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Desert Tech WLVRN
- Thread starter coldboremiracle
- Start date
THANK YOU for putting together this detailed review of the features, function, and capabilities of the new WLVRN (Wolverine) bullpup from Desert Tech! I seriously thought about getting an MDRX, but didn't because all the tweaking by DT kept making small incremental improvements to the platform, and I wanted to wait for that process to reach a climax.
BTW, are bigger versions of the awesome images accompanying this article available anywhere?
BTW, are bigger versions of the awesome images accompanying this article available anywhere?
I suppose you could just download them from the story.
is the ejection pattern predictable enough that you won't eat brass shooting left side, even when running minimum gas under suppression?
In typical Desert Tech fashion.
My prediction:
- Inspired design / Engineering
- Spotty QC
- Non existent CS
My prediction:
- Inspired design / Engineering
- Spotty QC
- Non existent CS
Thats a good question, I never shot this one wrong-handed so I'll have to try it again and see.
Looking forward to hearing the results.
I got lucky and my MDRX has been great in both accuracy and function, so my choice to upgrade or not mostly comes down to "can it do the same job" and being able to weak-side the MDRX has been a big deal in the 2GACM matches I do
I seem to be having a tough time grasping the size of the WLVRN.
I have never handled one... how is the balance ?
And no offense intended, but.. It "looks" a little chunky on the shoulder end ?
And along those lines.. ( chunky, for lack of a better word ) how does it shoulder with 30rd or 20rd ( 6.5CM ) mag ?
Any comments or thoughts along those lines, would be appreciated.
Could you possibly post a pic of it next to a 16"ish AR15 ?
How is the gas in the face when suppressed ?
And I am looking forward to your video.
I have never handled one... how is the balance ?
And no offense intended, but.. It "looks" a little chunky on the shoulder end ?
And along those lines.. ( chunky, for lack of a better word ) how does it shoulder with 30rd or 20rd ( 6.5CM ) mag ?
Any comments or thoughts along those lines, would be appreciated.
Could you possibly post a pic of it next to a 16"ish AR15 ?
How is the gas in the face when suppressed ?
And I am looking forward to your video.
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So, I can answer some of these as the form factor is very similar to the MDRX:
1) Balance is fantastic, most of the weight is to the back, so even though it might be on the heavier side at 7lbs and change (more with optic / blk-lbl bipod) it doesn't feel as heavy because of the more supported weight distribution that isn't out on the end of a lever
2) in my MDRX I regularly use the 25rd Magpul M118LR window mags, and have had zero feeding issues in 6.5CM or 308, and no difficulty shouldering even with a plate carrier. The only time it gets mildly awkward is if you're using a 50rd magpul drum for shits and giggles.
4) Gas in the face when suppressed I'd imagine is better in the WLVRN than the MDRX, the FE ejection system trapped a decent amount of gas with a regular high-backpressure can, but using a newer Ventum flow-through mitigated that considerably to be no worse than most ARs with a gas buster handle.
Posting some mdrx pics, wlvrn is the same general size and shape. Mine's a 20" barrel since MD won't let us have any fun with the 16" Barrel. AR above it is a 16" poverty pony build in 7.62x39 I did for fun long before I got the MDRX
Suppressor in the picture is the Dead Air Primal
Upgrades pictured: Blk-Lbl handguard and a Hoptic Saddle Blanket
Current round count on the pictured rifle is right around the ~4000 mark
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Thanks, though they’re really nothing special, I just happen to have a nice wood floor and rug that contrast well to backdrop
Thank you for the write up and article; I’ve been wanting something different- and I’ve always liked my buddies MDRX . Couldn’t believe the trigger ; pretty damn nice for a bullpup .
I’ve a big birthday coming up . And this might be the to me gift .
I’ve a big birthday coming up . And this might be the to me gift .
Its pretty slick once you get used to the gun. This is 308.
Looks like that answers my question too. the first and second ejections were fine, but number 3 would have been right to the teeth on weak side.
I won't like I kind of want one. By that I mean, I have been waiting for a well functioning Bulpup so I have high hopes for this rifle.
DT is local ro me. I own a machine shop and they are constantly sending prints for me to bid. I always no bid them as they have screwed every shop in a 100 mile radius that they've dealt with. They are a hard pass from me.
No. But I compare things to well tuned ARs. Most of the bullpups I have used are over gassed. Bad triggers, weird manual of arms, hard to clear malfunctions, hard to suppress, not enough front rail space, barely adequate accuracy. Most of those comments are aimed at the Tavor and Aug.
Well..ok..here's my experience so far..based on your response.
I have a couple ars (both with single stage timney triggers) and most of the 223 and half of the 308 bullpups..In a world thay makes everything for Ars, it's kinda hard to bring that in the bullpup space. These are currently Niche guns..If 1 of these bullpups had thr amount of support the Ar platform has...well..let's just see how well Bullpup kit Ar15s do in the next 5 years..
Rail space...
I think all will have a problem with front rail space..You gotta get picky with what your choose to go up there and where it's gonna be mounted..But doable.
(The unfortunate advantage the Ar has is everything is made for it...)
Triggers-
Most factory trigger bullpups pre 2014..Kinda suck (Aug, TavorSar,Vhs2,Fs2000,Ps90)..Ill agree there
However the factory trigger on the Wlvrn is good (I like the Rdb trigger better).
Manual of arms.
EH..if you like bullpups it just a training issue..The X95 and Desert Tech offering(s) have a push button mag release in the same location as an Ar..Some folks like that..
