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56-567: In late 2015, Beretta introduced the Beretta ARX200 chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. The Beretta ARX160 was launched in 2008 as a commercial weapon system and was developed for the Italian Armed Forces as part of the layered Soldato Futuro ( Future Soldier ) program. The current program aims to replace the older Beretta AR70/90 as the standard assault rifle for the Italian Armed Forces. The project started as an evolution of

112-537: A 1:7 twist to fire NATO standard ball and tracer rounds. The non-free-floated barrel is easily removed simply by pulling on slide levers and pulling it out. The bayonet lug, designed by Beretta in association with Extrema Ratio for the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonet is positioned above the barrel rather than underneath it. However, on the ARX160 A3 the bayonet lug is repositioned under the barrel and it ditches

168-522: A Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver, and on the 3-,6-,9-o'clock position of the handguard for mounting various optics, grips and other accessories. The Picatinny rail that is located at the 6 o'clock position is limited, Beretta does offer an extended Picatinny rail accessory to mitigate this. It has a quick change barrel feature, a barrel length of 12- and 16-inch, a folding back-up iron sights, ambidextrous fire/safety selector, magazine release, bolt release and charging handle, case ejector that can eject

224-461: A ballistic calculator into a compact 6×40 optic. The ARX200 has three gas settings; normal, adverse and suppressed firing. It features a fully ambidextrous controls that include the bolt catch lever, magazine release button and fire selector. Unlike the ARX160, it lacks the capability to change which side the empty shells are ejected. However, the charging handle remains reversible and can be switched from

280-416: A bullet to fit. The ejection port is open on both sides and directs shells at a 45-degree angle from the barrel. The cocking lever is on the bolt carrier and can be positioned on either side by pulling it out, swinging it through the ejection port, and pushing it in to secure it in place. It features a standard back-up iron sights that are made of the same polymer as the weapon's receiver. The front sight post

336-438: A case ejector that can eject the empty brass either to the right side or left side by pressing on the case ejection selector with a tip of a 5.56×45mm NATO ( .223 Remington ) cartridge, and a telescopic folding buttstock that is also adjustable for length of pull. The ARX100 lacks bayonet lug, and still uses the old ARX160 handguard design. However, it does use the improved pistol grip from the ARX160 A3. The Beretta ARX160 22 LR

392-513: A cyclic rate of fire of around 700 rounds per minute. The ARX200 is planned to fill the gap in Italian infantry armament between the 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle and large-calibre bolt-action sniper rifles, based on combat experience in Afghanistan. The Italian Armed Forces has ordered four hundred ARX200s for trials and evaluation. It's also expected that the first batch of ARX200s will be delivered by

448-649: A deal with Beretta to produce the ARX200 under license. No news of the arrangement have surfaced since then. It is unknown if the agreement has been cancelled, though likely. The Indian Army tested the ARX160 as a replacement for the INSAS rifle . The tender was retracted in June 2015. The ARX160 A3 was one of the 5 finalists of the French Army tender to replace the FAMAS , eventually won by

504-404: A foldable telescopic stock with adjustable cheek rest, shock absorber back plate and four fixed sling attachments. On the other hand, the designated marksman rifle configuration is to be equipped with a fixed buttstock and a computerised Intelligent Combat Sight (ICS), developed by Steiner Optics (a subsidiary of Beretta Defense Technologies), which integrates a laser rangefinder, an inclinometer and

560-467: A large capacity and a corresponding high spring pressure pushing the rounds to the top of the magazine, can be quite difficult. A number of devices are available to make this task simpler. These are sometimes called speedloaders but are more commonly known as magazine loaders, stripper clips, spoons, or stripper clip guides. There are a wide range of both commercial and military type loading tools available for STANAG magazines. For example; draft STANAG 4181

616-487: A new assault rifle design, which would become known as AR70/90. The first working samples were ready in 1985 and the AR-70/90 was submitted to the rifle evaluation trials conducted by Stabilimento Militare di Armamento Leggero di Terni (Light Armament Military Plant of Terni) in the years 1988 and 1989. During the trials, the AR-70/90 competed with a variant of H&K G41 licensed and produced domestically by Franchi and

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672-582: A new magazine design in July 2013 to address feeding issues of older designs with the new M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round . It was first made public in 2014 and completed development in mid-2016 as the Enhanced Performance Magazine. The magazine uses a blue follower and a tan body which presents the rounds with a better angle to the weapon's feedway, preventing the hardened steel tip of the EPR from contacting

