The Beretta AR-70: Big Boss’s Assault Rifle

Published on December 27, 2025
Duration: 16:38

This comprehensive review of the Beretta AR-70/223, famously known as Big Boss's rifle in Metal Gear Solid V, delves into its Cold War development. The AR-70 aimed to blend AK reliability with NATO ergonomics and the 5.56 cartridge. Expert analysis covers its design philosophy, practical manipulation, and detailed field stripping, highlighting its unique piston-mounted recoil spring and AK-derived bolt.

Quick Summary

The Beretta AR-70/223, famously Big Boss's rifle in Metal Gear Solid V, combines AK-style long-stroke piston reliability with modern 5.56 NATO chambering and AR-15 influenced ergonomics. Its field stripping utilizes two push pins, revealing an AK-derived rotating bolt and a unique piston-mounted recoil spring.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Cold War Firearm Evolution
  2. 00:30Beretta AR-70 Introduction & MGSV
  3. 01:56History and Development
  4. 02:32Design Philosophy: AK Reliability + NATO Ergonomics
  5. 05:33Modern Ergonomics and Controls
  6. 06:07Beretta and Sig Sauer Lineage
  7. 07:24Practical Manipulation Demo
  8. 10:13Sig PE90 Comparison
  9. 12:44Field Stripping and Internals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Beretta AR-70/223 known for?

The Beretta AR-70/223 is recognized as Big Boss's standard assault rifle in the video game Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. It's also noted for blending the reliability of the AK platform with modern NATO ergonomics and the 5.56 cartridge.

What design principles influenced the Beretta AR-70/223?

The AR-70/223 was designed to incorporate the proven reliability of the AK platform's long-stroke piston system while adopting modern NATO ergonomics and chambering the 5.56 cartridge, aiming for a balance of robustness and usability.

How does the Beretta AR-70/223 field strip?

Field stripping involves removing the magazine, pulling the charging handle back, and using two AR-style push pins to separate the upper and lower receivers. The bolt carrier group and recoil spring assembly can then be removed for further disassembly.

What are the key internal components of the Beretta AR-70/223?

Internally, the AR-70/223 features a long-stroke gas piston system and a rotating bolt with a cam lug, both derived from the AK design. Its recoil spring assembly is uniquely mounted over the piston in the upper receiver.

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