The result was the Beretta AR70, which externally resembled its parent weapon, the SG 530, while differing in the internal firing mechanism/locking system.

A light support weapon variant of 70/223 was also developed, with a removable box magazine and a quick-change barrel, but it did not achieve considerable success.

Development of Beretta AR70/90 rifle began when in the 1980s when the Italian Government decided that its military and law enforcement agencies needed a new standard service weapon.

It was found that the receiver would distort and jam the firing bolt, if the weapon was subjected to harsh circumstances.

During the trials, the AR-70/90 competed with a variant of H&K G41 licensed and produced domestically by Franchi and the Mod.378 VB-SR, a modified clone of the Galil SAR developed by Bernardelli.

Known as the AR-70/90s, it was mostly identical to military variant, with exception of deleted flash hider, bayonet mount and carrying handle.

These variants still maintain the original .223 Remington caliber, ability to take NATO/STANAG magazines, while barrel length has been reduced to 21mm.

The AR70/90 is manufactured according to 1980s standards, i.e. with limited use of polymer plastic parts and using stainless steel whenever possible (a Beretta staple).

It has three firing positions (full auto, three-round burst, and semi-auto) and a safe, and has a carrying handle not unlike the Vietnam-era M16, a long, bulky barrel, and a hollow stock.