Brett’s ARX160 assault rifle
The ARX160 is a modern Italian assault rifle developed by Beretta as part of the country’s “Future Soldier” program. Designed to replace the aging AR70/90 platform, it was built to meet the evolving needs of contemporary combat—offering modularity, ease of use, and high reliability in the field. Development began around 2008, and the weapon quickly gained traction among Italian armed forces, especially special operations units.
At its core, the rifle uses a short-stroke gas piston system with a rotating bolt, providing dependable performance in harsh conditions and reducing carbon buildup. Its construction features a lightweight polymer body combined with steel components in critical areas like the bolt and barrel. This balance makes the weapon durable without being heavy, ideal for extended use in varied terrains. One of its standout features is a fully ambidextrous layout—including the safety, bolt release, magazine release, and charging handle—along with a reversible ejection system, allowing spent rounds to eject from either side. This makes it particularly user-friendly for both left- and right-handed shooters.
Standard chambering is 5.56×45mm NATO, though variants or kits allow for calibers such as 7.62×39mm. It comes in multiple barrel lengths, suitable for roles ranging from close-quarters to general infantry use. The rifle fires at around 700 rounds per minute and remains effective up to about 600 meters, depending on configuration and ammunition. Its weight, unloaded, is approximately 3.1 kilograms.
Production numbers reached between 30,000 and 40,000 units for Italy alone by the mid-2010s. Since then, it has been exported to several countries, including Egypt, Algeria, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Poland, and others. In many cases, it’s been adopted by elite or special-purpose units rather than standard infantry, underscoring its role as a high-performance, mission-adaptable platform.
Accuracy is consistent within the expected combat ranges. While not a precision rifle, it performs well in semi-automatic fire and maintains reasonable grouping during bursts. Recoil is minimal, aiding in control and quick follow-up shots. The modular design allows users to mount optics, grips, and accessories via integrated rails, making the weapon adaptable to a wide range of missions.
Compared to older rifles like the AR70/90 or even AK variants, this platform represents a major step forward in ergonomics, reliability, and ease of maintenance. Against other modern rifles such as the HK416 or FN SCAR, it competes well in terms of modularity and user-friendliness, though some critics argue it offers slightly less precision at longer ranges. The use of polymers contributes to its lightweight build, but may raise questions about long-term durability in extreme conditions. However, field reports generally indicate solid performance across diverse environments.
