NRA Gun of the Week: Desert Tech MDRX

by
posted on March 12, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Utah-based firearms manufacturer, Desert Tech presents its MDRX (Micro Dynamic Rifle) with semi-automatic function driven by a tunable, short-stroke-gas-piston system. The gun enables operators to switch calibers within the unique bullpup configuration, providing the versatility of a multi-caliber system in a compact and customizable package.

Desert Tech MDRX rifle dynamic view brown plastic

Attached to the aluminum upper receiver are the action, barrel and cheek-piece assemblies. Desert Tech supplies a lower receiver and handguard made of polymer. A Picatinny rail covers the gun’s topside. The trigger mechanism, magazine well and lower portion of the butt are relegated to the polymer lower receiver.

Rifle receiver metal plastic brown black

A number of bilateral and ambidextrous controls, including dual-sided charging handles that are non reciprocating, safety selectors and magazine release buttons make the MDRX a well-optioned candidate for both left- and right-handed shooters. The MDRX supplies users with two magazine release actuators for increased versatility.

Rifle parts stock bullpup ejection black brown plastic metal

At the range, the Desert Tech MDRX, like many bullpups, is more compact and easier to handle than conventional semi-automatic rifles with the same barrel length. The rear-mounted action is found to improve overall balance with reduction to fore-end weight, which is a boon to shooters that require accessories attached up front. Since the MDRX is multi-caliber adaptable, conversion kits are available separately from Desert Tech—users can easily change between .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .223 Wylde and .300 Blackout.

rifle parts gas block picatinny rail

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn more about the Desert Tech MDRX bullpup rifle.

Desert Tech MDRX (Forward Ejecting) Specifications
Manufacturer: Desert Tech
Action Type: piston-operated, semi-automatic, center-fire, bullpup rifle
Chambering: multi; .223 Wylde, .300 Blackout, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win.
Barrel: 16” to 20”
Lower Receiver: polymer
Upper Receiver: aluminum
Sights: none; Picatinny rail
Trigger: 4.7-lb. pull
Overall
Length: 27.5” to 31.5”
Weight: 8.7 lbs. to 8.89 lbs.
MSRP: $2,099 (base)

Further Reading:
Out of Sight, Peace of Mind: The "Trunk" Gun

Desert Tech MDR Review

U.S. Army Ordnance vs. NRA: The Battle Over the M1 Garand

Tested: Marlin 336 Dark Lever-Action Rifle

Thermal And Night Vision Revealed

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1
Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Overlooked Austrian: The Schwarzlose M1907 Machine Gun

Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.

New Hodgdon Reloading Manual, Sierra Bullets Announced

Hodgdon announced the launch of its 2026 reloading manual, while Sierra Bullets launched a collection of heavy-for-caliber bullets for handloaders.

Preview: NRA RFID Bi-Fold CCW Permit Wallet

Show your NRA pride while protecting your valuable financial information with this specially configured wallet from the NRA Store.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1860 Army Revolver

For the Union Army during the American Civil War, its officers and cavalry troopers relied on one of Colt's most notable firearms: the 1860 Army revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.