Beretta ARX-160
Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta · Carbine · In Production · 2008
Also known as: Beretta ARX160, ARX
Overview
The Beretta ARX-160 is a modular assault rifle designed and manufactured by Beretta for the Italian Armed Forces. Introduced in 2008 to replace the aging Beretta AR70/90, the ARX-160 features a modern short-stroke gas piston operating system and extensive use of polymer components to reduce weight. The rifle's modular design allows rapid conversion between left and right-hand ejection by swapping the bolt and ejection port cover, making it truly ambidextrous. The quick-change barrel system allows operators to swap between 12-inch and 16-inch barrels without tools in under a minute. The ARX-160 uses standard STANAG 4179 magazines and features four Picatinny rails for mounting optics, lights, lasers, and other accessories. The telescoping and folding stock can be adjusted to six positions and folds to the right side for compact storage. A grenade launcher attachment point is integrated into the design. The rifle achieved sub-MOA accuracy during Italian military testing and has proven reliable in desert and arctic conditions.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3100 g (109.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3670 g (129.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 815 mm (32.09") |
| Folded Length | 586 mm (23.07") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 30 N (6.7 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 865 m/s (2838 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1497 J (1104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic, Burst 3
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Ambidextrous Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Ambidextrous Controls, Quick Change Barrel, Convertible Ejection Port, Foldable Stock, Telescoping Stock, Rotating Bolt, Picatinny Rails, Grenade Launcher Capable, Stanag Magazine Compatible
Variants
Service history
Operators
- Italian Armed Forces · adopted 2008 · as ARX-160
- Mexican Armed Forces · adopted 2013 · as ARX-160
- Turkmenistan Armed Forces · adopted 2014 · as ARX-160
- Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service · adopted 2014 · as ARX-160
Conflicts
- Iraqi Civil War (2014-2017)
Production
Production years: 2008-present
Primary production for Italian Armed Forces with limited export sales
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
The ARX-160 was developed as part of the Italian Army's 'Soldato Futuro' (Future Soldier) program. The modular barrel system was designed to allow units to adapt the rifle for urban combat (12-inch barrel) or open terrain (16-inch barrel) based on mission requirements. The rifle's ejection port can be swapped in approximately 1 minute without tools - the operator simply removes the bolt, flips it around, swaps the ejection port cover, and reinstalls. The ARX-160 uses a two-position gas regulator for suppressed/unsuppressed operation. Despite initial adoption by Italy, the rifle has not achieved widespread international success, with competition from proven platforms like the HK416 and SCAR limiting export sales. The ARX-160A3 variant, introduced in 2019, features improved ergonomics and a lighter weight profile.
Background
The ARX-160 represents Beretta's attempt to modernize Italy's standard infantry rifle after decades of using the AR70/90. The rifle competed against the FN SCAR and HK416 in various trials but has seen limited adoption outside Italy. The weapon's modular design philosophy influenced subsequent European assault rifle development, though its complexity has limited appeal in markets preferring simpler, proven designs.