New For 2024: Desert Tech WLVRN

by
posted on April 20, 2024
** 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. **
Desert Tech WLVRN 01
Images courtesy of Desert Tech.

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.   

Right side of the FDE-finished Desert Tech WLVRN bullpup rifle.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.

Right side of the all-black Desert Tech WLVRN chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor.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.

Latest

Springfield Armory SA-35 4"
Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Review: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Springfield Armory has made its SA-35 High Power clone even more appealing to those interested in a compact, concealed-carry pistol with a new 4-inch barreled version of its SA-35.

Legacy Sports International Expands Howa Bolt-Action Rifle Lineup

Japanese-made Howa M1500 rifles continue to be some of the best value-for-the-money bolt-actions on the market, and for 2026, the company is adding two new models, along with a new chambering.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 17, 2026

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

Skills Check: The Tabula Rasa Method

Too many shooters step onto the range carrying the emotional residue of every missed shot, every bad stage and every ugly drill from the last six months like a tactical backpack full of disappointment. The Tabula Rasa method is designed to change that relationship.

Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies Select Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition will supply the Canadian Department of National Defense and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with rifle and shotgun ammunition, respectively.

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.