SOCIMI AR-831
SOCIMI S.p.A. · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1985
Also known as: AR-831, SOCIMI 831
Overview
The SOCIMI AR-831 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by SOCIMI S.p.A.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4080 g (143.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 970 mm (38.19") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 969 m/s (3179 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1878 J (1385 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 725 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Stanag Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Selector Lever Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Gas Regulator, Rifle Grenade Capable, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Integrated Carry Handle, Iron Sights, Tool Free Disassembly, Folding Stock Variant Available
Variants
- SOCIMI AR-831 Para — Folding Stock
- SOCIMI AR-871 — Improved
Service history
Operators
- Italian Armed Forces · as AR-831
Production
Production years: 1985-1990
Very limited production; exact numbers unknown. SOCIMI went bankrupt in the early 1990s.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Discontinued: 1990
Notes
The AR-831 was SOCIMI's second weapon design, following their Type 821 submachine gun. The rifle could be completely field-stripped without tools, a notable feature for its era. A folding stock variant patterned after the FN FAL Para carbine was offered, with the recoil spring relocated inside the gas piston assembly similar to the AK-47 design. In 1987, an improved version designated AR-871 was introduced with a gas-operated rotating bolt that locked into the barrel extension and a left-handed charging handle. SOCIMI itself went bankrupt in the early 1990s, making both the AR-831 and AR-871 rare collector's items. The company was primarily known for its urban transit vehicles, with arms manufacturing being a secondary business line.
Background
SOCIMI was primarily a manufacturer of urban transit vehicles and light rail systems in Milan, making the AR-831 an unusual product from a company better known for building trains than firearms. The rifle emerged during the Cold War arms boom of the 1980s when numerous companies attempted to enter the military small arms market, but the AR-831 failed to secure any significant contracts against established competitors like the M16A2 and FN FNC.