Desert Tech MDR Bullpup Review

Published on May 12, 2019
Duration: 20:05

This review of the Desert Tech MDR bullpup rifle covers its design, features, and performance. The presenter highlights its modularity, ambidextrous operation, and caliber conversion capabilities. While generally reliable, a trigger reset issue was encountered and resolved with a replacement trigger pack. The review includes a detailed field strip and reassembly guide, demonstrating the rifle's internal mechanics.

Quick Summary

The Desert Tech MDR is a versatile, semi-automatic bullpup rifle known for its modularity and caliber conversion capabilities, allowing easy swaps between .308 Win, 5.56x45mm NATO, and .300 Blackout. It boasts a fully ambidextrous design and an adjustable gas block for optimal performance in various conditions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Desert Tech MDR
  2. 01:06Desert Tech Company Overview
  3. 01:13MDR Semi-Automatic Bullpup
  4. 01:30Caliber Conversion Capabilities
  5. 01:53Ambidextrous Design Features
  6. 02:00Included Accessories and Optics
  7. 02:26Safety Check and Magazine Release
  8. 02:47Bolt Operation and Charging Handle
  9. 03:32Ambidextrous Safety Selector
  10. 03:49Barrel and Muzzle Device
  11. 03:55Receiver and Handguard Materials
  12. 04:04Included Vertical Foregrip
  13. 04:17QD Sling Mounts
  14. 04:23Ejection Port Switching
  15. 05:01Ejection Port Demonstration
  16. 05:14Brass Ejection Consistency
  17. 05:21Bolt Operation Without Ejection Plate
  18. 05:41Previous Reliability Concerns
  19. 06:17Range Performance and Reliability
  20. 06:39Trigger Reset Issues
  21. 07:11Adjustable Gas Block Settings
  22. 07:41Included Red Dot Sight
  23. 08:09Picatinny Rail Stability
  24. 08:39Handguard Removal
  25. 09:33Handguard Tightening
  26. 09:36Bullpup Trigger Mechanism
  27. 09:53Trigger Pull Analysis
  28. 10:19Trigger Pull Weight Measurement
  29. 10:33Rifle Weight Measurement
  30. 10:40Ammunition for Testing
  31. 10:58Range Experience
  32. 11:12Shooting Dynamics of a Bullpup
  33. 11:18Control Familiarization
  34. 11:42Bolt Drop with New Magazine
  35. 11:57Muzzle Flip and Recoil
  36. 12:25Fun Factor at the Range
  37. 12:26Muzzle Brake vs. Flash Hider
  38. 12:41Caliber Switching Ease
  39. 13:24Disassembly Process
  40. 13:42Upper and Lower Receiver Separation
  41. 14:08Trigger Pack Removal
  42. 14:44Trigger Pack Replacement
  43. 15:13Bolt and Recoil Spring Assembly
  44. 15:21Firing Pin and Cam Pin Removal
  45. 15:47Field Strip Completion
  46. 15:50Bolt Components: Extractor and Feed Ramp
  47. 16:01Reassembly: Bolt and Cam Pin
  48. 16:13Reassembly: Firing Pin and Retainer Pin
  49. 16:22Reassembly: Recoil Spring Assembly
  50. 16:40Reassembly: Receiver Pins
  51. 16:54Reassembly Completion
  52. 17:00Available Calibers and Conversion Kits
  53. 17:20Color Options
  54. 17:24Other Desert Tech Models
  55. 17:36Pricing Information
  56. 17:52Value Proposition
  57. 18:00Conclusion: Tomorrow's Weapon
  58. 18:11Versatility and Compactness
  59. 18:17Weight and Balance
  60. 18:22Comparison to Standard Rifles
  61. 18:29Thanks to Desert Tech
  62. 18:36Experience with Trigger Pack Issue
  63. 18:43Final Recommendation
  64. 18:52Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Desert Tech MDR bullpup rifle?

The Desert Tech MDR is a semi-automatic bullpup rifle known for its modularity, allowing easy caliber conversions between .308 Win, 5.56x45mm NATO, and .300 Blackout. It features a fully ambidextrous design, including a switchable ejection port, and an adjustable gas block for different shooting conditions.

How easy is it to convert the Desert Tech MDR to different calibers?

Caliber conversion on the Desert Tech MDR is designed to be straightforward. It typically involves switching the barrel and essential components like the bolt and bolt face. Kits are available for calibers such as 5.56x45mm NATO and .300 Blackout.

What was the reliability experience with the Desert Tech MDR reviewed?

During testing, the Desert Tech MDR experienced zero malfunctions with various ammunition types. However, an initial issue with the trigger not resetting was noted, which was resolved by replacing the trigger pack, a process handled efficiently by Desert Tech.

What is the trigger pull weight and feel of the Desert Tech MDR?

The trigger pull on the Desert Tech MDR is considered good for a bullpup design, featuring a slight take-up, a distinct resistance, and a clean break. Measured with a Lyman trigger gauge, the pull weight averaged around 5 pounds, 1 to 7.6 ounces.

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