728-593: A perceived lack of durability and a tendency to malfunction unless treated with a level of care that may not be practical under combat conditions. Because STANAG 4179 is only a dimensional standard, production quality from manufacturer to manufacturer is not uniform. As a result, in March 2009, the U.S. military began to accept delivery of improved STANAG magazines. To increase reliability, these magazines incorporate heavier, more corrosion resistant springs and new tan-colored anti-tilt followers. ARDEC began development of

784-591: A quick-change barrel which can be removed and replaced in seconds without any tools. The lightweight barrel is chrome lined and manufactured by the hammer forging process at the Beretta factory in Gardone Val Trompia, Lombardy. Barrel lengths for this rifle are 16 in (40.6 cm) for its standard barrel, and a 12 in (30.48 cm) barrel for special operators. The flash hider has 5 radial cuts and 4 smaller cuts to control muzzle climb in automatic firing. Barrels have

840-512: A quick-change barrel, but it did not achieve considerable success. Development of Beretta AR70/90 rifle began when in the 1980s when the Italian Government decided that its military and law enforcement agencies needed a new standard service weapon. It was made to be compatible with other NATO weapons by the adoption of standard 5.56 mm STANAG loaders, whereas the AR70/90's predecessor,

896-464: A redesigned handguard with an improved heat ventilation and an extended Picatinny rail on its bottom, and an improved pistol grip design. In 2014, the Italian Ministry of Defence allocated US$ 2.7 million to Beretta for the development of the ARX200 battle rifle. Also, the Italian Armed Forces has announced a possible requirement for 1,170 rifles chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. In late 2015,

952-547: A safe, and has a carrying handle not unlike the Vietnam-era M16 , a long, bulky barrel, and a hollow stock. It is usually fitted with an ACOG or a red dot optic. STANAG magazine A STANAG magazine or NATO magazine is a type of detachable firearm magazine proposed by NATO in October 1980. Shortly after NATO's acceptance of the 5.56×45mm NATO rifle cartridge, Draft Standardization Agreement ( STANAG ) 4179

1008-463: Is a rimfire semi-automatic only variant, chambered in .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It features an 18.1-inch barrel for the carbine configuration and an 8.5-inch barrel for the pistol configuration and uses a 5-, 10-, 15- or 20-round magazine. In late 2015, Beretta introduced the ARX200 chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It operates through a short-stroke gas piston system with a rotating bolt, capable of fully automatic and semi-automatic fire. It has

1064-643: Is adjustable for windage and elevation and the rear peep sight has six positions to fire in increments from 100 to 600 meters. The primary optical sight is the Aimpoint ACIES, a domestic version of the Aimpoint CompM2 . Telescopic sights , night vision systems , vertical forward grips , and other accessories will be available through the Soldato Futuro program. The Beretta ARX160 can be chambered in either 5.56×45mm NATO or 7.62×39mm cartridge. It features

1120-695: Is only an interface, dimensional and controls (magazine latch, bolt stop, etc.) requirement. Therefore, it not only allows one type of magazine to interface with various weapon systems, but also allows STANAG magazines to be made in various configurations and capacities. The standard capacities of STANAG -compatible magazines are 20 or 30 rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. There are also 5-, 10-, 40- and 50-round box magazines, as well as 60- and 100-round casket magazines , 90-round snail-drum magazines , and 100-round drum magazines. The STANAG magazine, while relatively compact compared to other types of 5.56×45mm NATO box magazines, has often been criticized for

1176-600: The 5.56×45 mm NATO cartridge, and is the standard issue service rifle of the Italian Armed Forces . The weapon is also designed to be fitted with a rifle grenade , and has grenade sights. The AR series comes in many variants such as the AR90, with a wire folding stock, for use by paratroopers. In 1963, SIG and Beretta began a joint development of the SIG SG 530 . In 1968, Beretta decided to cease development with SIG, with

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1232-553: The AS70/90 , was also developed. It could be fed with either ammo-belt or standard 30-round STANAG magazine. However, it was not adopted by Italian Armed Forces, whom had instead adopted the Belgian FN Minimi . As with BM59, the AR70/90 also supplanted the older AR70/223 models in all departments that had adopted it. Both the 70/223 automatic rifles and the 70/90 automatic rifles are also available in semi-automatic only versions for

