5.56x45mm Rifle Review (Non AR-15) Part 2

[5.56X45mm]

The Beretta Rx4 Storm

Designed by Beretta and Benelli engineers, the Rx4 Storm incorporates the most advanced technology in firearms. Using the ARGO (Auto Regulating Gas Operating) system perfected by Benelli, the gas port is located just forward of the chamber where the gases are hotter and cleaner, resulting in less fouling and more reliable cycling. The action bars are required to move only ½” for complete cycling which results in fast operation with minimum vibration, making it easier to handle and operate. Additionally, the position of the gas valves allows for the compact and lightweight design of this rifle.


Technical data for 16" barrel model (also available with 12.5" barrel*)
Sights: Combat ghost rings
Stock: Collapsible (5 position)
Overall Length: (fully collapsed) 32.5 inches
Overall Length: (fully extended) 37.1 inches
Average Weight: (without magazine) 7.0 lbs.
Caliber: .223 Remington
Mag Capacity:30 Rounds (STANAG/AR15 mags)

*NFA rules apply to 12.5” barrels


SIG 556

Caliber 5.56mm
Overall Length 36.5"
Length w/ Stock Folded 33"
Barrel Length 16"
Rifling 1 in 9"
Sight Radius 21"
Forearm Polymer SIG TriRail
Weight w/o Mag 6.8 lbs
Operating System Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt
Mag Capacity 30 Rounds (STANAG/AR15 mags)
MSRP $1,299.95
CA Compliant No


Caliber 5.56mm
Overall Length 36.5"
Length w/ Stock Folded 33"
Barrel Length 16"
Rifling 1 in 9"
Sight Radius 21"
Forearm Polymer SIG TriRail
Weight w/o Mag 6.8 lbs
Operating System Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt
Mag Capacity 30 Rounds (STANAG/AR15 mags)
MSRP $1,299.95
CA Compliant No



FN FS2000

The FN FS2000 is a compact, reliable and accurate semi-auto only carbine with a 17.4" civilian-legal barrel and is suitable for security, personal defense or competition. The gas-operated system fires a wide variety of 223 Rem. (5.56x45mm NATO) ammunition fed from standard M16-style magazines. Fired cases are ejected through a forward port away from the operator. The FS2000 sports both adjustable auxiliary iron sights and a top-mounted M1913 rail for mounting optical, electronic or laser sighting systems. An angled-face muzzle brake helps minimize recoil.

OPERATION Gas-operated, rotating bolt
BARREL LENGTH 17.4"
OVERALL LENGTH 29.1"
WEIGHT WITH EMPTY MAGAZINE 7.6 lbs
MAGAZINE TYPE M16 type, used on most NATO rifles and LMG
MAGAZINE CAPACITY 30 rds, 10 where required
FIRING MODE Semi-auto only
CALIBER 5.56x45 mm NATO
MUZZLE VELOCITY 2,953 fps

 

[5.56X45mm]

FN FNC

The FNC is a sound design which accumulated best features from other famous designs, such as Kalashnikov AK-47, Colt/Armalite M16, and others.

FNC is a gas operated, selective fire, magazine fed weapon.

The gas drive and rotating bolt of FNC strongly resembles the AK-47 system, but adapted for more advanced production technologies such as CNC machining and with some modifications. The long stroke gas piston is located above the barrel and is linked to the bolt carrier. Unlike the AK-47, the gas piston rod could be separated from the bolt carrier when gun is disassembled. The gas system featured two-positions gas regulator (for normal or adverse conditions) and a separate gas cutoff, combined with folding rifle grenade sights. When grenade sights are raised into the ready position, the gas cutoff automatically blocks the gas supply to the action, allowing for safe launching of rifle grenades. Both gas cutoff and a grenade sight are located on the gas chamber, just behind the front sight. The now common rotating bolt has two massive lugs that locks into the barrel extension.

The receiver is made from two parts that are linked by two cross-pins. The receiver could be opened for disassembly and maintenance by removing the rear pin, so the parts could be hinged around the forward pin (which also can be removed to separate receiver parts). Upper receiver is made from stamped steel, the lower receiver, along with magazine housing, is made from aluminum alloy.

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: standard model 997 mm (776 mm with folded butt); "Para" model 911 mm / 680 mm
Barrel length: 449 mm (363 mm "Para" model)
Weight with empty magazine: 4.06 kg (3.81 kg "Para" model)
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (accept all STANAG-compatible magazines)
Rate of fire: about 700 rounds per minute
Effective range: 450 meters

Beretta AR70/90

The AR-70/223 and AR-70/90 rifles are very similar in basic design, but with some differences. The description below is for AR-70/90, with differences to 70/223 noted, where appropriate.

The AR-70/90 is a gas operated, magazine fed, selective fire weapon. The receiver is made from stamped sheet steel, and consist of two halves, upper and lover, connected by two cross-pins, at the rear and at the front. For maintenance and field stripping the rear pin is pushed out and the receiver is hinged around the front pin. If required, the front pin can be removed too, so the receiver halves will be separated completely. On the AR-70/223 the upper receiver is of square cross-section, with stamped bolt guides. This design proved to be not strong enough, so the AR-70/90 features a trapezoid-shaped upper receiver cross-section, with separate bolt guides welded in place.

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO (SS109/M855)
Length: 998 mm - 756mm SC-70/90 with folded butt
Barrel length: 450 mm
Weight, empty: 4.07 kg
Magazine capacity:30 Rounds
Rate of fire: 670 rounds per minute
Effective range: 500 meters


IMI Galil

Basically, the Galil assault rifle can be described as a modified Kalashnikov AK-47 design, and a detailed description of its functioning can be found in respective article at this site. The key differences between the Galil and the AK-47 are as follows. The Galil featured a machined steel receivers of the original AK-47 rifles, but of slightly different shape. The AK-47-style safety - selector switch at the right side of the gun is complemented by the additional smaller switch at the left side of the receiver, above the pistol handle. The cocking handle is bent upward, so it can be operated with either hand. The sights of the Galil featured a front hooded post, mounted on the gas block, with the rear diopter sight, mounted on the receiver top cover. Rear sight is of the flip-up type, with settings for 300 and 500 meters. Additional folding night sights with luminous inserts can be raised into position, which allows to aim the gun in the low light conditions at the ranges of up to 100 meters. The barrel and the flash hider can be used to launch the rifle grenades from the barrel, using the blanc or live cartridges (depending on the rifle grenade type). The Galil ARM also features a folding detachable bipods and a carrying handle. The bipod base incorporates a bottle opener and a wire cutter. The standard folding buttstock is patterned after FN FAL Para, folds to the right to save the space. Some of the late production Micro-Galil (MAR) rifles also are fitted with the Picatinny-type rail, which allows to mount various sighting devices. Standard AR and ARM rifles can be fitted with scope mounting rail on the left side of the receiver. All 5.56mm Galil rifles are fed using proprietary 35 or 50 rounds curved box magazines with AK-47 style locking. M16-type magazines can be used via the special adapter. 7.62mm Galil rifles are fed using proprietary 25 rounds box magazines. Civilian semi-automatic Galil variants sometimes are fitted with 10 rounds magazines to comply with local firearms laws.

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO (SS109/M855)
Length: 979 / 742 mm
Barrel length: 460 mm
Weight, empty: 3.95 kg (4.35 kg ARM)
Magazine capacity:35 Rounds
Rate of fire: 670 rounds per minute
Effective range: 450 meters

 

[moving0target]

I could probably be convinced to test drive the Storm. Looks like fun!

 

[2dold4this]

How does the 55 grain ammo compare with the 62 grain NATO rounds? Is there a big difference?