The Beretta NARP, or New Assault Rifle Platform, is the latest infantry rifle, developed by the famous Italian company Beretta. First displayed to the general public at the DSEI-2023 expo in London, this weapon has been said to be in development since around 2018. According to the maker, new rifle was developed using input from Italian Special Forces operators, who, it seems, were not really impressed with the relatively recent Beretta ARX-160 assault rifle from the same factory. The new Beretta rifle is generally following the latest Western trend to make the AR-15 / M4 type rifles great again. It is believed that the Beretta NARP rifle could enter initial production in 2024. The current offering is available in only one caliber, the 5.56x45mm NATO, but other calibers, such as the .300 AAC Blackout, could be added later.
Beretta NARP assault rifle
At the first glance, the Beretta NAPR rifle appears to be yet another AR-15 / M16 clone, with added ambidextrous controls and integrated Picatinny rails. It has the same look at feel, same controls (with added ambidexterity), same T-shaped non-reciprocating charging handle, bolt closure button and case deflector. The upper and lower receivers are machined from the aluminum alloy and are connected using two captive cross-pins. However, there are some notable differences as well. The gas system uses a short-stroke gas piston and a two-position manual gas regulator, with settings for normal use or use with a tactical sound suppressor. The bolt group is redesigned so the return spring is moved to the top of the upper receiver, above the bolt carrier, with no buffer tube to extend back into the stock. This allows for a simple installation of the side-folding stock, although in its present configuration the Beretta NAPR rifle is provided with a telescoped M4 carbine-style stock. Due to the lack of the rear protrusions (no buffer tube), the M4-style stock is set higher relative to the barrel bore, which should help to control muzzle rise during the automatic fire. The barrel can be replaced by an end user, and the rifle will be available with various barrel lengths. The 5.56mm barrels are advertised at 11.5, 14.5 and 16 inches, while .300AAC barrels could be as short as seven inches. The free-floating forend is made from aluminum alloy and is provided with M-Lok slots and an integrated Picatinny rail at the top. Ammunition is fed from STANAG magazines. Beretta also plans to offer a specially designed B-Silent tactical sound suppressor along with the NARP rifles.
Beretta NARP assault rifle
The Beretta NARP New Assault Rifle Platform, basic specifications
Encyclopedia of firearms and ammunition of the XX and XXI centuries
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