Italian Beretta AR70/223 Rifle Review: SIG SG550's Cousin

We take to the range for the first time, an original preban Italian Beretta AR70/223 Sport rifle, chambered for the 5.56mm/.223 cartridge. The AR70 is an oft forgotten, and very interesting piece of firearms history. It began in 1963 as a joint project between Sig and Beretta to develop a .223 caliber assault rifle to compete against the Colt M16. The partnership fell apart, and SiG ended up building the SG540, which became the SG550/STGW.90. Beretta in turn came up with the AR70/223, which served over 14 nations during the 1980s. An upgraded and improved version became Italy's standard issue rifle in 1990, designated as AR70/90. The AR70 is made from stamped and welded steel, and uses a long-stroke piston system with dual lugged bolt. It is very reliable and has a very respectable trigger. The example shown here was imported in the 1980s and has been upgraded with a military bipod and both grenade sights. It fits well in my collection between the BM59 (   • Springfield Italian Beretta BM59 Rifle Review  ) and ARX100 (   • Italian Beretta ARX100 Range Review  ). I have found all 3 Italian firearms to be highly reliable and creatively designed. For more information, please visit our blog article (http://ozarkbeararms.blogspot.com/201.... Visit http://ozarkbeararms.blogspot.com to read range reports and more articles on other firearms and accessories.