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In the early 70s, Beretta set out to develop a less-expensive, modern rifle that fit the NATO standard of a 5.56 chambering. So after keeping a close eye on the Colt AR-15 and then Armalite's development of the AR-18, Beretta combined attributes of both guns and created the AR 70. Beretta sold quite a few of these rifles in Indonesia and some other countries, but the gun never garnered much exposure. Despite this, it was a state-of-the-art design for its time and if found can have a hefty price tag due to the fact that they are no longer imported into the United States. For more on the Beretta AR 70 rifle, watch this "I Have This Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV.
The new Smith & Wesson M&P15 AXE is not only the latest in the company's series of AR-style rifles, it marks the first S&W rifle to be chambered for the .300 Blackout cartridge.
Our drill this month trains you to acquire a multi-round-durable grip from the start and continually pressure-test it under time and transition stress, holding you to an all-clean-hits standard.
European American Armory’s recent acquisition of a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tenn., is further evidence that the firearm importer plans to establish a domestic manufacturing presence.
While many short-barreled rifles available today are based on the latest designs, there are a few classic models in the mix, too, such as Auto-Ordnance's M1 Carbine SBR.