1288-556: The BM59 , derived from the U.S. M1 Garand , was chambered in 7.62 mm (.308), another NATO caliber which today is considered suitable mostly for sniper or machine gun use. The Beretta AR70/223 in its current state could not be submitted for the trials. In October 1980, NATO had chosen the Belgian 62 gr SS109 cartridge as the new standard for the 5.56×45mm round. Because the AR70/223 still ran on

1344-564: The Mod.378 VB-SR , a modified clone of the Galil SAR developed by Bernardelli . There was also intent to request Colt to submit the M16A2 to be evaluated, but legal troubles involving Renato Gamba and his company (currently Bremec S.r.l) – which was Colt's Italian representative – blocked the evaluation of M16A2. AR70/90 would win the trials and be adopted as Italian Army's standard assault rifle. In 1990

1400-452: The 7.62×39mm configuration and STANAG magazines for the 5.56×45mm NATO configuration. It uses a proprietary bayonet lug that extends over the barrel from the gas block and is compatible with Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonet. The Beretta ARX160 SF (Special Forces), also known as the ARX160 A2 is similar to the original design but features a shorter buttstock, an extended Picatinny rail on

1456-417: The 7.62×39mm configuration. Other calibres, including 5.45×39mm and 6.8mm Remington SPC were planned. It features an ambidextrous safety, magazine release (right side, left side, and "AK style" paddle), bolt release and charging handle. The rifle is equipped with Picatinny rails and a foldable telescopic stock. The rifle also possesses the ability to change which side spent casings are ejected, as well as

1512-621: The AR70/90 (Automatic Rifle) model was adopted as a standard automatic rifle; in addition to the basic version with fixed stock, the SC70/90 variants (Special Carbine) with folding stock were adopted, mainly used by Alpine troops, and the SCP70/90 (Special Carbine Paratroopers) rifle for paratroopers with recoil pad foldable and shorter barrel than the SC which allows insertion into the rifle sheath used in parachute jumps. A light support weapon variant, known as

1568-548: The ARX160 A3 as the ARX160 . The Beretta ARX100 is a semi-automatic only variant intended for the civilian market. It features a Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver for mounting various optics, on both sides of the hand guard for mounting various accessories and on the bottom of the handguard for mounting various grips, a quick change barrel, a barrel length of 16 inch, a folding back-up iron sights, ambidextrous fire/safety selector, magazine release, bolt release and charging handle,

1624-562: The ARX160 A3 issued to the Italian army the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonet has been replaced by the FKMD Oplita bayonet. The newly designed bayonet lug on the ARX160 A3 is also compatible with the existing Extrema Ratio Fulcrum Ranger bayonets that have always been the standard-issue bayonets of the Alpine Paratroopers. Thus it negates the need to switch over to the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonets. As of late Beretta simply refers to

1680-480: The Beretta AR 70/90 and Beretta SC 70/90 and was initially presented as a simple update of the construction materials and addition of small changes to the Beretta AR 70/90. Later a more elaborate prototype was then introduced, which introduced a stock that was not foldable but adjustable in length and the cocking lever in the upper front position, a feature however not comfortable during use. Subsequent developments led to

1736-531: The Beretta AR70/90. Beretta began to develop an upgraded version of the Beretta AR70/90 platform, but the product in development would eventually evolve into the Beretta ARX-160 , which would be chosen as AR70/90's successor as standard automatic rifle of Italian Armed Forces. Between 2008 and 2014, there were around 30,000 ARX160 A2s that are chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge that have been supplied to

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1792-525: The Beretta ARX200 battle rifle was introduced and is being supplied to the Italian Army. It is a distant derivative of the ARX160 modular assault rifle. It has passed the following military and environmental tests; cold and hot temperature, temperature and humidity, ice, salt fog, heavy rain, salt water, sand and dust, mud, unlubricated, double feeding proof, and barrel obstruction proof. The Beretta ARX160

1848-447: The Beretta project at the end of August 2024. The Beretta ARX160 departs from the previously issued AR70/90 on several points. It is composed of an upper and lower receiver, both manufactured mostly from polymer, and operates through a short-stroke piston system. It is chambered in either 5.56×45mm NATO or 7.62×39mm cartridge. Feeding is through STANAG magazines for the 5.56×45mm NATO configuration and AK-47 or AKM magazines for

