[SHOT 2023] The Beretta BRX1 Straight-Pull Rifle

The Beretta BRX1 is projected to arrive in the USA as of 2024.  We got a chance to put some rounds downrange and play with the easy modularity of Beretta’s silky smooth straight pull action today, let’s take a closer look:

[SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull bolt removal tape is on the LH side of the bolt carrier

[SHOT 2023] The Beretta BRX1 Straight-Pull Rifle

The first standout facet of Beretta’s BRX1 straight pull rifle is how easy and smooth the action is to operate.  Gliding on side rails, and with a rotating bolt, the BRX1 might require the least amount of physical effort and input in order to run the bolt of any other centerfire straight pull that I’ve fired so far.

[SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull

For the BRX1’s eventual arrival in the United States, Beretta will provide barrels with a 5/8×24 muzzle thread, as opposed to the M14 thread the international models currently have.  Most models will weigh roughly 7.25lbs.

Safety First, Second and Third:

The Safety system on the BRX is very much a European design.  By pushing forward and up, one can choose three positions:

1. Safe, decocked and bolt locked
   

   [SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull safety on, bolt locked

2. Safe, but bolt can move 
   

   [SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull safety on, bolt can move

3. Fire
   

   [SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull safety off

Extreme Modularity

The other standout facet of this rifle is how modular it is and how easy it is for the end user to fully disassemble, maintain and adjust the BRX1 in the field.  The bolt comes out of the carrier and can smoothly slide to the side and be flipped over to eject from the left or right hand side of the receiver.  Similarly, the bolt handle can be easily switched from side to side of the bolt carrier group.

[SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull Bolt head is easily removable and changeable from RH to LH ejection and vice versa

You want to run a left hand bolt with right hand ejection?  No problem with the BRX1.  It’s tool-less disassembly and modularity help make it a truly ambidextrous rifle.  After a short demonstration, I set up the rifle to be fired this way, and had 4 out of 4 hits quickly on target at 545 yards.  The trigger pull weight of the BRX1 has 3 settings: 900grams, 1.2kg, and 1.5kg (roughly 2lb, 2.65lb, and 3.3lb).  The trigger group can be easily removed from the receiver, and a small slider on the side of the trigger cassette selects the pull weight.

[SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull Trigger Cassette drops out by prying up the metal tab at the rear

[SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull Trigger cassette

The Modular nature of the BRX1 also allows for easy caliber changes.  Sharing the same barrel change system as the SAKO 100, two screws on the underside allow for a barrel change with automatically set headspace. The bolt head is easily replaceable for caliber as well.

[SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull barrels remove via two tensioning screws on the underside

[SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull

The receivers will come with zero MOA rails at first.  Both 5 and 10 round magazines will be available.  Barrel twist rates will be as follows:

• .243 and all .30 calibers except .30-06: 1:10
• .30-06: 1:11
• 6.5 Creedmoor and .223: 1:8

For more information, check out TFBTV’s coverage of the BRX1 at EOS.  

[SHOT 2023] Beretta BRX1 Straight Pull