Desert Tech MDRX vs IWI Tavor X95

Bullpup overview and rifle introductions

The video opens with the host describing this as a head‑to‑head matchup between two bullpup rifles: the IWI Tavor X95 and the Desert Tech MDR/MDRX. He jokes about it being a “dog fight,” clarifying he doesn’t support actual dog fighting but likes the metaphor for this comparison. He also mentions the Steyr AUG as the classic bullpup and asks viewers which rifle they’d like to see it compete against in a future video. Filming at Take Aim Training and Range, he introduces the X95 chambered in 5.56 NATO, noting that it’s a very popular bullpup that has been around for quite some time. He explains that the X95 was designed around 2003 and entered service in 2009, replacing the earlier IMI/IWI SAR and largely supplanting M16 and M4 rifles as Israel’s standard infantry weapon. He highlights that it uses standard AR‑15 magazines, which is convenient for logistics and compatibility. The Desert Tech MDR is then introduced, with a nod to Desert Tech’s other bullpup designs like their bolt‑action .50 caliber rifle previously given away on the channel. He explains that the MDRX is essentially the second‑generation or “Gen 2” version of the MDR, first released around 2014, and that Desert Tech made meaningful upgrades based on user feedback and high‑round‑count testing from reviewers such as Garand Thumb. The MDRX is described as a 2019‑era update that addresses earlier issues. Both rifles are shown equipped with Vortex AMG optics: a Gen 2 on the MDRX and a Gen 1 on the X95, giving the host a chance to compare the optics as well. He sets up the plan for the video: start at the muzzle of each rifle, work back through their features, and then move into live‑fire demonstrations and drills. At the muzzle, he points out the Desert Tech two‑chamber brake on the MDRX and compares it to the standard A2‑style birdcage flash hider on the X95. After shooting both rifles extensively, he notes that the A2 flash hider feels less aggressive in terms of blast, while the brake on the MDRX produces more noticeable concussion but helps keep the barrel flatter under recoil. He remarks that recoil on both rifles is very manageable, but the brake gives a slightly more abrupt feel, whereas the flash hider allows a bit more movement but is more comfortable in terms of perceived blast.

Forend designs, rails, and accessory mounting

This section explains how bullpup rifles place the action and magazine behind the pistol grip, concentrating weight closer to the shooter’s shoulder. The host notes that this compact configuration can reduce fatigue and make handling easier compared to traditional rifles of similar barrel length. He then focuses on the Tavor X95’s forend and rail system. The X95 uses polymer covers over Picatinny rails; by pressing a button and sliding the covers off, the shooter reveals rail sections suitable for mounting lights, vertical grips, and other accessories. This design keeps the rifle smooth and snag‑free when rails are not needed but still offers robust mounting points when they are. In contrast, the Desert Tech MDRX features a slim polymer handguard with M‑LOK slots. The host appreciates the modern, streamlined feel and the ability to mount accessories where desired, but he raises questions about rigidity for devices that must maintain a precise zero, such as PEQ/IR lasers. He emphasizes that for any accessory requiring a stable zero, the safest choice is to mount it on the rifle’s main top rail rather than on a flexible polymer section. He suggests that the X95’s forend and rail attachment method appears somewhat more solid for zero‑critical devices than the MDRX’s polymer M‑LOK area. The host also points out that on compact bullpups, rail space is at a premium, and mounting items too far back can interfere with ambidextrous charging handles or other controls. He cautions that accessories like a PEQ‑15 placed too far rearward on either rifle could conflict with the charging handle’s travel, so careful planning of rail real estate is important.

