Introduction
The Beretta AR70/90 is a semi‑automatic shotgun produced by the Italian firearms manufacturer Beretta. Developed in the early 1990s as an updated version of the earlier AR70/87, the AR70/90 was designed to meet the evolving requirements of military, law‑enforcement, and civilian users. It features a modernized receiver, improved ergonomics, and a range of accessories that enhance its versatility. The shotgun has been adopted by several national armed forces and security agencies around the world, and it continues to be manufactured under various licensing agreements.
History and Development
Origins
Beretta’s history with semi‑automatic shotguns dates back to the 1970s, when the company introduced the AR70 series to replace older pump‑action models. The original AR70 was chambered in 12 × 70 mm and offered a lightweight, high‑capacity platform suitable for tactical applications. As demand for a more capable 12 × 76 mm variant grew, Beretta engineers refined the design, leading to the AR70/87, which entered service in the late 1980s.
Transition to the AR70/90
In response to feedback from military procurement officers and field testing, Beretta began a redesign of the AR70/87 platform in the late 1980s. The objective was to increase reliability, reduce weight, and provide a more modular system compatible with a broader array of optics and accessories. The result was the AR70/90, introduced in 1990 with a 12 × 76 mm chambering, a 70 mm bore length, and a 90‑mm receiver - hence the designation.
Production Milestones
- 1990 – Official launch of the AR70/90 model.
- 1995 – Beretta signs export agreements with several European and Middle‑Eastern countries.
- 2000 – Commencement of the first licensed production runs in Spain under the “Albatros” designation.
- 2005 – Introduction of the AR70/90 1/2 variant with a shorter barrel for close‑quarters operations.
- 2010 – Introduction of a 12 × 70 mm chambered version for markets where the 12 × 76 mm is less common.
Design and Technical Specifications
Overall Design
The AR70/90 retains the fundamental layout of its predecessor: a stamped steel receiver, a detachable magazine tube, and a smooth‑bore barrel. The shotgun employs a long‑stroke gas system that derives power from the cartridge’s propellant gases. The action cycle is governed by a bolt‑type mechanism with a rotating bolt face that locks into the barrel extension during firing.
Caliber and Ammunition
The shotgun is typically chambered for the 12 × 76 mm cartridge, which offers a balance between power and recoil. Beretta also provides a 12 × 70 mm variant, primarily for civilian use or for countries that prefer the slightly shorter round. The shotgun accepts a standard 5‑shot detachable box magazine, although aftermarket options for larger capacity magazines are available.
Barrel and Receiver
The barrel is machined from forged steel, measuring 70 mm in length for the standard model and 35 mm for the 1/2 variant. A smooth‑bore profile allows for both shot and slug ammunition. The receiver, fabricated from stamped steel, houses the trigger group, bolt carrier, and recoil spring assembly. The receiver incorporates mounting points for various optics and auxiliary devices.
Action and Trigger Mechanism
The AR70/90’s action utilizes a short‑stroke piston operated by the gas port situated at the rear of the barrel. Upon firing, the expanding gases push the piston forward, which in turn drives the bolt carrier rearward. This movement extracts and ejects the spent shell, compresses the recoil spring, and chambers a new round when the bolt returns forward. The trigger is adjustable for pull weight, allowing users to set a trigger pull between 2.5 kg and 4.5 kg.
Stock and Ergonomics
The standard shotgun is equipped with a collapsible buttstock made from high‑strength polymer. The stock offers a three‑position adjustment (retracted, half‑retracted, extended) to accommodate different operator heights. An optional cheek rest and a detachable foregrip can be added to enhance stability during rapid fire or close‑quarters engagements. The design incorporates ergonomic grips and a side‑mounted safety lever accessible to the dominant hand.
Variants and Models
AR70/90 1/2
The 1/2 variant features a 35‑mm barrel and a shorter overall length, improving maneuverability in confined spaces. Despite the reduced barrel length, the shotgun retains a 5‑shot magazine capacity. The shorter bolt travel slightly reduces recoil, which can be advantageous in rapid‑fire scenarios.
AR70/90 2/2
Introduced in 2012, the 2/2 model replaces the standard bolt carrier with a reinforced alloy version, increasing durability under sustained fire. The receiver is also modified to accommodate a higher‑capacity magazine capable of holding 8 rounds, catering to specialized units that require extended engagement time.
12 × 70 mm Models
For markets where the 12 × 70 mm cartridge is more prevalent, Beretta offers a version chambered for the shorter round. This variant retains the core mechanical features of the 12 × 76 mm design but includes a barrel with a slightly reduced twist rate to accommodate the shorter shells.
