Italy's Modern Military Rifle (The Beretta ARX)

Overview, construction, and ambidextrous ejection

The video opens with an introduction to the Beretta ARX100, highlighting its unconventional, futuristic appearance and largely polymer construction. Despite its full-size configuration, the rifle feels notably lightweight and uses standard 30-round GI-style magazines. The host notes an M93 on his side but focuses on the ARX100’s standout feature set, especially its extensive ambidextrous design. A key capability is the reversible ejection system: using the tip of a bullet, the shooter can actuate a small tab near the stock to switch ejection from right-handed to left-handed. This is not just a static configuration; the video demonstrates the change live, firing the rifle to confirm brass reliably ejects from the selected side. The ARX100 features a 16-inch barrel capped with an A2 birdcage flash hider and operates via a short-stroke gas piston. Its gas system is tunable for standard versus lower-pressure ammunition. Limited side Picatinny rail sections are present, while the underside is reserved for a dedicated GLX grenade launcher interface rather than a full-length rail.

Charging handle, controls, stock, and trigger impressions

The next portion focuses on the ARX’s fully ambidextrous controls and user configurability. The charging handle can be moved from one side of the receiver to the other by locking the bolt to the rear, aligning it with a flat, rotating, and reinstalling it. This complements ambidextrous bolt catch and magazine release controls, as well as brass deflectors that help manage ejection for either shoulder. The stock is collapsible and length-adjustable, allowing the shooter to tailor length of pull, and it can be replaced easily by depressing a single tab. An ambidextrous safety selector further reinforces the rifle’s left- and right-handed friendliness. The trigger is described as surprisingly good for a service-style rifle, with a clean feel and a short, audible reset. Live-fire and dry-fire demonstrations show that the trigger allows quick follow-up shots and contributes to the rifle’s controllability. The host notes that the ARX platform, designated ARX160 in Italian Armed Forces service, has grown on him as he spends more time shooting and handling the civilian ARX100 variant.

Sights, optics rail, and GLX 160 launcher interface

Attention then shifts to the ARX’s sighting and accessory mounting options. The rifle includes deployable flip-up iron sights that lock into position and are released via side tabs, providing a robust backup sighting system. A mostly full-length top Picatinny rail runs along the receiver, enabling easy mounting of magnified scopes, red dot sights, or holographic optics, giving the platform flexibility for different roles. The handguard is removed to reveal that the underside is not a standard Picatinny rail but a proprietary interface specifically designed for the Beretta GLX 160 grenade launcher. This dedicated mounting system underscores the rifle’s military origins and integration with support weapons. For users who prefer more conventional accessories, Beretta offers an add-on Picatinny rail section that can be attached underneath to mount vertical grips, angled foregrips, or other common rail-mounted devices. This segment emphasizes how the ARX balances its specialized launcher interface with practical options for civilian and law-enforcement shooters.

Quick-change barrel, gas system, and ergonomics

The video highlights the ARX’s quick-change barrel system as one of its most distinctive technical features. Using Glock-like takedown tabs on the receiver, the shooter can rapidly free and remove the barrel without tools, allowing quick swaps to manage heat or change calibers. The host mentions potential configurations such as 7.62x39, .300 Blackout, and even .308, though currently available civilian models are chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 16-inch barrel and a 1-in-7 twist rate. The adjustable gas system offers settings for high- and low-pressure ammunition, but it is not specifically tuned for suppressor use. Ergonomically, the rifle includes multiple sling swivel points on both sides, giving flexibility for single- or two-point sling setups. The pistol grip is A2-style, familiar to AR-15 users, and the ambidextrous safety selector is reiterated as a core feature. Combined with the light overall weight and low recoil impulse, these elements make the ARX100 comfortable and controllable for a wide range of shooters.

Trigger characteristics, sling options, and field stripping

Later in the video, the trigger is revisited in more detail. It is characterized as having virtually no take-up, a clean break with no noticeable creep, and a quick, audible reset, with an estimated pull weight around 7–8 pounds. This combination provides a service-grade but responsive trigger suitable for rapid strings of fire. The rifle offers several sling mounting positions, including a front sling point that can rotate about 180 degrees, helping prevent sling twist and improving comfort when transitioning shoulders or carrying the rifle for extended periods. Field stripping is accomplished through the folding stock: an internal button accessed when the stock is folded initiates disassembly, though the exact process is not fully shown on camera. This design keeps the takedown mechanism protected while still allowing relatively quick maintenance. Overall, this section reinforces the ARX100’s blend of military practicality and user-friendly features, from its trigger behavior to its thoughtful sling and disassembly arrangements.

Magazine compatibility, accessories, and PSL giveaway

In the closing segment, the host discusses magazine compatibility and related accessories before moving to a promotional giveaway. The Beretta ARX100 accepts standard 30-round GI magazines, ensuring broad compatibility with common AR-15 style mags. It also runs well with Surplus (Sur) feed magazines, which are recommended as reliable, cost-effective range magazines that fit nicely in HSGI Taco pouches. This makes it easy for users to integrate the ARX into existing loadouts and gear setups. The video then transitions to a giveaway of a Romanian PSL rifle, featuring a 24.1-inch chrome-lined barrel, a 4x24 optic, and chambering in 7.62x54R. Viewers are directed to ClassicFirearms.com to enter the giveaway and to browse the Beretta ARX line along with other firearms such as the M9A3. The conclusion ties together the ARX100’s modern, modular design with Classic Firearms’ broader catalog and promotional offerings.