Afton, VA: Zenith Firearms, best known for its ZF-5, an American-made, MP5-inspired platform, has released a new line of modern, roller-delayed PDW platforms that redefine performance and expandability in personal defense weapons.

Like the company’s ZF-5, which is patterned on Heckler & Koch’s MP5, the modern roller-delayed blowback system, or MRDS, of the MRDS PDW, is a defining feature.

Unlike conventional gas impingement systems or direct blowback action, the modern roller-delayed blowback system is smoother-shooting and more reliable.

In addition to being smooth, the MRDS is safer to use with higher-pressure cartridges, and incurs less wear and tear on internal components than direct blowback. It is also simpler, more reliable, and less susceptible to common faults like direct gas impingement.

The chambering of the MRDS PDW is convenient; like the company’s ZF-5, the MRDS PDW is also built around 9x19 Parabellum, a widely-used handgun cartridge appropriate for defensive engagements thanks to its wide availability, low cost, relatively low recoil, and decent stopping power.

The MRDS PDW also offers a number of other features that elevate its overall versatility as a personal defense weapon. Two variants are available; the ZF-9 (available with compatibility with either Glock and CZ Scorpion mags) in 9mm, and the ZF-10 in 10mm, among others.

In the case of the ZF-9 and ZF-10, the bolt stays open at the last round, facilitating reloads, and the handguard is free-floated for accuracy.

The MRDS PDW sports a full-length picatinny rail over the receiver, along with an integrated end plate. This feature considerably improves the versatility and customizability of the platform over PDW systems without integrated rails, as it streamlines the addition of shooting attachments like lights, lasers, grips, and more.

In addition to the pic rail, the MRDS PDW also sports a forend/handguard with M-LOK slots which further improves on the expandability of the platform, adding numerous attachment points for a wide range of accessories.

The MRDS PDW system is also shooter-friendly and sports a completely ambidextrous design, increasing its usability as well as the ergonomics of its fire controls.

This PDW system is also very lightweight, thanks in part to upper and lower receivers that are machined from aluminum; depending on variant, the platform weighs only 4 to 4.5 lbs without the mag.

Lightweight and compact, with a barrel length of 5.8” or 8.9” (ZF-9) or 8 ⅞” (ZF-10), the MRDS PDW is the perfect platform for those looking for the smooth-shooting reliability of a roller-delayed blowback system in a PDW platform that mirrors the operation of a subgun.

Most importantly, the action of the MRDS system is a true roller-delayed system, making it exceptionally lightweight, smooth-shooting, and low on recoil.

In all, the MRDS PDW developed by Zenith Firearms is a versatile, lightweight platform that is highly expandable, ergonomic, and practical, and is poised to define the future of roller-delayed platforms.

Anyone with questions or comments regarding the company’s modern roller-delayed blowback system is encouraged to reach out to Zenith Firearms directly at 434-202-7790 or by email at [email protected].