Desert Tech MDR
Desert Tech · Rifle · Discontinued · 2017
Also known as: MDR, Micro Dynamic Rifle, DT MDR
Overview
The Desert Tech MDR (Micro Dynamic Rifle) is a multi-caliber bullpup semi-automatic rifle developed by Desert Tech (formerly Desert Tactical Arms) and publicly debuted in 2014, with consumer production beginning in 2017. Designed to be fully ambidextrous, the MDR uses forward ejection and a tool-free side-ejection conversion to accommodate left-handed shooters, and accepts AR-15 or SR-25 magazines depending on caliber. Users can convert between 5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x51mm NATO, .300 Blackout, and 6.5 Creedmoor with included tools by swapping the barrel, bolt, and magwell. Production was discontinued in January 2024 in favor of the second-generation MDRX.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3720 g (131.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 698 mm (27.48") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 31 N (7.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 960 m/s (3150 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1843 J (1359 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 625 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Anodized Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, M193, M855
- 7.62x51mm NATO · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, M80
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Safety Selector
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Fully Ambidextrous, Tool Free Caliber Conversion, Forward Ejection, Side Ejection Convertible, Adjustable Gas Regulator, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Uses Ar15 Magazines 5-56, Uses Sr25 Magazines 7-62
Variants
- Desert Tech MDRX — Successor
- Desert Tech MDR-C — Compact
- Desert Tech MDR-A — Select Fire
- Desert Tech WLVRN — Tactical
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport shooters · adopted 2017
- U.S. Army NGSAR program (evaluated, rejected)
Production
Production years: 2017-2024
Production was halted on 18 January 2024 to focus on the MDRX successor; total production figures have not been published by Desert Tech.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Desert Tech engineering team
Discontinued: 2024
Notes
The MDR was Desert Tech's submission for the U.S. Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSAR) program but was not selected. The civilian semi-automatic MDR is what was offered for retail; the select-fire MDR-A was offered to military and LE customers only.
Background
The MDR's tool-free, no-stock-tool conversion was a deliberate response to the European bullpup template (FN F2000, Steyr AUG): Desert Tech's engineers designed it so a soldier could swap from .308 to 5.56 in under three minutes in the field - a flexibility no other production bullpup of its era could match.