The bullpup is quickly become one of my favorite rifle platforms but which one is better? The tried and true IWI Tavor X95 from Israel or the American made Desert Tech MDRX
I've had my MDRX for about a year now and have over 2000 rounds through it. So I would like to make a couple of comments: 1. I purchased my MDRX with the side eject option and and had Zero malfunctions except for operator induced ones (more on that below). The side eject model can be switched to either side, but there are some extra steps. You must field strip the weapon and rotate the bolt so that the ejector flips the case to the left side. Reassemble and then switch the covers as before. 2. I also bought a conversion kit to allow me to shoot 6.5 Creedmore. At the time I bought the kit only forward eject was available. I immediately noticed that the forward eject pusher, which is built into the side cover was very stiff and needed considerable lube and exercise to work smoothly. Because of that pusher unit, it takes more force to fully cycle the action compared to the side eject. You may need to open the gas port one notch to get the weapon to eject reliably. 3. Operator malfunctions: All my malfunctions were caused by the same thing. I had to learn was that when you manually chamber a round (bolt locked back) you need to give that charging lever a slap (same as an HK) and let it go. Easing it forward does not seat the bolt correctly and causes the malfunction. Overall I am very pleased with the MDRX. It is very accurate, has a great trigger and is just plain fun to shoot. Good luck with yours
Quick tip, record your audio at a lower gain level (-18 dBFS with peaks at around -12 dBFS). After you apply your compressor and limiter, you can bump that back up to the volume you want and you won't have to worry about clipping. The majority of the video you're clipping your mic.
@combatreadychannel just once at the range and nothing bad to say at all. Just from overall reviews and feedback about both rifles the x95 seems to have more positives
Yes it can be switched from one to the other but they require different barrels. So for mine, I would have to buy another barrel and bolt carrier for $700-$800. I originally thought it was an easy swap when I first bought it but that is not the case.
@@combatreadychannel I bought two of them, one in 308 and 556. And I do think they also have two different ejector styles, can't remember which uses which.
Can't see into the chamber to see the type of malfunction? That right there should disqualify the MDRX for serious defensive use, just as with the Kel-Tec RDB. And you say the MDRX had reliability issues? The cutlass vs. standard trigger guard is a toss up. Neither is ideal, as I have learned with my X95. With the cutlass guard, the middle finger can slide up and get behind the trigger; with the standard trigger guard, shooting from barrier rests can chew up the knuckles, even with gloves on. For the X95, 3 Panther Products makes a combination cutlass/trigger guard that is awesome. Shame on IWI for not doing that, but at least it's available. is the MDRX really convertible to 7.62 NATO? I checked the stock weight of the 5.56 16" version and the 7.62 NATO 16" version, and the 7.62 NATO version is 0.07 lb. heavier, so you may be right. That said, you wouldn't catch me shooting a 7.62 NATO round from an 8.67 lb. 5.56 platform. Also, it seems to me you'd have to change the whole buttstock to accommodate the entirely different magazine geometries. As you implied at the end, the MDRX sounds like a really cool range toy that could be used defensively were there not a better option available.
I agree that the forward ejection drops it down on my list of “willing to go to war with” rifles but I’m pretty sure it would jump up quite a bit with the side eject instead. As for the RDB, check out this video I did a while ago. It turns out the RDB isn’t as bad as I originally thought when it comes to malfunctions. czcams.com/video/TMFohUVagvI/video.htmlsi=oh1Sc38Uic39VWmJ
Oh and as for the 7.62x51 conversion. Yes it can! The chassis is built for the 7.62N and then it comes with a magwell insert that makes it smaller for the 5.56 magazines. Then it just requires the 5.56 barrel assembly and it’s done! Pretty ingenious really. I’m wanting to buy the 7.62N assembly but I just can’t bring myself to spend more money 💴 on it yet.
That weight is around what high end AR10s weigh so it’s not that bad. Most of these companies are buukding them to be able to withstand higher calibers in case you want to convert. Keep in mind this whole gun is damn near plastic besides the internals.. making it lighter. As for the other stuff I couldn’t tell you. Never had a bullpup and it’s either this one, the VHS 2 or the tavor.
