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Beretta RX4 rifle, which was first announced in 2006, is quite unusual in that it is an adaptation of a medium-caliber hunting rifle (Benelli R1 ARGO) to smaller-caliber "home defense" weapon. The close relationships between Benelli and Beretta companies must not surprise the reader, as Beretta holding owns the Benelli company, and thus has direct access to all Benelli projects. Beretta RX4 looks like it was assembled from parts of different guns, and actually it is. The receiver and gas system are based on Benelli R1 rifles, but with alternate polymer magazine housing attached below, which will accept M16 / Ar-15 type magazines. Buttstock is apparently borrowed from Benelli's combat shotguns such as M4 Super 90. Nevertheless it appears to be a practical weapon, suitable for home defense, practical shooting, and security / police work. For the latter users Beretta also markets short-barreled version of RX4 rifle, which is subject to additional limitations under US National Firearms Act (legislations in other countries may vary greatly in this respect).
Beretta RX4 rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic rifle. Benelli's patented auto-regulating gas system (ARGO) consists of a gas block with dual short-stroke gas pistons, located below the barrel and concealed under the forearm. Barrel is locked by rotating bolt with three lugs. Gun is fed using any M16 / Ar-15 compatible magazines, which is a plus. Since the return spring is located in the butt, RX4 cannot be easily adapted for side-folding buttstock; therefore, Beretta offers either a fixed butt or partially collapsible butt versions of RX4 rifle. As issued, RX4 rifle is equipped with adjustable open sights, and a Piactinny type rail on the forend. Additional accessory rails can be installed by user on the top of receiver and on 3-, 6- and 9-o'clock positions on forearm.
Specifications
Type / action | gas operated, semi-automatic rifle |
Caliber(s) | 5,56x45mm / .223 Remington |
Weight unloaded | 3,18 kg / 7 lbs |
Length | 942 mm / 37,1" (896 mm / 35,3" with butt collapsed) |
Barrel length | 406 mm / 16" (also 317 mm / 12,5") |
Magazine capacity | 10, 20 or 30 rounds |