The Desert Tech MDR represents a gas-operated, conventional rotary bolt bullpup rifle. Its gas system incorporates a gas piston positioned above the barrel, along with a 6-position manual gas regulator.
Designed with ambidexterity in mind, the MDR rifle offers various features to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed shooters. These include an ambidextrous forward and side eject port with a viewing window, allowing for tool-free forward ejector side changes. Additionally, non-reciprocating ambidextrous charging handles are installed on both sides of the gun. The pistol grip is equipped with two or three-position safety/selector levers and a magazine release on each side.
For enhanced versatility, the MDR is compatible with Desert Tech caliber conversion kits, enabling easy caliber changes. This unique feature allows the rifle chassis to accept both intermediate cartridges and full-powered rifle cartridges on the same serial number platform, such as 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO magazines.
The external construction of the firearm features an impact-resistant polymer outer shell complemented by an aluminum receiver.
Many components of the MDR rifle utilize modern Metal Injection Molding (MIM) metalworking processes, which have gained popularity in the firearm industry. MIM parts, including the Barrel Block (Trunnion), Gas Block, Bolt Catch, 7.62 mag conversion bar, ejector retainer, and extractor link, are produced by Indo-MIM Pvt. Ltd., India. Indo-MIM Pvt. Ltd. received the prestigious 2017 distinction in hand/tools award by PIM International for their innovative MIM development and cost reduction in part production.
During endurance testing, the .308/7.62 MDR successfully underwent a 10,000 round test. It was subjected to .308 win 150 grain FMJ American Eagle, 7.62×51 149 grain American Eagle, and 7.62 M80 ball US Surplus ammunition. The rifle exhibited an average of 1 failure in 2000 rounds, showcasing its reliability under testing conditions.
Desert Tech MDR Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Gas-operated |
| Action Type | Conventional rotary bolt |
| Caliber | Compatible with caliber conversion kits |
| Ambidextrous Features | Forward and side eject ports |
| Tool-free forward ejector side change | |
| Ambidextrous charging handles | |
| Two or three-position safety/selector | |
| Ambidextrous magazine release | |
| Construction | Impact-resistant polymer outer shell |
| Aluminum receiver | |
| Metal Injection Molding (MIM) | Barrel Block (Trunnion) |
| Components Produced by | Gas Block |
| Indo-MIM Pvt. Ltd. | Bolt Catch |
| 7.62 mag conversion bar | |
| Ejector retainer | |
| Extractor link | |
| Endurance Testing | .308/7.62 MDR |
| Tested with various ammunition types | |
| Average of 1 failure in 2000 rounds |
