Beretta NARP Rifle: Specs, Piston System and Civilian Availability

The Beretta NARP (New Assault Rifle Platform) is a 5.56×45mm NATO military rifle from Beretta Defense Technologies that runs a short-stroke gas piston inside an AR-style aluminum lower. Beretta unveiled it at DSEI in London in September 2023, and it is replacing the ARX160 in Italian Army service. There is no civilian or U.S. commercial Beretta NARP: Beretta has announced none and publishes no price.

Last updated: October 6, 2026 · Originally published October 29, 2025

Beretta NARP Specs

Specs from Beretta Defense Technologies’ NARP product page, with weight and length as reported at launch.

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How the Beretta NARP Piston System Works

A standard AR-15 uses direct impingement: gas from the barrel travels back through a tube and pushes the bolt carrier directly, which dumps heat and carbon into the receiver. The Beretta NARP taps the same gas into a short piston near the front of the barrel instead. The piston strikes an operating rod, the rod drives the carrier, and the hot, dirty gas stays out front.

That is the case for piston rifles in general: a cleaner action, cooler bolt and steadier function during long strings of fire or with a suppressor. The trade is a little more weight at the front, more parts, and parts that are not interchangeable with a mil-spec AR upper. Beretta says it built the NARP around five goals: lethality, reliability, ergonomics, modularity and signature reduction.

Who Uses the Beretta NARP?

The Italian Army is the first customer. The NARP is replacing the ARX160, with the first rifles going to special operations units in a phased roll-out that began in late 2025. Janes reported that Beretta Defense Technologies confirmed delivery of 7,000 NARP rifles to the Italian Army. Beretta has also put the platform forward for the British Army’s rifle replacement program.

Can You Buy a Beretta NARP?

Not in the United States, and not as a civilian anywhere. The rifle is select-fire and built for military and law-enforcement buyers, and Beretta has not announced a semi-automatic commercial version. If you want piston operation in an AR you can buy today, look at commercial short-stroke piston ARs such as the VKTR VK-1, and check your state’s rifle laws before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Beretta NARP?

The Beretta NARP (New Assault Rifle Platform) is a 5.56×45mm NATO military rifle from Beretta Defense Technologies. It uses a short-stroke gas piston with a rotating bolt, an AR-style aluminum lower, and comes with 11.5-, 14.5- or 16-inch barrels.

Can civilians buy a Beretta NARP?

No. Beretta designed the NARP for military and law-enforcement customers and has announced no civilian or U.S. commercial version, and it publishes no price.

Is the Beretta NARP a piston AR?

Yes. It looks and handles like an AR-15 but runs a short-stroke gas piston instead of direct impingement, which keeps hot gas and carbon out of the receiver.

Who uses the Beretta NARP?

The Italian Army. It is replacing the ARX160, with the first rifles going to special operations units; Janes reported Beretta Defense Technologies confirmed delivery of 7,000 rifles.

How much does the Beretta NARP weigh?

About 3.3 kg, or 7.3 pounds, with an empty polymer magazine. Overall length runs from about 31.7 inches with the stock collapsed to 35 inches extended.

When was the Beretta NARP unveiled?

Beretta unveiled the NARP at DSEI in London in September 2023, after development that began in 2018.

Sources: Beretta Defense Technologies NARP product page; Pew Pew Tactical’s launch coverage (September 2023); Janes reporting on Italian Army deliveries.