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

Woman covering rifle target
Woman covering rifle target

Why This DOJ Opinion on Handgun Ownership Matters

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel recently released an opinion concluding that the federal ban on licensed firearms dealers selling handguns to 18-20-year-old U.S. citizens is unconstitutional.

I Have This Old Gun: Czech vz.27

Following World War I, Czechoslovakia needed to equip its new army, and one of its priorities was to select a service sidearm, which ultimately became the vz.27.

Rimfire M1 Refined: The Chiappa Bushranger

Italian manufacturer Chiappa is not afraid to take an original design and give it a modern twist. New for 2026, the company is taking its rimfire M1 carbine design one step further with the Bushranger.

TriStar Arms Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Established in 1996 by the father-and-son team of Gus and Ryan Bader, TriStar Arms has grown into one of the firearm industry’s most respected names in value-driven products.

Optic on an Optic: Why You Should Add a Red-Dot to Your LPVO

Why is it that, suddenly, it seems like everyone is running around with little red-dot sights mounted on top of low-power, variable optics? Well, it turns out there are reasons for that.

How Accurate are Today’s Rifles?

In just the last few decades, rifle accuracy has improved an astonishing amount, and our expectations have risen accordingly.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.