The video focuses on the Beretta ARX100, a polymer, modern Italian rifle that initially appears unconventional and bulky, especially when a magazine is inserted. Despite the unusual look, it proves to be highly modular and one of the most ambidextrous rifles demonstrated on the channel. The host notes being surprised when the rifle was set for left-handed ejection during an early mag dump. Ejection side is user-selectable by inserting a bullet tip into a small port near the rear of the receiver and pushing an internal tab to the opposite side, instantly switching between left- and right-side ejection. A quick test confirms that brass shifts from left-side to forward-right ejection after the change, underscoring the rifle’s flexible setup for different shooters.
The Beretta ARX100 shown has a 16-inch barrel with a standard A2 birdcage flash hider and uses a short-stroke piston operating system. A sling swivel is mounted near the front, just ahead of the adjustable gas system. The gas regulator is designed primarily for standard versus non-standard, lower-pressure ammunition rather than dedicated suppressor use, though the host suggests it could be tried with a suppressor. Adjustment is made with the tip of a bullet to rotate the gas setting. The rifle is largely polymer and weighs under seven pounds, contributing to a light, handy feel. During live fire, the recoil impulse is described as very low and comfortable, especially for a lightweight, polymer-based 5.56 platform.
The ARX100’s charging handle is reversible without tools. On both sides of the receiver there is a flat spot that aligns with the charging handle. By pulling the handle back, aligning it with that flat, locking the bolt to the rear, then pulling and rotating the handle around to the other side, it can be reinserted to convert from left- to right-side charging. The rifle features ambidextrous bolt catches and magazine releases on both sides of the lower receiver. The bolt catch sits below the magazine release, and the layout takes some acclimation for users accustomed to other platforms. The stock is collapsible and folds via a latch; pulling and rotating it allows it to lock in the folded or extended position. Length of pull is adjustable through several positions, and Beretta offers longer stock options. The stock can be removed easily by depressing a single tab and sliding it out.
During additional shooting, the host uses a 30-round magazine and notes that the ARX100’s trigger feels surprisingly good. The trigger pull is described as clean with a short, distinct, and audible reset that is easy to feel during rapid fire. This contributes to controllable follow-up shots and a generally pleasant shooting experience. The rifle continues to show low recoil and reliable function during strings of fire. The host comments that the rifle is growing on him as he spends more time shooting it, appreciating the combination of light weight, ambidextrous controls, and the unique ejection-side change feature. The overall impression shifts from skepticism about the polymer, futuristic appearance to respect for its practical performance on the range.
The ARX100 is presented as the civilian counterpart to the Beretta ARX160, which serves with the Italian Armed Forces and was developed for Italy’s Future Soldier program, referred to as Soldato Futuro. The design dates to around 2008 and has seen continued service in military configurations. On the civilian rifle, the sights are flip-up units integrated into the top rail. Each sight has a small tab on the right side; pressing the tab allows the sight to deploy upward and lock. To stow them, the user pushes the sight down and presses the opposite side tab to lock them flat. This setup leaves the full-length top Picatinny rail available for mounting optics such as magnified scopes, red dots, or holographic sights, giving flexibility for different roles while retaining usable backup iron sights.
The lower portion of the handguard is not a standard Picatinny rail but a dedicated mounting interface for the Beretta GLX160 grenade launcher, which is designed to attach directly to the ARX platform. The host removes the handguard by flipping up a small latch, ideally with a bullet tip or fingernail, and sliding the handguard forward off the rifle. Underneath, the proprietary mounting surfaces for the GLX160 are visible instead of a 6 o’clock rail. Beretta is said to offer an accessory that replaces this with a Picatinny section for mounting vertical grips or other accessories. The rifle also incorporates a quick-change barrel system. Two tabs, one on each side of the receiver similar to a Glock-style takedown, are pulled down to release the barrel for removal, allowing rapid barrel swaps or replacement when overheated, though the full disassembly is not shown.
The ARX100s discussed are chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 16-inch barrel and a 1-in-7 twist rate. The host mentions hearing about potential or discussed caliber options for the ARX platform, including 7.62x39, .300 Blackout, and possibly .308, though these are referenced as earlier talks rather than confirmed configurations in the video. The adjustable gas system is reiterated as being intended for standard versus lower-pressure ammunition, not specifically tuned for suppressor use, though the host notes a personal inclination to try it suppressed. Picatinny rail runs along the top and small side sections, with the exception of the underside GLX160 interface. Sling attachment points are located near the front of the rifle and just forward of the stock on both sides, providing multiple options for sling setup.
The trigger is examined more closely with dry-fire demonstrations. With the ambidextrous safety moved to fire and the rifle confirmed clear, the host notes almost no perceptible take-up before reaching a firm wall. The break is crisp, with no noticeable creep. The reset is very short and clearly audible, allowing quick, controlled follow-up shots. The pull weight is estimated to be around seven to eight pounds, but the clean break and fast reset make it feel responsive in use. Combined with the standard A2-style pistol grip and overall ergonomics, the trigger system contributes significantly to the rifle’s shootability. The host emphasizes appreciation for how the trigger feels in conjunction with the rifle’s ambidextrous controls and modular design.
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