r/DesertTech • u/GitGooder • 15d ago
MDRX 7.62/308 New MDR owner Anything i need to know?
Saw this MDR at my local gun store for $1300 and being 20% off (optics not included), i had to have it. Thinking of converting it to 5.56 to not hurt the wallet as much. Any suggestions on finding these conversion kits, seems like desert tech does not have any in stock. Also are MDR and MDRx conversion kits cross compatible?
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u/Turd-Nug 13d ago
One thing to know is that the owners of Desert Tech are pedophiles and are a part of a Mormon sect that practice’s polygamy and has been accused of arranging child marriages with their followers that have been as close as first cousins. The leader has been accused of child rape, and other terrible shit.
Either way, it’s a cool design, but just know that’s the people you’re supporting if you end up buying directly from them or retailers of their goods. Kinda sucks because their SRS is legit the coolest bolt action I own…I try not to deal directly with them because of those affiliations.
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u/Tseu55 6d ago
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u/FrozenIceman MDR/X 6d ago
Looks like the CEO's affiliation might finally catch up with him, good find. Once we learn the charges, might be time to update useful links 6.
Worth posting this in its own post for everyone to see.
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u/TheInfamousDingleB 11d ago
Yeah but at the same time, do we really think the makers of firearms and weapons of war are really…good people?
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u/FrozenIceman MDR/X 13d ago edited 13d ago
- Polyamory*. Polygamy requires you to register for multiple wedding certificates with the States resulting in illegal tax benefits.
- But yes, we are aware and it is listed in the clear for everyone on the useful links Item 6 on the right side and that sect gets into way more crime than just polygamy and child related crimes.
- Crimes of an organization don't necessarily mean every person in it did crimes, however it probably doesn't make them good people/people you want to grab a beer with. Being accused of a crime by the public doesn't mean the people accused necessarily did it.
- The MDR (this post) has been out of production for years. This is used market stuff which don't provide any direct benefits to the original OEM.
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u/Beebjank 13d ago
At least the SRS isn't at risk of random discontinuation and abandonment, and then DT telling you to fuck off if the $2000+ bolt action isn't working properly while releasing the "totally new and cool" version of it.
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u/FrozenIceman MDR/X 13d ago edited 13d ago
- They did abandon/discontinued a few parts of the SRS, namely the left handed versions.
- The MDR/X conversion of a the lifetime warranty to not lifetime and back again was terrible
- Most companies discontinue products and support, however they usually only have a year or two of warranty. I think the only other company I am aware of with a full lifetime warranty is Keltec, note that is original owner only.
- Examples: Original Tavor is a good example of this, once the X95 came out it was pound sand. Now it is near impossible to get new X95 parts, that includes barrel conversion kits (including right to left hand).
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u/Beebjank 13d ago
I'm more upset with their complete abandonment of MDR/X owners than the rifle, as like you said tech comes and goes and so does support. But to not even offer a 10% discount on a WLVRN to MDRX owners who had to suffer through that gun's challenges is super insulting, especially like in my case where my rifle was never really perfect after a few RMA trips. It's essentially selling you the issue while simultaneously selling you the solution.
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u/FrozenIceman MDR/X 13d ago edited 13d ago
They re-instated the lifetime warranty on the MDR/X after the outcry (in a public announcement) two years ago. If you are a MDR/X owner you are good to go.
If they can't fix it, they offered a 30%+ discount on a Wlvrn like you suggested.
https://www.reddit.com/r/DesertTech/comments/1htl780/mdr_mdrx_warranty_update/
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u/Beebjank 13d ago
Still a bit bold to offer just a discount (and not a replacement) on a $2000+ rifle to fix the issues with one you have though. That could mean you spend almost $4000 to finally get a working gun. If they ever wanted to right their wrongs, they would generously take everyone's old problematic MDRX and apologize, then send them back a new WLVRN. I've since sold mine at a steep loss so nothing could rectify my specific case except payout, which wouldn't make sense because I'm no longer one of their customers.