Triggers, controls, and rail/sight layouts

The focus shifts to the controls and trigger feel of both rifles. The Tavor X95 is described as having fully ambidextrous controls, including a short‑throw safety selector that is easy to manipulate from either side. The host discusses the X95’s flat‑faced trigger, noting that there is some take‑up and creep before the break. He remarks that the reset is very assertive and pushes the shooter’s finger forward with noticeable force, drawing a comparison to the strong, springy reset often associated with certain AK triggers. When comparing triggers, he explains that both the Desert Tech MDRX and the Tavor X95 have similar pull weights in the neighborhood of five pounds, but they feel different in use. The X95’s trigger is characterized as smoother but somewhat spongy, while the MDRX trigger has a more defined break and a more positive, energetic reset. Aftermarket support is highlighted as a strength for the X95, with well‑known options like Geissele triggers available to improve feel and performance. The MDRX also has aftermarket trigger options from companies such as Jard, though the host notes he has not yet personally tested those alternatives in this video. He then compares the magazine release locations, pointing out that both rifles place the release in a similar area behind the magwell, but he finds the X95’s release slightly smoother and easier to actuate under stress. Regarding sighting systems, the X95 offers a full‑length Picatinny top rail with integrated flip‑up sights that include tritium inserts, giving the shooter a built‑in backup sighting solution. The MDRX, on the other hand, is more of an optics‑ready platform without integrated iron sights, relying on the user to choose and install their preferred optic and any backup sights they may want.

Ambidexterity, forward ejection, and weight

This chapter examines ergonomics and ambidextrous features. The host notes that both the Desert Tech MDRX and the IWI Tavor X95 provide comfortable grip areas and smooth transitions between the pistol grip, trigger guard, and handguard, avoiding the bulky or awkward feel that some older bullpup designs had. He praises the MDRX for using a standard AR‑style grip, which offers familiarity and easy customization for shooters used to AR‑15 platforms. The X95’s integrated A2‑style grip and handguard are also described as secure and usable, even if they are less modular. Ambidextrous configuration is presented as a major differentiator. The Tavor X95 can be set up for left‑ or right‑handed shooters, but changing the ejection side requires a more involved procedure and is not something typically done quickly in the field. In contrast, the MDRX is designed for quick adaptability, featuring dual charging handles and a forward‑ejection system that directs spent cases out in front of the shooter. The host demonstrates how brass exits toward the front of the rifle and shows how the ejection side can be swapped using a small tab and even a piece of brass as a tool. This design is highlighted as especially beneficial for shooting from the weak side, around cover, or inside vehicles, because it prevents hot brass from ejecting directly across the shooter’s face or body. He then touches on weight, explaining that the MDRX comes in at just over eight pounds, while the Tavor X95 is just under eight pounds. The difference amounts to only a few ounces, which he considers negligible in practical terms, though he notes that the way weight is distributed in a bullpup can still influence how the rifle feels during extended use.

Weight, barrel design, and gas systems

The discussion returns to internal design details and how they affect performance. The host reiterates that both rifles use standard AR‑pattern magazines and are very close in overall weight, with the Desert Tech MDRX slightly heavier than the IWI Tavor X95 but not by a margin that dramatically changes handling. He then focuses on barrel design and accuracy potential. The MDRX is described as having a truly free‑floated barrel, meaning the barrel does not contact the handguard and is isolated from pressure caused by the shooter’s grip or mounted accessories. In theory, this should enhance accuracy and consistency. The X95 is marketed as having a free‑floated barrel as well, but visual inspection suggests there may be contact points between the barrel assembly and surrounding components, which could compromise a perfectly free‑floated setup. Gas systems are then compared. The MDRX uses an adjustable short‑stroke gas piston system, allowing the shooter to tune the rifle for different ammunition types or for use with a suppressor. The host notes that the adjustment point is somewhat tucked under the rail, making it less convenient to access, but he still appreciates the ability to fine‑tune the system. The Tavor X95 employs a long‑stroke piston system, which is known for robustness and mechanical simplicity. While it does not offer the same level of user‑adjustable tuning as the MDRX, it has a reputation for reliability in harsh conditions. These design choices set expectations for how each rifle will behave in terms of recoil impulse, reliability, and adaptability across various shooting scenarios.

