Desert Tech MDRx 1000rd Review (Pre-SHOT 2024 / WLVRN)

[@SodaPrezsing]

We need this same type of video review for the WLVRN :) keep up the good work!

[@NicholasYoungDT]

Thanks for the very thorough review. Yes I watched the entire review. I appreciate your feedback. I might suggest to lower the music audio in the future as it was very difficult to hear what you were saying at times. What is your current profession and what kind of job are you looking for? Btw forget the haters don’t let them determine who you are!

[@ParrotTactical]

Incredible to see your name pop up in my e-mails, and thank you for the feedback! Currently, I'm in sales analytics for a major OE Automotive supplier. My degree is in supply chain, and I've spent 10-12yrs in various analytics, and briefly, manufacturing roles. I've self taught the very basics of python programming, and am currently learning CAD in Fusion360. I initially planned to learn CAM and try some CNC, but budget and space switched my plans to 3D prints for the time being. I'm afraid with Desert Tech, I don't know just how much I don't know. I stated the previous bits to say, I'm a capable and quick learner. I would love to work for you guys in design, marketing, testing, or market analysis. I don't know what government contracts look like, but accessing and assessing those, their previous winners, potential biases they have... interviewing decision makers or end users to gain feedback or preferences. I don't know what all you have open, but am certain I could bring value to the team, and independently, I believe in your products, your approach, bullpups as a (superior) concept, and your leadership (Nick) as an individual. If there's an open door for me, my passion, and my skillset, I'd love to talk more. Either way, you're right-- I won't let the haters stop me!

[@EdBowl]

I like that you compared the accuracy that you were getting with the MDRX to what you were getting with your DDM4, using the same ammo. 🙂

[@EdBowl]

I also totally agree with you on the sealing and venting around the barrel. This was by far the most thorough MDRX review I have seen. Excellent job!!!

[@EdBowl]

I agree about the buttpad. I think part of it is going for the 16in barrel that everyone is used to seeing on standard rifles. You should be able to get just over that 26" minimum overall length with an 18" barrel. Or as you said keep the 16" barrel, but give more room for the bolt travel to help soften up the recoil.

[@Dan-b2j]

Awesome review

[@ParrotTactical]

Thank you sir!

[@dreknows]

Why i use flow through supprsor or will be when atf accepts my form

[@RealDudes]

great job with this video, love your approach to review. I hope you publish more in the future

[@jasonbpizza]

Well done, sir! That is dedication to put up such a thorough and detailed review. I greatly appreciate that you used control and multiple tests to verify the results. I have been interested in @DesertTechUT MDR, then MDRx, and now WLVRN. I was disappointed when the 'old guard' in the military did not put in an effort to take the once-in-a-half-century opportunity to pick a main battle rifle and not realize the potential and advantages of a bullpup. I was close to pulling the trigger on a DT purchase because I love how they are willing to make iterative improvements. I am looking forward to my hoped for first purchase of one of their rifles this year.

[@EdBowl]

I agree with you on the grip and the buttstock space. Note: The FAB Defense Gradus grip, although not a perfect fit, will work on the MDRX. With a little trimming of the grip it will fit perfect, but I did not see it as necessary. Other grips may fit, but may require trimming.

[@EdBowl]

My biggest con for the MDRX is the lack of positive engagement of the safety, I have accidentally disengaged the safety on a couple occasions and now I am constantly checking to make sure it is on. Not a bad habit to build, but I wish I could have more confidence in my safety.

[@EdBowl]

The buttpad is angled for use with body armor. But considering that most people don't use body armor, it would make sense that this be an optional accessory, and not standard.

[@AAkCN1]

Superb review. In contrast to your estimate I do like the timing of getting the review out after they anounced new platform. Thanks!

[@EdBowl]

I do not understand why they didn't put a pin in the pic rail of the handguard, in line with the barrel, that would go into a hole in the pic rail in the upper receiver. There is already a hole there, too! This would fully constrain the handguard, leaving the M-Lok bolts to give additional support.

[@daviddroescher]

The pin is there the mlock was an after thought to attempt to stabilize the floppy hand gard. It was a failed attempt just adding more complexity.

[@scottklawon8225]

Amazing depth and great job!

[@frozeniceman6319]

Very nicely done it is refreshing to see someone do such a deep dive into this Rifle. Are you planning on releasing or selling the 3D printed parts you designed? What did you print your buttpad out of?

[@Obsydeon]

Came to comments to ask for this. Please either put your stl for the butt plate on thingverse or let us buy them. Been looking for a butt plate mod for this both to flatten and to look at how hard it'd be to make the LoP adjustable.

[@HersheyRoseX]

Hey enjoyed another in depth review on the MDRX! It seems that you are kind of going on a Bull pup journey, i highly recommend you tryout the Keltec RDB. Its overlooked by most , but is probably the best 5.56 bull-pup option out there. Even if you don't read this, hopefully it helps for the algo.

[@richarddo7881]

Might be nitpicking, but the picture around 14:30 of the Kel-tech RDB & RFB actually included the Magpul PDR :)

[@EdBowl]

Maybe I have a longer neck than most, but the location of the pic rail works perfect for me. Keep in mind they have to design it so that the people with the longest necks aren't getting hit by the pic rail when the gun recoils.