1904-536: The C-clamp grip when shooting, and Beretta claims that it has an accuracy of 1.5 MOA with 5 shots at 100 metres. The polymer lower receiver is equipped with a modular magazine well for the new Beretta 20-round polymer magazine and also has a special magazine-well adapter that can be removed in order to use the M110/ SR-25 magazines. Beretta AR70 The Beretta AR70/90 is a gas operated assault rifle chambered for

1960-680: The German-made HK416 . In January 2019, the Romanian Armed Forces have chosen the ARX160 A3 to replace the old PM Md.1963 (7,62 x 39 mm) and PM Md.1986 (5,45 x 39 mm) of the Romanian Land Forces. Production was expected to start in autumn 2019 at Uzina Plopeni of ROMARM . As the project failed to materialize at Plopeni, it was moved to the Cugir Arms Factory in 2023. The factory could start its operations on

2016-563: The Italian Army, Italian Navy, Italian Air Force and Italian Special Forces, supplementing the AR70/90. ARX-160 has been since the deployed in several operations conducted by Italian Armed Forces, including missions in Afghanistan. The AR70/90 is manufactured according to 1980s standards, i.e. with limited use of polymer plastic parts and using stainless steel whenever possible (a Beretta staple). It weighs approximately 4 kg (8.82 lb) in standard configuration. It has three firing positions (full auto, three-round burst, and semi-auto ) and

2072-454: The Italian Army, Italian Navy, Italian Air Force and Italian Special Forces. In 2012, Beretta introduced the 7.62×39mm configuration of the ARX160, and on the same year Beretta also introduced the ARX160 A2 which is currently in use with the Italian Army and Special Forces. In 2013, Beretta introduced the ARX160 A3, which features improvements to its original design. The improvements includes

2128-507: The aluminum feed ramp of the M4 carbine, increasing mean rounds between stoppage by 300%. Over the years different cartridges that fit into the STANAG magazine emerged, some rounds like .300 AAC Blackout have the same rim diameter as .223 Remington and only require a barrel change to be used in a firearms that was previously using in .223 Remington . Loading a STANAG magazine, particularly one with

2184-426: The bottom of its handguard and uses a 12-inch barrel. It was developed for the Italian special forces and was later adopted by them. The Beretta ARX160 A3 improves upon the original design of the ARX160. It features three different barrel lengths an 11-, 14-, and 16-inch. The changes includes a redesigned pistol grip, and handguard where its top row air vent slits have been replaced with a larger square cut outs, though

2240-458: The bottom row air vent still retains the thinner slits. These larger cut outs reduces some weight of the rifle while letting more air to circulate around the barrel. The bayonet lug on the ARX160 A3 is repositioned under the barrel and it ditches the proprietary bayonet lug design meant for mounting the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonet for a re-designed bayonet lug that is compatible with the M9 bayonet. On

2296-400: The carrier group. It has the ability to eject the empty shells out of either in the right side or left side for ambidextrous operation. The bolt has seven lugs and an extractor on the left and right, with no ejector. The extractors are spring-loaded and which way cases are ejected is selected by pressing a case through a small hole located past the port. It is small and optimised for the tip of

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2352-492: The definitive version of the ARX160, which is currently in production and has supplanted all the three versions its predecessor, the AR 70/90. The Italian Army ordered a first batch of 800 weapons in 2008 for field trials in Afghanistan, which was followed by orders for 11,500 units in 2010 and 10,000 in 2012. Between 2008 and 2014, there were around 30,000 ARX160 SFs that are chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge that have been supplied to

2408-455: The empty brass either to the right side or left side by pressing on the case ejection selector with a tip of a 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, and a telescopic folding buttstock that is also adjustable for length of pull . A conversion kit for 7.62×39mm is also available, it requires changing the barrel, bolt, lower receiver assembly and magazine in order to change the calibre. It uses the AKM magazines for

2464-518: The end of 2015. They are also testing on how to introduce a battle rifle into small infantry units. Possibly 2 to 3 designated marksman rifles and battle rifles are planned for use at squad level. The Italian Army is planning to introduce two configurations of the ARX200; a battle rifle and a designated marksman rifle . The battle rifle configuration is to be equipped with an interface for the Beretta GLX160 grenade launcher chambered in 40×46mm NATO,