Fast strings of fire and trigger reset behavior

Performance testing begins with timed strings of quick shots to evaluate how each rifle’s trigger and recoil characteristics affect shooting speed. Using the Desert Tech MDRX first, the host runs a 10‑round drill focused on delivering shots in quick succession while maintaining control. He records a time of 1.85 seconds for the string and attributes this pace in part to the MDRX’s short, positive trigger reset, which provides clear tactile feedback and allows him to move efficiently from one shot to the next. He then repeats the same 10‑round drill with the IWI Tavor X95. On the first attempt, the time is slower at 2.01 seconds, and he realizes that he did not let the trigger fully reset on one of the shots, causing a brief hesitation. After recognizing how assertive the X95’s reset is and adjusting his technique, he runs the drill again and achieves a time of 1.86 seconds, nearly identical to the MDRX. From this, he concludes that once the shooter understands and works with each rifle’s trigger characteristics, both platforms are capable of very similar shot‑to‑shot speeds. The segment emphasizes that familiarity with the trigger’s break and reset is crucial to getting the most out of either bullpup in fast shooting.

Reload drills and ergonomics in practice

The video moves into reload‑focused drills to see how each bullpup handles under timed pressure. The test sequence consists of two shots, a reload, and one final shot. Starting with the Desert Tech MDRX, the host demonstrates his preferred technique for grabbing the magazine, inserting the fresh mag, and actuating the bolt release. He records a reload time of 2.83 seconds for the full sequence. He then performs the same drill with the IWI Tavor X95 and comes in at 2.95 seconds, keeping both rifles under the three‑second mark. The host notes that the similar placement of the bolt catch and bolt release controls on these bullpups helps maintain consistency when transitioning between platforms. Despite initially expecting to favor the Tavor X95 because of its established reputation and service record, he finds that the MDRX feels more ergonomic and comfortable during actual manipulation. The controls on the MDRX strike him as more intuitive, and the forward‑ejection system operates without any issues during the drills. He points out that the MDRX revision has improved on earlier generations by offering a cleaner trigger and refined features, which appear to address many of the reliability and performance complaints associated with the original MDR.

Overall ergonomics, reliability, and user preference

This chapter brings together the observations from the handling and live‑fire tests. The host concludes that, for his personal shooting style, the Desert Tech MDRX comes out ahead in ergonomics and performance. He cites the AR‑like grip, dual charging handles, forward‑ejection system, and refined trigger as features that make the rifle feel natural and intuitive, especially during quick strings of shots and reload drills. The adjustable gas system and genuinely free‑floated barrel further enhance the MDRX’s appeal for shooters who value tunability and potential accuracy advantages. However, he is careful not to dismiss the IWI Tavor X95. He acknowledges it as a solid, proven rifle with a strong track record in military service, particularly as Israel’s standard issue infantry rifle. The X95’s fully ambidextrous controls, integrated backup sights, robust long‑stroke piston system, and slightly lighter weight contribute to its reputation for durability and reliability. The host emphasizes that while the MDRX wins on personal ergonomics and on‑range performance in this particular evaluation, the X95 remains a dependable, battle‑tested option that many shooters may still prefer, especially those who prioritize a long service history and widespread adoption.

Service record, price considerations, and giveaway

In the closing segment, the host places the comparison in a broader context. He highlights the IWI Tavor X95’s extensive service record, including its adoption as a standard issue rifle in Israel and its use in demanding environments, which underscores its proven reliability and durability. By contrast, the Desert Tech MDRX, while impressive in this range evaluation, has not yet accumulated the same depth of real‑world combat history, making it a newer but promising platform. Price is briefly discussed, with the X95 generally perceived as slightly more expensive and the MDRX potentially offering a more budget‑friendly option, though cost is not the primary factor driving the host’s preference. He reiterates that he personally favors the MDRX for its ergonomics and on‑range performance, while still respecting the X95 as a strong, trustworthy bullpup with a significant service pedigree. The video wraps up with a channel giveaway promotion, directing viewers to ClassicFirearms.com, where they can enter daily via the top banner and associated links for a chance to win featured firearms or related gear.