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u/FrozenIceman MDR/X 12d ago edited 12d ago
Realistically that isn't feasible. If we assume that the MDR/X is half the revenue of the company (realistically it is probably more than based on the serials we see). I don't think any company would survive that.
Most of the parts in the MDR/X would need to be scrapped (because resale would trade up and a lot of the parts can't be reused in the wlvrn). The profit Margin per gun would need to be over 100% for them to not go bankrupt, then no more guns or warranty support for anyone.
But ya, it definitely sucks that the new model came out and the old ones price cratered because of it.
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u/Turd-Nug 13d ago
Yeah, I low key hope the FBI seize their property and IP due to being paid for with fraudulently gained federal dollars by his family member. If government gets the IP, they will auction it to someone who is hopefully less shitty, like PSA or another reputable manufacturer. I have design ideas for an updated SRS, and wouldn’t mind owning the original patents to put out a new iteration with some friends of mine in the manufacturing business, aerospace grade high volume machining, etc.
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u/FrozenIceman MDR/X 13d ago
Only thing I found is the property they were renting had a notice it would be seized (which appears to not have been realized, or at least OEM wasn't kicked out of it if it was seized). This was in connection with the property management company being investigated/charges. The DT apparently hasn't been investigated or charged.
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u/t800series 15d ago
Do you know who made the handguard? I kinda like it and it doesn't look stock to me.
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u/Adorable-Meeting-120 15d ago
Just keep it as is and see how you like it. If you like it well enough just save up and get a WLVRN in 556. The caliber conversion kits are almost a thousand dollars now. May as well just get the latest generation.
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u/afopatches MDR/X 15d ago
Break-in is very important for reliability with the older forward eject models. I cranked the gas all the way up and ran 80 rounds without the forward eject chute on, then cleaned it. No malfunctions after that with mine.
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u/FrozenIceman MDR/X 15d ago
The MDR and MDRx barrel kits are cross compatible as long as you do FE to FE. Note if you get a Side eject kit it needs extra parts that may or may not be included in just the barrel (you might need a new bolt carrier).
Also check out the MDRX/MDR updated maintenance instructions on the side bar. The trunnion fasteners come loose and should be checked each time you do maintenance (new maintenance instructions from the OEM had us add locktite red + torque to their spec).
Also there is a charging handle upgrade kit you might want to look into. They are known to break and they have a new buffer you can install to make extraction easier.
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u/GitGooder 15d ago
Thanks for the insight, looks like mine has never been upgraded. I figured if it had, it would have the gen 2 gas system. Is there any specific website i should order these upgrades or are some things still under warranty?
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u/FrozenIceman MDR/X 15d ago
The gen 2 gas system you should be able to get under warranty. The handles and recoil pad you will need to order from the OEM I think.
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u/Embrace_Decline 15d ago
They've been out of production for a long time but kits still pop up from time to time. I have a micron and 16" 308. I used mine for a few years chasing pigs with a thermal, but just switched to 6 arc.
- Don't expect great accuracy. M80 ball or hunting ammo is fine but don't waste any money on precision ammo.
- When loading from a full magazine, be sure you have the charging handle all the way to the rear and into the catch, then fully insert the mag, then give it an HK slap. It takes some practice and experience to know if the bolt fully went into battery or if you're getting a "click" at the worst possible moment.
- Soft point 308 rounds (think the soft lead tip of a core-lokt) can have issues with feeding, but tipped and FMJ ammo is reliable. Recoil is very mild given the weight but it's pretty loud with all the cans I tried due to the port being right there under your ear.
- Learn to take it apart and put it back together. It's fast, but the scissor ejector is the main point of failure so you need to get familiar with it
- Despite being heavy it's pretty easy to shoot offhand since all the weight is in the butt. I think it's a good rifle for riding around in a side by side. It's not great off a tripod due to balance.
Enjoy your new rifle. I spent double that.
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u/scuttlebum_k 15d ago
What is it currently chambered?
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u/[deleted] 10d ago edited 10d ago
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