06-05-2013, 03:32 AM
I've played with the ARX-160 and ARX-100 at SHOT. While there are some interesting innovations with the selectable ejection (left or right), and the unique quick barrel change system, the carbine feels like an ungainly pig in my hands.
The open nature of the receiver is even worse than a Kalashnikov, which invites all sorts of debris to find a new home in the critical heart of the weapon. I can see a lot going wrong with that for those of us who live in extreme dust/sand environments with high winds, but if you keep it sanitized at the range, you should have no problems.
The other major pet peeve I have with it is the sight height plane above bore, which seems to be a trend with "3rd Gen" military rifles. It is way too high for my tastes, like the SCAR. The furniture and receiver housing of the Beretta feels quite substantial, however. If you are familiar with the Glock disassembly lever, the Beretta's quick barrel change system will be a snap for you.
My verdict is that it still doesn't offer anything over an AR15 that excites me enough to even remotely want to get one.
The open nature of the receiver is even worse than a Kalashnikov, which invites all sorts of debris to find a new home in the critical heart of the weapon. I can see a lot going wrong with that for those of us who live in extreme dust/sand environments with high winds, but if you keep it sanitized at the range, you should have no problems.
The other major pet peeve I have with it is the sight height plane above bore, which seems to be a trend with "3rd Gen" military rifles. It is way too high for my tastes, like the SCAR. The furniture and receiver housing of the Beretta feels quite substantial, however. If you are familiar with the Glock disassembly lever, the Beretta's quick barrel change system will be a snap for you.
My verdict is that it still doesn't offer anything over an AR15 that excites me enough to even remotely want to get one.