[@EdBowl]

My mag release was also very stiff when I first got it, but after working it back and forth awhile (less than 100 times), it loosened up and now is no problem. On a side note, I always use the rear mag release when I have ammo in the mag as I am always going to want to retain it or forcibly remove it because there is a problem with it. Warrior Poet Society has some good videos on this and why it's also a good idea to download your mags by one. When the mag is full it is pushing hard against the bottom of the bolt. This can make it difficult to insert or eject mags. Under stress this can especially become an issue. Note that in this discussion they were using ARs as their examples. So it is by no means solely and MDRX thing. The only time I ever had any problems with inserting or ejecting mags with my MDRX is when I somehow managed to load 31 rounds into my 30 round PMAG, 🤔

[@EdBowl]

I have never had a problem with free spinning QD cups, but as per your point about the magazines, this is not a cheap gun and spending a couple extra bucks on rotation limiting QD cups would go a long way to giving this gun a more premium feel. :-)

[@daviddroescher]

. 17:00 more pic rail With a flip up back up iorn in 308 i did cut my cheak with the iorn folded down behind an acog, run as far backas possible for eye relief. 29:30 charging handle. I wish they gave it more stroke to be able to supersede the bolt kech, like ar/M . As a lefty getting my manual of arms reset for the extra movement involved with a relod to hit the bolt kech has been ruff. With ar/M the bolt is run with the trigger finger separating the tasks. Ar/M is stuff bump go to hand gard , release is accomplished while right hand is in transit, making a failure to fire be recharging as next move witch dose not release the bolt still. This is a me problem.

[@22leggedsasquatch]

Excellent review. I do know that they solved the mag ejection issue by trimming some material away from the side stock panel.. I'm sure they will watch your video too

[@dimitrijohnson2882]

Thank you for all your hard work!

[@DanielFarrell]

Wow, such a useful review. Thank you!

[@Soravia]

.223 Steel case ammo is NOT WEAK. Steel case cool down shrink is slower than brass, and causes additional friction against chamber.

[@nerdcraft579]

Move your olight to bridge the hand guard and the chasis rail to give a 3rd point of stability

[@22leggedsasquatch]

Please do make a video about your shooting courses

[@tytly-ro7vt]

Any opinions on doing dedicated caliber uppers, which would likely shave weight for the 556 and make switching between calibers not constantly require changing optics and re-zeroing

[@Snapper314]

A very detailed review indeed! I suspect (and hope) that the new Wolverine (WLVRN) from Desert Tech has addressed most if not all of these issues & shortcomings.

[@thunderofgr]

I know it’s disheartening to have put all of this effort into that script right as DT turns around and addresses a big chunk of these issues. I also have a ton of things I want to see them do to make the ultimate rifle. I see that Nick Young responded. That’s incredible. I hope you’re looking for homes in Utah shortly. Thanks for making The Ultimate MDRX Video, which is also it’s swan song as we say goodbye to the last 5 years of developments.

[@aphaileeja]

Jakl bullpup's gonna be lit!

[@therealexpletive]

this is top tier content. thank you.

[@RagnaRebellion]

Great review as a new MDRX owner

[@EdBowl]

I completely disagree with you on the forward eject. And the reason the military doesn't switch shoulders, is because they are not trained to.

[@terrarecon]

Depends on who you are/what you do in the military.

[@richarddo7881]

@@terrarecon SOF trained for that but there is no official doctrine on training the common grunt on how to operate with both left & right shoulder. The norm is shooting right-handed which is why even left-hand recruit is forced to train to shoot with right-hand

[@马k]

Totally surprised by the difficulty with the mag release. How easy was it to convert to a L/H shooter? Good review.

[@armstrong2052]

I collect bullpups and dont have the desert tech as im hoping they offer something more reliable by the time I get one. Still have the aug and p90 to get as well.

[@dreknows]

I love how reliable my X95 is compared to Mdrx. I've shot only 200 rounds thru x95 with not one issue. Maybe i was unlucky

[@trogdor8634]

Butt pad market for sure. How many different M4 buttstocks are on the market ....hell....PMAG alone seem to have a bakers dozen. A potential accessory market no doubt, same with the other tidbits of the M4...charging handle (grip nub thingies), does the pistol grip swap out? If not, hopefully the WLVRN has some options....not saying it looks bad but its another market option people want to make the rifle "theirs" with their own customizations for what suits their needs/style/preference. If the pistol grip isn't swappable it lends to the perception of hubris of the manufacturer..."I know what you want and this is it" On my work M4, I've always preferred that rubbery hogue grip just for its grippy-ness even with sweat soaked gloves it works. Desert Tech looks like a potential market disruptor for sure, I hope they continue to refine and get better.

[@MaseratiChris556]

I see a Costco enjoyer I hit like

[@dreknows]

I think they should allow people upgrade their mdrx to wlvrn if they are not happy and only fired under 50 shots in my case is like 10 cuz i couldn't get it function had send it in

[@almostontimehero5415]

Very nicely done. However, the Wolverine changes everything you took the time to explain in detail. Maybe the Wolverine will be what the MDRx should have been.

[@MarCorpsM4gery]

Air vents is a horrible area if they want military contracts, even if you cover in rubber which would defeat the purpose. Air vents wouldn’t even help cool the barrel or chamber. Your feeling conducted heat and absolutely no amount of air vents will prevent conduction of heat. But the author of the video doesn’t even fucking care to engage with his audience. Will never watch another video from this author again.

[@chrisb4457]

Great job! Too bad you'll never see this comment :D

[@chrisk1224]

I’ve made this comment about another of your videos: on the one hand, the thoughtful and thorough review is appreciated, but on the other hand I couldn’t get through the full video. I found the unnecessary and annoying background music made it too painful to watch.

[@almostontimehero5415]

Watching this review on my phone a 2nd time and your audio is God awful. A blu tooth head set is $20 and picks up audio better than what ever you're using. I know audio is a minor thing, but this is a 1hr long video.