Benelli MR1
A semi-automatic carbine from Benelli, originally the Beretta RX4 Storm.
The Benelli MR1 is a semi-automatic rifle produced by Benelli Armi SpA in Italy, though its development was handled by Beretta. It was initially meant to be sold as the RX4 Storm, following the naming pattern of other “Storm” products like the Px4, Cx4, and Tx4. Beretta later decided to place it under the Benelli brand instead. This carbine is the first firearm in the Benelli lineup to chamber the .223 caliber.
The rifle uses a gas-operated, rotating bolt action built around Benelli’s patented Auto-Regulated Gas-Operated (ARGO) system. The gas port sits just ahead of the chamber, where the gases are hotter and cleaner. Because the return spring is housed inside the stock, the MR1 cannot accept folding stocks, even though the gun is otherwise modular. After the last round is fired, the bolt locks open. Standard sights are ghost rings, adjustable for windage and elevation. No tools are needed for disassembly, and there are nine sling attachment points for different carry setups. The MR1 ships with a single five-round magazine but can use higher-capacity M16-style magazines. It is semi-automatic only; no selective-fire or full-auto version exists or is planned. Beretta already offers the ARX-160 for military and law enforcement roles.
Manufacturing takes place entirely at the Benelli Armi plant in Urbino, with the guns marked “Beretta Holding” (Benelli has been owned by Beretta since 1983). In Italy, the carbine is listed in the National Catalogue of Firearms as the Benelli Mr1. For the U.S. market, samples were assembled at the Beretta USA plant in Accokeek, Maryland, using imported Italian parts.
Three barrel lengths are available: 12.5 inches, 16 inches, and 20 inches. The 12.5-inch barrel is threaded and comes with a removable muzzle brake. The stock section is modular and can be swapped among a standard hunting rifle stock, a Comfortech hunting rifle stock, a pistol grip with a fixed stock, or a pistol grip with a telescopic stock.
Which models are sold varies by country. In Italy, civilians can buy all variants, including the 12.5-inch barrel with its muzzle brake. Elsewhere, local gun laws often restrict civilians to longer barrels.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Italy
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- Beretta
- Manufacturer
- Benelli Armi SpA
- Production Date
- 2005–present
- Weight
- 3.19 kg (7.03 lbs) without magazine
- Length
- 854 mm (33.6 inches) or 943 mm (37.72 inches)
- Part Length
- 317 mm (12.5 inches) or 406 mm (16.24 inches) or 508 mm (20 inches)
- Height
- 196 mm (7.84 inches)
- Cartridge
- 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem (6.8×43mm in research)
- Action
- Semi-automatic, Gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Rate
- Semi-automatic only
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The MR1 was originally planned by Beretta as the RX4 Storm, following the naming convention of other Storm products such as the Px4, Cx4, and Tx4. It shares design features with the CX4, including side and lower rails near the front of the gun. However, Beretta decided to add the rifle to Benelli's product line instead. The action uses Benelli's patented Auto-Regulated Gas-Operated (ARGO) system, with the gas port located just forward of the chamber where gases are hotter and cleaner. The return spring is housed in the stock, which prevents the use of folding stocks despite the MR1's modularity. When the last round fires, the bolt locks to the rear. The MR1 does not require tools for disassembly and has nine attachment points for slings. The stock section is modular and can be changed between a standard hunting rifle stock, Comfortech hunting rifle stock, pistol grip with fixed stock, or pistol grip with telescopic stock. The MR1 is shipped with one five-round magazine but can accept M16-style magazines with higher capacities. No selective-fire or full-automatic version is planned, as Beretta has developed the ARX-160 for military and law enforcement use.
Reader's Guide
The Benelli MR1 occupies a niche as a civilian-oriented semi-automatic carbine, distinct from Beretta's military ARX-160. Its modular stock system and multiple sling attachment points offer adaptability for different shooting roles, from hunting to sport. The use of the ARGO gas system, borrowed from Benelli's shotguns, provides a reliable and cleaner operating mechanism. The MR1's ability to accept M16-style magazines gives it practical flexibility, while the lack of a folding stock due to the return spring placement limits compact storage. Its manufacture in Italy for the domestic market and assembly in the United States from Italian parts reflects international production arrangements. The MR1 is listed in Italy's National Catalogue of Firearms as approved for civilian ownership, and its availability with different barrel lengths varies by country due to local laws. It remains a semi-automatic-only design, not intended for military use, and represents Benelli's entry into the .223 caliber carbine market.
Did You Know?
- The MR1 was originally designated as the RX4 Storm by Beretta before being added to Benelli's product line.
- The MR1 has nine attachment points for slings.
- The 12.5-inch barrel variant features a threaded barrel with a removable muzzle brake.
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