2520-506: The latter developer choosing to continue work on the SG 530. Beretta instead pursued development of its own off-shoot of the SG 530, using the information and experience they had gained from the project. The result was the Beretta AR70, which externally resembled its parent weapon, the SG 530, while differing in the internal firing mechanism/locking system. The AR-70 was introduced in 1972. Following

2576-565: The law enforcement and civilian market. Known as the AR-70/90s , it was mostly identical to military variant, with exception of deleted flash hider, bayonet mount and carrying handle. Since January 2018, the latest civilian versions have been marketed by Nuova Jager S.r.l. These are mainly rifles acquired from the reserves of the Carabinieri , which have been modified by the distributor for semi-automatic operation only. These variants still maintain

2632-485: The older 5.56mm M193 cartridge, the platform required changes to accommodate the newly standardized SS109 cartridge. Furthermore, a significant defect in build of AR70/223 had been discovered. The receiver of the AR70/223 model was pressed steel box with bolt guides pressed in. It was found that the receiver would distort and jam the firing bolt, if the weapon was subjected to harsh circumstances. The result of these and other upgrades to AR70/223 platform would eventually spawn

2688-485: The original .223 Remington caliber, ability to take NATO/STANAG magazines, while barrel length has been reduced to 21mm. In 2008, Italian Armed Forces initiated the layered Soldato Futuro (Future Soldier) program, which sought to modernize the elements of the Armed Forces following the wake of innovations and battlefield experiences in 2000s. One of the program's perimeters was examining a potential replacement/upgrade for

2744-431: The proprietary bayonet lug design meant for mounting the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonet for a redesigned bayonet lug that is compatible with the M9 bayonet. On the ARX160 A3 issued to the Italian army the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonet has been replaced by FKMD Oplita bayonet. The newly designed bayonet lug on the ARX160 A3 is also compatible with the existing Extrema Ratio Fulcrum Ranger bayonets that have always been

2800-410: The right- to left-side of the upper receiver and the barrel locking bolt is located in front of the magazine well. It is equipped with a quick-change, free-floating, cold hammer-forged barrel which can be removed and replaced in a minute using one wrench. It has a weight of 4.5 kg without a magazine and 8.6 lb (3.9 kg) unloaded, a length of 730 mm with the stock folded, 890 mm with

2856-430: The standard-issue bayonets of the Alpine Paratroopers. Thus it negates the need to switch over to the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonets. The ARX160 operating system is unique in that the piston moves almost 2 in (50.8 mm), while other systems move fractions of an inch. The piston follows the bolt carrier almost all the way rearward, resulting in low gas pressure levels and a less sudden and more constant push on

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2912-427: The stock collapsed and 1,000 mm with the stock extended, a 406 mm (16 in) heavy barrel (excluding the flash hider) with match-grade rifling with four right-hand grooves and a 279 mm (11 in) twist rate, a monolithic upper receiver with a long Picatinny rail on top made of steel-reinforced polymer which includes internal rails for a weapon bolt carrier, a more streamlined forend for operators who use

2968-640: The successful testing of the rifle's capabilities, it was adopted by various outfits of Italian military and police. These include COMSUBIN , the San Marco Battalion of the Italian Navy, the NOCS of the State Police and was also issued by Italian Airforce to men of VAM (Vigilanza Aeronautica Militare). Exports to foreign armies include Jordan, Malaysia and others. The rifle was initially designated AR-70 , but

3024-425: Was later redesignated as AR-70/223 to distinguish it from the later AR70/90. AR-70/223 was available in three variants. The AR-70/223 standard automatic rifle, SC-70 carbine which was 223 with the same muzzle length but with foldable stock, and a special SCS-70/223 rifle with detachable shortened muzzle and foldable stock). A light support weapon variant of 70/223 was also developed, with a removable box magazine and

3080-618: Was one of the five Phase II contenders in the United States Army Individual Carbine competition to replace the M4 carbine . The Individual Carbine competition was cancelled before a winning weapon was chosen. In February 2013, the Argentine Army received an ARX160 rifle and GLX160 grenade launcher for evaluation for their special forces. In December 2016, state-owned Argentine arms manufacturer Fabricaciones Militares signed

3136-436: Was proposed in order to allow NATO members to easily share rifle ammunition and magazines down to the individual soldier level. The U.S. M16 rifle 's magazine proportions were proposed for standardization. Many NATO members, but not all, subsequently developed or purchased rifles with the ability to accept this type of magazine. However, the standard was never ratified and remains a "Draft STANAG". The STANAG magazine concept

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