Nutnfancy SHOT Show 2011: Beretta Set to Embarrass ACR!

Beretta swoops in from left field with the seemingly excellent ARX160 tactical carbine, set to come ashore sometime in the future. Here's a first look at this impressive little 6.5 lb carbine lb (about time someone other than Kel-Tec got the weight right!). Here you will see us check out some of its cool features: seriously quick-change barrels (which have medium profile), inside-trigger-guard bolt release, no tool takedown, on-the-fly ambi bolt handle and ejection selection (wow), ambi safety, constant-engagement piston (no carrier tilt here), full railing, and excellent balance and trigger. Granted this is a first look and the proof lies in the shooting to discover the real ergos, accuracy, and durability. But all things are looking up with the impressive ARX160, especially its slated $1500-$1700 street price (subject to change). That puts it in the same value ballpark as a Ruger SR-556. In terms of weight, simplicity of design, and value it seems like it could deliver all the things the ACR and SCAR (value) series have not. Downsides might be the thicker handguard, the slim pistol grip, and limited adjustable stock; all of which might change in the production version. The ARX160 could be a big win for Beretta. Also we manage to get the admission that a .22 ARX version IS on the way as well. In the vid and here, I admonish Beretta to look carefully at the Sig 522 on how to make such a gun reliable with most ammo; dual stainless rails on which a highly polished bolt rides are advisable. Prior to the lengthy ARX distraction we manage to zone in on some other Beretta high points as well. With PFIDude in tow and booth host Ben Cook, we look at the PX4 Storm (Special Duty .45 ACP # JXF5F45 version too), the Beretta 96A1. 40, the U22 Neos, and its cool Carbine kit. Expect an entertaining discussion where we don't take ourselves too seriously but we get serious on the guns. Ben is another TNP Gold Star host who rolled with perfection with the Nutnfancy style...big thanks for his time and sense of humor. Beretta fans rejoice...TNP in the house! ///////////////////////// Music: Kevin MacLeod