The rifle that moves its piston twice as far as rivals

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Most modern rifles rely on tiny, rapid movements to cycle ammunition. The Beretta ARX160 breaks this convention with a unique short-stroke piston system designed for constant pressure and low gas levels. It is an Italian engineering feat built to replace decades of military tradition.

Developed as part of Italy's 'Soldato Futuro' (Future Soldier) program, the ARX160 was launched in 2008 to succeed the aging Beretta AR70/90. Unlike many modern designs that prioritize simple aesthetics, the ARX160 is a modular evolution. It transitioned from an initial concept—which featured an uncomfortable top-mounted cocking lever and non-folding stock—to a definitive production model featuring a polymer upper and lower receiver and a foldable telescopic stock.

The rifle's mechanical distinction lies in its piston movement. While standard systems move only fractions of an inch, the ARX160 piston travels nearly 2 inches (50.8 mm). This allows it to follow the bolt carrier almost entirely rearward, creating a smoother, more constant push on the carrier group and maintaining lower gas pressure levels. It is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO or 7.62×39mm cartridges, utilizing STANAG magazines for the former and AK-style magazines for the latter.

The platform has seen significant iterative refinement. The ARX160 A2 (Special Forces) introduced a shorter buttstock and 12-inch barrel, while the A3 version improved heat ventilation with larger handguard cutouts and repositioned the bayonet lug to be compatible with M9 bayonets. Despite its pedigree, it has faced mixed global reception: it was a finalist for France's FAMAS replacement (losing to the HK416) and saw its Indian tender retracted in 2015.

The ARX160 also serves as the parentage for the ARX200 battle rifle. Introduced in late 2015, the ARX200 is a distant derivative chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. It has undergone rigorous environmental testing against salt fog, sand, and mud to ensure reliability in extreme conditions, reflecting Beretta's move toward high-durability modular systems.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The German machine gun that fires from a closed bolt for superior accuracy
• The sophisticated German rifle that failed to win the NATO arms race
• The Beretta Cheetah: A Half-Century Evolution of Italian Compact Semi-Automatic Pistol Design
• The rifle that turned a WWII icon into a modern battle rifle
• The Colt AR-15: A modular rifle born from military design and civilian evolution
• How a massive aerial supply chain saved a city from starvation
• The Mediterranean skyscraper city that escaped the mass tourism protests
• Bernie Marsden: The Architect of Whitesnake's Biggest Anthems and a Blues Guitar Legend
• With over 300 million people, Bengalis are the world's third-largest ethnic group.
• How a marshy Illinois outpost became the nation's capital of the Chicago-style bungalow.
• How a single province became the wealthiest engine of the Mughal Empire
• How a local zoning dispute launched a career in the U.S. House of Representatives

More in Festivals & celebrations · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics