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

Barrel
Barrel

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Rifleman Review: Tikka T3x Ace Target

Tikka's T3x line of rifles has long been a popular option for many hunters and shooters, and recently, the Finnish company has expanded this line with its T3x Ace Target model, which is specifically designed for competition use.

New For 2026: Bersa BP9 FS

Bersa USA has expanded into many corners of the firearm market in recent years, and new for 2026, the company has now launched its BP9 FS, a new design intended for duty, self-defense and competition use.

Surprising Concealed Carry Statistics

A survey conducted by the Crime Prevention Research Center studied how many likely voters regularly carry concealed handguns, and the results defy expectations.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.