@@Migazii that is exactly why the MDRX is heavy. It’s one of the only rifles I know of that can be converted up to another caliber class. So you’re basically buying a 7.62nato rifle that can be switched to a 5.56.
@@melaniedesroches9290 No need for your comment. I think any reasonable shooter would agree that a comparison between two rifles ought to demonstrate, or at the very least discuss, the accuracy of the two being compared. What is the significance or usefulness of a rifle if it is inaccurate?
One thing that's really important that you left out is that the X95 is pretty much a solid shell around metal while the MDR is held together with hex heads (very kel tech, ew gross). And you can free float the X95 really easily. Also you change the grip too. I can't stand screws on guns and the X95 keeps them to a minimum.
Im so giddy so get my hands on the mdrx and yes i would be getting the side eject as everyone that has gotten the more expensive and heavier forward eject all ran into those same malfunctions. My only issue is the price the cheapest ive found with taxes included is almost 2500 total and I'd be getting the PA 3x prism for my optic with shipping and taxes is 300, so now im already at 2800 and I'd also like to get a laser, surfire light, and vertgrip/bipod. So in all i could be spending almost 3 grand. So im really hoping with the holiday season approaching their will be some sales for the gun and attachments.
I've had my MDRX for about a year now and have over 2000 rounds through it. So I would like to make a couple of comments:
1. I purchased my MDRX with the side eject option and and had Zero malfunctions except for operator induced ones (more on that below). The side eject model can be switched to either side, but there are some extra steps. You must field strip the weapon and rotate the bolt so that the ejector flips the case to the left side. Reassemble and then switch the covers as before.
2. I also bought a conversion kit to allow me to shoot 6.5 Creedmore. At the time I bought the kit only forward eject was available. I immediately noticed that the forward eject pusher, which is built into the side cover was very stiff and needed considerable lube and exercise to work smoothly. Because of that pusher unit, it takes more force to fully cycle the action compared to the side eject. You may need to open the gas port one notch to get the weapon to eject reliably.
3. Operator malfunctions: All my malfunctions were caused by the same thing. I had to learn was that when you manually chamber a round (bolt locked back) you need to give that charging lever a slap (same as an HK) and let it go. Easing it forward does not seat the bolt correctly and causes the malfunction.
Overall I am very pleased with the MDRX. It is very accurate, has a great trigger and is just plain fun to shoot. Good luck with yours
Thanks for giving your experience with the MDRX.
Thanks for sharing. I just got a 2022 556 se model. I hope it eill not give me any issues.
@@88kar88
Best of luck. If you have a problem, Desert Tech's support staff has been very responsive when I had questions
Tavor x95 lines are much cleaner
Ahh..poor X95. Between you and Clint at Classic Firearms, the X95 gets 2nd place lol. Great vid man.
Now it’s even sadder, I sold the X95 and kept the MDRX.
Quick tip, record your audio at a lower gain level (-18 dBFS with peaks at around -12 dBFS). After you apply your compressor and limiter, you can bump that back up to the volume you want and you won't have to worry about clipping. The majority of the video you're clipping your mic.
I have know idea what you just said to me. I just turn the mic on and that’s all I know what to do.
@@combatreadychannel He's saying to record at a lower gain level to avoid distortion.
You must be excited for the WLVRN then. Sounds like they took a lot feedback from the MDR and implemented into the new design.
I am but it will probably be a while before I get my hands on one.
I’m not excited to pay another 2,500
@@combatreadychannel You and me both!!! LOL!!!
X95 all day everyday.
Have you shot the MDRX too?
@combatreadychannel just once at the range and nothing bad to say at all. Just from overall reviews and feedback about both rifles the x95 seems to have more positives
Can't you mod the MDRX to put the side eject on it? Isn't that kind of the beauty of their platform is pre and post purchase customization?
Yes it can be switched from one to the other but they require different barrels. So for mine, I would have to buy another barrel and bolt carrier for $700-$800. I originally thought it was an easy swap when I first bought it but that is not the case.
@@combatreadychannel THAT'S SUCKY. I thought it was an easier mod than that. Since they kind of sell those guns on that LEGO like model.
