Our MRDS platforms are available in numerous chamberings and in a diverse range of footprints and barrel lengths. Whether you are looking for a compact PDW that will perform like an ARP, or a full-size rifle that you’ll use in competition or take in the field for the purpose of hunting, you have options.
But which is for you? Let’s take a closer look, based on chambering.
ZF-56
The ZF-56, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, is the MRDS platform for you if you’re specifically looking for a platform like a bufferless, roller-delayed AR. Here are some of the top benefits of this chambering:
- The 5.56 produces very little recoil, resulting in minimal shooter fatigue. This makes it a great option for beginners, smaller-framed shooters, and others who are recoil sensitive.
- 5.56 produces solid ballistics for small and medium game hunting as well as for long-term shooting, as it is a fast, flat-shooting cartridge.
- This is a relatively affordable cartridge and one that is very easy to find. While every shop might not carry .300 BLK or .350 Legend, you’ll have no trouble finding 5.56.
- If you shop bulk deals or police trade-in specials, you’ll be able to get 5.56 very affordably.
ZF-300
Chambered in .300 Blackout, the ZF-300 offers some unique benefits over 5.56 that might be attractive to some shooters, including but not limited to the following:
- The .300 BLK cartridge offers considerably more power than the 5.56, making it preferable for close-range defensive applications, as well as for hunting in some situations. This benefit comes with only a marginal increase in recoil.
- The .300 BLK will perform much better from a shorter barrel, 10 inches or even shorter, making it a preferred option for ARPs and micro ARP-style builds.
- If you reload, you can neck out your cartridges and load your own .300 BLK, since not all gun shops carry it.
At the same time, you should also be aware that .300 BLK is a lot harder to find than 5.56 NATO, considerably more expensive, and that it does not perform well at extended ranges. If your target is beyond 200 yards, another rifle cartridge is likely a better option.
ZF-39
The ZF-39, chambered in 7.62x39mm, also known as 7.62 Soviet to distinguish it from 7.62 NATO, offers similar performance to .300 BLK.
- Like .300 BLK, the 7.62 Soviet cartridge produces little more recoil than 5.56, but considerably more stopping power, making it potentially better for defensive applications.
- The 7.62 Soviet also performs better from a shorter barrel.
- However, unlike .300 BLK, 7.62 Soviet is much more affordable and generally easier to find than the former. This makes it better for shooters on a budget who still want more stopping power than 5.56. You might be able to find bulk deals or even steel-cased ammo that make the cartridge even more affordable.
- Like 5.56, most gun shops will carry 7.62, which makes it a good option in terms of availability as well.
This being said, the 7.62 does suffer from some of the same deficiencies as the .300 BLK, namely that it does not perform well at extended ranges.
ZF-350
The main use case for the ZF-350, chambered in .350 Legend, which is a straight-walled rifle cartridge, is that it is suitable for hunting in states that have straight-wall-only restrictions for rifle calibers.
- The .350 Legend is legal for hunting in several states that only allow straight-walled rifle cartridges for deer.
- It also produces considerable stopping power, which makes it a good option on that front as well.
However, be aware that this is a niche cartridge and that it will be harder to find and more expensive than more common alternatives like 5.56 NATO.
ZF-9
The ZF-9, chambered in 9mm, is a solid option if you’re looking to build a PCC or are looking for a pistol-caliber PDW. Here are some great advantages of this variant of our MRDS platform:
- 9mm is widely accessible, available, and affordable. Nearly every gun shop carries it, and many different options.
- It produces little recoil compared to rifle rounds, even 5.56, making it ideal for smaller-framed shooters and beginners.
- The wider bullets of handgun cartridges like 9mm, when loaded with an appropriate bullet, produce a lower risk of overpenetration.
- If you buy in bulk, 9mm is probably the cheapest option here, making it ideal for plinking and other high-volume shooting disciplines.
- Since our MRDS platform is naturally bufferless and 9mm performs well from a short barrel, the ZF-9 is a very light, compact option that will perform well as a PDW.
For those interested in a pistol-caliber MRDS platform that offers greater stopping power than 9mm, the ZF-10 is the answer. Here are some reasons why:
- 10mm Auto delivers considerably more stopping power than 9mm, making it potentially superior for defensive engagements.
- Normally, the 10mm Auto’s recoil is a lot harder to control than 9mm, but the ZF-10 has two things going for it. It is heavier than most handguns, which helps to absorb recoil, and it also is built around roller-delayed blowback operation, which naturally helps to soften some recoil.
With that being said, be aware that 10mm Auto, specifically as a higher-power alternative to 9mm, is more expensive and harder to find. All things being equal, it does deliver greater stopping power, which can make it preferable in some circumstances.
Questions? Contact Us
Ultimately, any chambering can make an excellent pairing with our MRDS platform, and the platform itself is smooth-shooting, reliable, expandable, highly versatile and modular, and is built around an exceptionally reliable and consistent action that requires low maintenance and sports long-lasting components.
It all comes down to what you’re looking for in terms of cartridge performance; any can be a great one. If you have questions about the platform or any specifications of any of our models, get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help.