Beretta AR70

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	Weapon: Beretta AR70 Type: Assault Rifle Country of Origin: Italy Caliber: 5.56x45 NATO Action: Select Fire

The Beretta AR70, also known as the AR70/223, was developed by Beretta in the late 1960s as a 5.56x45mm NATO assault rifle to compete with the growing global demand for rifles in this caliber. Adopted by the Italian military in 1972, it became the standard service rifle for Italian forces. The AR70 features a gas-operated, selective-fire system with a rotating bolt, and its design was influenced by several foreign rifles, including the M16 and Kalashnikov systems. The rifle gained a solid reputation for reliability and ease of maintenance, particularly in diverse environments. Over time, its production numbers reached several hundred thousand, though it was eventually replaced by the more modern Beretta ARX160 in Italian service.