Operational Use
Military Adoption
Several national armed forces have incorporated the AR70/90 into their standard‑issue toolkits. The shotgun’s reliability in harsh environments and compatibility with tactical optics make it suitable for riot control, base defense, and special operations. The ability to mount a night‑vision device or an infrared illuminator extends its operational envelope to low‑light conditions.
Law Enforcement Use
Policing agencies in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America have adopted the AR70/90 for crowd control, counter‑terrorism, and domestic protection missions. The shotgun’s smooth‑bore design allows for the use of non‑lethal rounds, such as rubber or foam projectile loads, making it a versatile tool for law‑enforcement contexts where lethal force is undesirable.
Civilian Market
In civilian contexts, the AR70/90 is popular among sport shooters, hunters, and individuals seeking a robust shotgun for personal defense. The shotgun’s modularity enables customization with aftermarket sights, extended magazines, and specialized grips to suit a range of recreational or practical uses.
Manufacturing and Production
Factory and Production Lines
Beretta’s primary production facility for the AR70/90 is located in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy. The manufacturing process involves stamping, machining, heat treatment, and final assembly. Each component undergoes stringent quality control checks to ensure adherence to the company’s standards and regulatory requirements.
Quality Control and Standards
The production process incorporates multiple checkpoints: dimensional verification of the receiver and barrel, functional testing of the gas system, trigger pull assessment, and recoil spring tension measurement. Beretta employs ISO 9001 certification procedures to maintain consistency across production batches. Field testing under various climatic conditions validates the shotgun’s durability and reliability.
Export and Licensing
International Contracts
Beretta has entered into export agreements with several countries, providing the AR70/90 for military and law‑enforcement use. The contracts often stipulate specific customizations, such as the provision of optics mounts or compatibility with locally produced ammunition.
Local Production Agreements
In 2000, Beretta partnered with a Spanish firearms manufacturer to produce the shotgun under the “Albatros” brand. This licensing arrangement allowed for localized production, reducing shipping costs and facilitating compliance with national regulations. Similar agreements exist in other regions, including parts of the Middle East and Latin America.
Reception and Criticisms
Performance Reviews
Independent testing organizations have generally praised the AR70/90 for its smooth action, consistent recoil management, and robust construction. The shotgun’s modularity is frequently highlighted as an advantage, allowing users to tailor the weapon to specific mission requirements.
Safety Incidents
Like many semi‑automatic shotguns, the AR70/90 has experienced isolated safety incidents. These incidents are often attributed to user error or improper maintenance rather than inherent design flaws. Beretta provides detailed maintenance guidelines to mitigate such risks, emphasizing the importance of regular cleaning and inspection of the gas system and bolt carrier.
Comparisons with Other Shotguns
Comparison with Beretta AR70/87
Compared to the earlier AR70/87, the AR70/90 features a lighter receiver, improved ergonomics, and a more flexible mounting system. The newer shotgun also offers a reduced barrel length option, enhancing maneuverability. However, the AR70/87 retains a slightly higher capacity in its standard configuration.
Comparison with Other Manufacturers
When compared to other semi‑automatic shotguns, such as the Remington 870 or the Benelli M4, the AR70/90 stands out for its low weight and modular design. The 12 × 76 mm chambering provides a higher muzzle velocity than the 12 × 70 mm round commonly used in American models, offering improved performance with certain types of ammunition.
Notable Users and Deployments
Countries
- Italy – Royal Italian Army and Carabinieri
- Spain – Guardia Civil
- United Arab Emirates – Armed Forces
- Egypt – National Police
- Colombia – National Police
Police Units
Special tactical units such as Italy’s GIS (Gruppi di Intervento Speciale) and Spain’s GEMA (Grupo de Estrategia y Manejo de Alarmas) have employed the AR70/90 for high‑risk operations. The shotgun’s compatibility with flash hiders and night‑vision devices has proven advantageous during urban engagements.
Future Developments and Modifications
Planned Upgrades
Beretta has announced a series of planned upgrades that include the integration of a polymer‑based barrel extension to reduce weight, the introduction of a new ambidextrous safety lever, and the availability of an adjustable recoil spring to fine‑tune the shotgun’s feel for individual users. These upgrades aim to keep the AR70/90 competitive in a market that increasingly values lightweight and highly customizable platforms.
Modular Accessories
Several aftermarket manufacturers produce accessories such as modular rail systems, adjustable cheek pads, and interchangeable grips. These components allow users to adapt the shotgun to specialized tasks, from close‑quarters battle to precision target shooting.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!