The Rdb Defender amd Hellion have extendable stocks if that's your jam.
Hard to clear malfunctions...
well...The Ambi ejecting bullpups do make that pretty hard (Rdb,Rfb,Fs2000,Forward Eject Mdrx)...Side ejecting bullpups do make that seem about as difficult as using an Ar.. But thats me.
Accuracy...
Really depends on what you feed em...Ive seen 10 shot 1moa groups with an Aug using 69gr Ruag..
My Rdb will do 1moa averaged between 2 (5) shot groups with 50gr Fiocchi vmax..
I'm in the low 1.3s with the Tavor Sar...same round)
I've got some phenomenal sub moa groups in the Wlvrn that I'll be testing 10 round groups with..Just to see what it can do..
I guess I don't really do bulk m193, m855, or mk262.
Supressor hosts...Yea..the Aug and Tavor are probably the hardest for this category..But doable..Especially with a flow through can.
The Vhs2/Hellion, Rdb and Wlvrn are great in this regaurd.
All 3 of these feature an adjustable gas system or (in the case of the rdb) a 20 position tuneable one.
I don't know how to explain it. I am kind of rooting for a design to come along that addresses my complaints. I can't wait to get to shoot the WLVRN as it seems they have solved some of my complaints. I absolutely agree with you that comparing them to ARs is kind of unfair and that they certainly don't get the same level of aftermarket support.
the WLVRN is probably the closest there has ever been to a design that meets your requirements. Rail space is generally solved if you use the 20" barrel with the longer handguard (see my pictures upthread)
even the FE MDRX isn't terrible for clearing malfunctions if you drill it and get to know the platform. Many of the complaints regarding manual of arms are mostly because people are so familiar with the AR manual of arms but have forgotten how many hours of practice they have with it vs a design that is laid out differently. I think my current time to get the chute off and clear a bolt side-override (the worst possible malfunction) is about 20 seconds or less. considering that in an AR you have to separate the lower and the upper to clear a bolt override malfunction at all, I'd call that pretty good. most other malfunctions the drill is the same as the AR: rip the mag and cycle the action until free.
One thing worth noting is that bullpups reward good sling technique more than conventionally laid out rifles; if you can get a good tight triangle bracing going with a sling that pulls it into your shoulder, the stability will feel almost unreal compared to an AR or AK.
I love this site. What you said actually makes complete sense to me. It just never occurred to me and now I can't wait to try it for myself.
Looks like the Mdrx had an operator error shot. The 4 round group is the same size as the Wlvrns 5 rounder.
I don't think of any of the guys on that channel as marksman. One of the ranges in Houston is putting one in the rental fleet and I am going to shoot it to see how it feels. I have handled it and the weight difference with the gun is noticeable versus the previous generation.
I have all 3 guns. I'm not seeing it being better in 223 accuracy wide. Weight wise it's a significant change.
Desert Tech WLVRN video review
My Desert Tech WLVRN video review is up, check out the rifle, how it functions and its multi-caliber benefits.
coldboremiracle.com
good review. definitely looking like I'll have to add one to the collection, probably in 6.5Desert Tech WLVRN video review
My Desert Tech WLVRN video review is up, check out the rifle, how it functions and its multi-caliber benefits.
any news on micron kits for the wolverine? I'd imagine by using a different carrier with a shorter spring system and a longer piston they could probably get a 300blk micron working fairly nicely, which I would be all over.
Just curious, I know at one point you worked for DT, is that still the case or did you move on to other opportunities?
Looking at the MDR/Wvlrn Chassis..I don't think they can move the gas block further back without also redesigning the charging block (the thing the charging handles screw into) in addition to a shorter Op Rod and Spring.
less moving the gas block and more reducing the reciprocating mass the gas needs to move by shortening the oprod and spring assembly, and using a longer tail on the piston. would mean changing most of the guts for the 300blk version, but it should theoretically work
I have no idea what a micron kit is but ( I am guessing shorter barrel) but they do make it in 300 blackout.
Currently, no for the Micron.I love my 300 blk Mdrx..Cant wait for it in the Wlvrn.
The WLVRN Micron is just like the Micron MDRX, just more sharp and vicious...
Attachments
Did a little custom paint on my WLVRN
Looking good. I sent in a question to DT that I never got an answer to about what should be masked and what doesn’t matter for the MDRX, and the best sub-assemblies to paint in, along with any other recommendations before I take that jump.
Any chance you could provide some info or get them to do a video on for the DT youtube channel?
Masking I dont think is a big deal, the hard thing is disassembling the receiver on an MDR. Its a bit tricky even with jigs and the right tools. If you get over that hurdle youre fine.
Finally got the new US Optics TXH 3-18, this is the scope I had been planning on putting on my WLVRN. I must say it is an excellent fit. Also seen here is the Banish Buck 30 can, which I'm still fixin to shoot.
Is anybody doing barrels for these other than es tactical? Can you buy barrel extensions? What about gas blocks?
the WLVRN is so new right now with the barrel interface completely changed that it will be a little while before any of those questions get answered
given the new designs, it does look like it will be much easier to make barrels for than the MDRX
given the weight reduction on the Wlvrn, I'm beginning to think it might be an ideal candidate for a micron-sized grendel barrel.
@coldboremiracle, any insights you can share on the WLVRN’s production moving forward? It looks to have a lot of promise but knowing spare parts will be available in the future is important too. Thanks
