| Beretta swoops in from left field with the seemingly excellent ARX160 tactical carbine, set to come ashore sometime in the future. Here's a first look at this impressive little 6.5 lb carbine lb (about time someone other than Kel-Tec got the weight right!). Here you will see us check out some of its cool features: seriously quick-change barrels (which have medium profile), inside-trigger-guard bolt release, no tool takedown, on-the-fly ambi bolt handle and ejection selection (wow), ambi safety, constant-engagement piston (no carrier tilt here), full railing, and excellent balance and trigger. Granted this is a first look and the proof lies in the shooting to discover the real ergos, accuracy, and durability. But all things are looking up with the impressive ARX160, especially its slated $1500-$1700 street price (subject to change). That puts it in the same value ballpark as a Ruger SR-556. In terms of weight, simplicity of design, and value it seems like it could deliver all the things the ACR and SCAR (value) series have not. Downsides might be the thicker handguard, the slim pistol grip, and limited adjustable stock; all of which might change in the production version. The ARX160 could be a big win for Beretta. Also we manage to get the admission that a .22 ARX version IS on the way as well. In the vid and here, I admonish Beretta to look carefully at the Sig 522 on how to make such a gun reliable with most ammo; dual stainless rails on which a highly polished bolt ... |