@@tdata545yeah, I was not happy when I figured that out. They do not explain it very well.
@@combatreadychannel I bought two of them, one in 308 and 556. And I do think they also have two different ejector styles, can't remember which uses which.
Do you not have the Kel-Tec RDB anymore?
I do still have the RDB. I’m to do another video with it pretty soon
For MDRX If they just create Ar15 like dust cover for FE mechanism...
Can't see into the chamber to see the type of malfunction? That right there should disqualify the MDRX for serious defensive use, just as with the Kel-Tec RDB. And you say the MDRX had reliability issues? The cutlass vs. standard trigger guard is a toss up. Neither is ideal, as I have learned with my X95. With the cutlass guard, the middle finger can slide up and get behind the trigger; with the standard trigger guard, shooting from barrier rests can chew up the knuckles, even with gloves on. For the X95, 3 Panther Products makes a combination cutlass/trigger guard that is awesome. Shame on IWI for not doing that, but at least it's available. is the MDRX really convertible to 7.62 NATO? I checked the stock weight of the 5.56 16" version and the 7.62 NATO 16" version, and the 7.62 NATO version is 0.07 lb. heavier, so you may be right. That said, you wouldn't catch me shooting a 7.62 NATO round from an 8.67 lb. 5.56 platform. Also, it seems to me you'd have to change the whole buttstock to accommodate the entirely different magazine geometries. As you implied at the end, the MDRX sounds like a really cool range toy that could be used defensively were there not a better option available.
I agree that the forward ejection drops it down on my list of “willing to go to war with” rifles but I’m pretty sure it would jump up quite a bit with the side eject instead. As for the RDB, check out this video I did a while ago. It turns out the RDB isn’t as bad as I originally thought when it comes to malfunctions.
czcams.com/video/TMFohUVagvI/video.htmlsi=oh1Sc38Uic39VWmJ
Oh and as for the 7.62x51 conversion. Yes it can! The chassis is built for the 7.62N and then it comes with a magwell insert that makes it smaller for the 5.56 magazines. Then it just requires the 5.56 barrel assembly and it’s done! Pretty ingenious really. I’m wanting to buy the 7.62N assembly but I just can’t bring myself to spend more money 💴 on it yet.
That weight is around what high end AR10s weigh so it’s not that bad.
Most of these companies are buukding them to be able to withstand higher calibers in case you want to convert.
Keep in mind this whole gun is damn near plastic besides the internals.. making it lighter.
As for the other stuff I couldn’t tell you. Never had a bullpup and it’s either this one, the VHS 2 or the tavor.
@@Migazii that is exactly why the MDRX is heavy. It’s one of the only rifles I know of that can be converted up to another caliber class. So you’re basically buying a 7.62nato rifle that can be switched to a 5.56.
Ambidextrious
Absolutely no discussion about accuracy? Seriously?
I should have included that. They’re both so similar with accuracy that I guess I just forgot.
no need for the attitude sir
@@melaniedesroches9290 No need for your comment. I think any reasonable shooter would agree that a comparison between two rifles ought to demonstrate, or at the very least discuss, the accuracy of the two being compared. What is the significance or usefulness of a rifle if it is inaccurate?
One thing that's really important that you left out is that the X95 is pretty much a solid shell around metal while the MDR is held together with hex heads (very kel tech, ew gross). And you can free float the X95 really easily. Also you change the grip too. I can't stand screws on guns and the X95 keeps them to a minimum.
There is only one 'i' in ambidextrous. Street prices compared? Best value?
Ha, that's a pet peeve of mine, too.
Im so giddy so get my hands on the mdrx and yes i would be getting the side eject as everyone that has gotten the more expensive and heavier forward eject all ran into those same malfunctions. My only issue is the price the cheapest ive found with taxes included is almost 2500 total and I'd be getting the PA 3x prism for my optic with shipping and taxes is 300, so now im already at 2800 and I'd also like to get a laser, surfire light, and vertgrip/bipod. So in all i could be spending almost 3 grand. So im really hoping with the holiday season approaching their will be some sales for the gun and attachments.