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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.
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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.
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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.
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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