ambidextrous: Safety, Single, Full auto
Ejection: Ambidextrous
Iron Sights (Detachable): Front sight adjustable in elevation and windage, 5 pos. rear sights to 600m
Standard Magazine Capacity: 30 Rounds
Rate of Fire: 700 Rounds/Min