BERETTA AR-70/78
First "Squad Automatic Weapon" version of the AR-70. Please notice the new kind of handguard (which is currently in service with the 70/90 series) AND the bipod which folds OVER the barrel. The AR-70/78 fired the 5'56-NATO cartridge, feeding from a proprietary 50 rounds magazine, but it wals able to accept the 5, 20 and 30 rounds magazines of the other AR-70 rifles. Please note: NONE of the Beretta AR-Series "SAWs" were adopted by Italian Army: nor the elder AS-70 and AR-70/78, Nor the AR-70/84 and the newest AS-70/90. And that's why: the AS-70, the AR-70/78 and the AR-70/84 were only able to feed from the proprietary BERETTA magazines, while the AS-70/90 was able to feed from ALL KIND of STANAG magazines, including high-capacity BETA C-MAG, but it was NOT able to belt-feeding, and Italian Army asked from a double function (magazine and belt feeding), as the FN MINIMI.
Picture and information courtesy of: Beretta Web Posted By Pierangelo Tendas
