Since the company's beginnings in 2007, Desert Tech has been at the forefront of innovative and groundbreaking bullpup rifle designs. New for 2024, the company is updating its Micro Dynamic Rifle (MDR) design with lessons learned from its participation in the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program, with the modular and multi-caliber-capable WLVRN.
Pronounced “Wolverine,” the WLVRN is Desert Tech’s third-generation bullpup rifle design. According to the company, the design has increased reliability with a redesigned integrated receiver that uses 49 fewer parts than the MDR, housed in an updated polymer chassis. These updates led to a 19 percent reduction in overall weight. The bolt and gas system were also redesigned. Accuracy has been increased 30 percent by using the barrel mounting and clamping system from the company’s SRI and HTI bullpup bolt-action precision rifles. Finally, the trigger has been redesigned for a consistent 4-lb. pull weight. The update is so complete that no parts are cross-compatible with the MDR. All WLVRN rifles are side-eject only.
The Desert Tech WLVRN is a total redesign of the company’s bullpup platform, based on lessons they learned from the NGSW competition. Rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 16” barrel pictured.
According to Desert Tech, the WLVRN is the first bullpup design that can be converted between small-frame (5.56 NATO) and large-frame (7.62 NATO) cartridges. Conversion kits to change cartridges are available for $960 for large-frame cartridges, $860 for .300 Blackout and $760 for 5.56 NATO. Rifles are available with black, flat dark earth or tungsten finishes. Desert Tech has a full line-up of handguards and other accessories also available for the WLVRN.
The WLVRN is multiple-caliber-capable, including switching between large and small frame cartridges. Rifle chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor with a 20” barrel pictured.
Both 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO rifles are available with either 16” or 20” barrels. Rifles chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor are only offered with 20” barrels and .300 Blackout chambered rifles only with 16” barrels. Additionally, 11.5” barrel 5.56 NATO conversion kits are available (all NFA rules apply). According to Desert Tech, the WLVRN can be configured as “a DMR, SPR, IAR, CQB, or RECCE rifle.” The rifle is available in both standard and state compliant models. In all chamberings, the WLVRN weighs approximately 7.5 lbs. and has overall lengths of 26” with a 16” barrel and 30” with a 20” barrel.
The Desert Tech WLVRN has an MSRP of $2,499. For more information, visit deserttech.com.
