Desert Tech Micron Converts MDRX Into World's Shortest 11.5" Barrel Rifle

SHOT Show 2021 was weird. We mean that in the sense that it didn’t happen. There were tons of virtual showcases and things like that, but it’s just not the same as being on the floor of the Sands Expo Center in Vegas, soaking in the hundreds of booths and thousands of products … while nursing a mean hangover and trying to remember how you ended up in a suite with eight cases of ammo and the parrots from a bird show. Point being: A lot of products fell through the cracks in 2021. One of those products is the Desert Tech MDRX Micron Conversion Kit. Let’s dive in.

Details on the Desert Tech Micron Conversion Kit

Desert Tech unveiled the conversion kit during SHOT week. It’s a conversion kit that takes the Desert Tech MDRX rifle and turns it into “the shortest rifle in the world with an 11.5-inch barrel,” according to the company. How short are we talking? The Micron takes the MDRX down to just 23.43 inches. Yeah, that’s pretty short. Normally, the MDRX comes in between 27.49 and 31.50 inches.

Now, we’ve already seen the keyboard commandos of the Internet calling out the “shortest rifle” claim. We’re not getting into a debate here. Let’s just appreciate the innovation with the Micron and move on. Overall, it’s a 23.43-inch rifle with an 11.5-inch barrel spitting out 5.56/.223 Wylde. There’s a lot to like with the Micron conversion kit.

The whole point behind the Desert Tech Micron was giving end users a viable personal-defense weapon. For CQB situations, it certainly passes the eye test.

Features and Details

We mentioned the overall length above. But the Micron takes the MDRX down from about a 16-inch barrel to the aforementioned 11.5 inches. The manufacturer says the Micron is compatible with both MDRX and MDR chassis. The “X” variant is just the latest and greatest version of the MDR.

As far as what’s included and MSRPs, that all depends. MSRPs range from $589 to $1,142.19 based on what you already have. The parts also depend on what you already have. Running through everything, the Micron includes a bolt assembly, fore grip, 5.56 magazine, 5.56 magwell insert, 5.56 SE bolt assembly, 5.56 conversion bar, SE seal/gasket port cover, SE port cover, SE firing pin retainer, screw, and the MDRX bolt carrier and cover plate.

Desert Tech Micron MDRX Conversion Kit, install

The Micron is an NFA item once you install it. To clarify, you can purchase the Micron with no ATF oversight. However, once you convert your MDRX, it has to go through the proper channels within the restrictions of the NFA. So keep that in mind. There are also several states where the Micron is illegal to own, including the usual suspect: California, D.C., Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

We included the specs below. Again, there’s a lot to like here. We’ll be testing it in the future. For even more info, please visit DesertTech.com.