NRA Gun of the Week: Desert Tech MDRX

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.


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.


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.


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.


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

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