Our MRDS platforms offer several significant advantages over AR-style platforms. They are smooth shooting, more reliable, have no gas system, have (generally) long-lasting components, and are entirely bufferless.
We could go on with that, but for the time being, we want to give the spotlight to four of the platforms we’ve developed that are built around our modern roller-delayed system and what they’re specifically good for.
The ZF-56: High Volume Target Shooting and Hunting
Built around the 5.56x45mm NATO, the ZF-56 is a smooth-shooting alternative to the conventional, gas-impingement driven AR-15.
It produces little recoil, suppresses readily, and is exceptionally reliable, and, like the AR, the ZF-56 is extremely modular and highly expandable.
But, for our purposes, we want to underscore the versatility of the 5.56 cartridge itself, as well as its top use cases.
Because of its relatively low cost, high availability, and the fact that it produces very little recoil, it is an excellent cartridge for high-volume target shooting, whether you are competing or just plinking.
The 5.56 is also a very flat-shooting cartridge, which makes it potentially viable as a long-distance cartridge, another prospective use case for the ZF-56.
Also, because it shoots flat and produces adequate stopping power for medium game, especially with good shot placement, the 5.56 is a great cartridge for controlling predators or harvesting furbearers. It is an excellent cartridge for varmint control and is great for foxes, coyotes, and other similarly-sized game.
The ZF-300: Defensive Applications
The .300 Blackout, also known as .300 BLK, is a larger, heavier cousin to the 5.56, and it is an excellent cartridge for a rifle intended for defensive applications.
Some of the things that make it a great cartridge for home defense are that it produces considerably more stopping power than 5.56, and when loaded with an appropriate bullet, minimal risk of overpenetration.
What you should also know is that .300 BLK also performs very well out of a short barrel, much better than the 5.56, and it also runs well suppressed. This makes the .300 BLK a great option for pistol-sized platforms.
And, since the ZF-300 is bufferless, you can make it even shorter than you’d be able to do with a rifle or an ARP that had a gas system.
The one thing to keep in mind with .300 BLK is that it is a lot more expensive than 5.56, and it is also harder to find. It’s also not a good performer at long ranges because it has a drooping trajectory; but inside of 100 or 200 yards, it delivers considerably more stopping power than 5.56.
The ZF-350: Hunting in Straight Wall-Only States
The big use case for the .350 Legend cartridge is that it is permissible in some states where necked rifle cartridges are not allowed, generally for deer hunting.
This includes many midwestern states, which makes a ZF-350 an excellent hunting rifle in these states.
Of course, there are other selling points of the ZF-350 that are not dependent on the cartridge, but which, in conjunction with it, deliver value.
For instance, the smooth-shooting nature of the MRDS platform’s action is a big bonus, as it is reliable and suppresses well. This helps control recoil, which will reduce fatigue when shooting and will benefit lighter and smaller-framed shooters as well.
Another cool thing about the ZF-350 is that it comes with a heat shield, so for any of you that would potentially be hunting coyotes at night with a thermal optic, the heat shield helps to prevent barrel flare as a thermal artifact.
ZF-39: For Fans of the AK
If you’re a fan of the infamous AK-47, the ZF-39 is for you. Chambered in 7.62 Soviet, and capturing many of the unique aesthetics of the AK, the ZF-39 is a great option.
But, unlike the gas-piston action of the AK, the ZF-39, obviously, uses our modern roller delayed system, the virtues of which have already been extolled here.
And even beyond that, there are plenty of things to love about the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It produces more stopping power than the 5.56 with relatively little extra recoil, and it is more affordable and much more available than .300 BLK, even though it is relatively similar in terms of effective range and performance.
So, if you like the .300 BLK but aren’t a fan of the price or low availability of this niche cartridge, a much more accessible option might be an MRDS platform chambered in 7.62×39, being the ZF-39.
Learn More About the MRDS Platform Here
Interested in learning more about the different chamberings available in our MRDS platform? You can learn more here or get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help you out.