With modern military firearms, the compact and versatile models of assault rifles have become highly essential for armed forces as well as law enforcement agencies around the world. Two major examples to reckon with are the Russian 9A-91 compact assault rifle and the Italian Beretta AR-70/90 series.
The 9A-91 9mm compact assault rifle was originally developed as part of the A91 family of compact weapons developed by the world-renowned KBP design bureau in Tula, Russia. Intended for an Army Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) role, which was never to materialize, the 9A-91 evolved into favor due to its relative economy and utilitarian nature when compared to the SR-3 “Vikhr” compact assault rifle for MVD and Russian police troops.
The 9A-91 is a gas-operated, rotating bolt firearm, using the long-stroke gas piston that is located above the barrel and has a rotating bolt with four lugs. The receiver itself is fabricated from steel stampings and forend, and the pistol grip is made from polymer. The steel buttstock folds up and above the receiver when not used and thus is highly compact. The rifle is of 9×39 mm caliber, with the general length of 605 mm with the opened butt and 383 mm with the folded one. An empty rifle weighs 2,1 kg. Its rate of fire is from 600 to 800 rounds per minute and the magazine capacity is 20 rounds.
It also served as the basis for the VSK-94, a silenced “para-sniper” weapon chambered for the same 9×39 mm ammunition, further showing its versatility.
The Beretta AR-70/90 series is a serious evolution of the Italian military rifles, which were adopted for replacement of the 7.62-mm Beretta BM59 outdated automatic rifles. Adopted in 1990, the AR-70/90 was compatible with NATO-standard 5.56×45 mm SS109 cartridges, aimed at substituting the recently felt need for a modern standard service weapon for the Italian Armed Forces.
The AR-70/90 is a gas-operated self-loading rifle; the system consists of a gas piston and rod acting on the front of the bolt. The bolt locks the barrel by rotating by 30°, incorporating two lugs. The rifle has a gas venting mechanism, fitted with a regulator for normal and polluted conditions, and for firing rifle grenades. The firing mechanism offers single shots, fixed bursts of three shots, and continuous fire, with some modifications lacking the burst mode.
Its design features include a flag safety translation of fire with four fixed positions, ambidextrous controls, and a comfortable grip for use both with gloves or a folded shoulder rest. An open dioptric sight with fixed firing range settings at 250 and 400 meters and a removable handle that is used for carrying and mounting optical or night sights.
Several variants comprise the AR-70/90 series, including the SC-70/90 special operations forces; SCP-70/90 airborne troops and combat vehicle crews; and the AS-70/90 light machine gun. The rifles are fed from a detachable box magazine capable of holding 30 rounds; magazines of the American M16 rifle can also be used.
Most of the variants of the AR-70/90 series rifles remain in production and service with the Italian Armed Forces as a reliable and effective weapon in combat.
In this regard, both the 9A-91 and Beretta AR-70/90 series represent ongoing developments related to the compactness and versatility of assault rifles as demanded by a variety of military and law enforcement personnel. The novelty of design and adaptability have secured them a place in the annals of modern military firearms.