FX DRS MK2: The Great Renaming Exercise Explained
- Vector Air
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
The FX DRS MK2 has arrived. (or at least announced)
Along with some genuine improvements, a few new options, and what can only be described as an impressive attempt at making model names more confusing than they needed to be.
Let's start with the biggest change because this is where most of the questions are likely to come from.
First Things First: The Names Have Changed
The easiest way to think about the new lineup is this:
The original DRS MK1 Standard is essentially now the DRS MK2 Compact.
Yes, really.
This means the usual crowd who immediately see the word "Compact" and assume the rifle has somehow shrunk by half and because they are a "man" and would never have a "small" gun are probably already preparing angry Facebook comments. But don't panic.
If you liked the size of the original DRS MK1 Standard, you're now looking at the DRS MK2 Compact. The rifle hasn't suddenly become tiny. The name has changed more than the dimensions.
Why the change?
Our guess is that FX needed room in the range for the new Standard and Sniper variants and struggled to decide what word sat between them. The easiest solution was simply to shift everything down the naming ladder.
So:
Old Model | New Model |
DRS Compact | DRS MK2 Micro |
DRS Standard | DRS MK2 Compact |
Simple. Well... simple once somebody explains it.
The DRS Compact Is Dead. Long Live The DRS Micro.
Remember the DRS Compact that was announced not that long ago?
Good news. It's still here.
Bad news. It's now called the DRS MK2 Micro.
Different name. Almost identical concept. So if you were interested in the original Compact, you'll now be shopping for a Micro instead. Clear as mud.
What Has Actually Changed?
FX would probably tell you the biggest development is the new Air Pressure Barrel (APB) System.
The APB setup allows barrel liners to be swapped between calibres more easily. In theory that's great. You could change calibre, fit the appropriate liner, swap the probe, change the magazine and then retune the rifle. In practice? Most UK shooters don't do that.
The average British airgunner isn't sitting in the garage at midnight converting a .177 into a .22 whilst building regulator maps and experimenting with hammer weights. Most people buy a calibre and stick with it. So whilst the APB system is a genuine technical improvement, it isn't the feature that excites us most.
The Best Improvement? The Picatinny Rail.
For us, the biggest improvement is much simpler. The DRS MK2 now comes with a Picatinny rail fitted as standard.
Finally. Those who followed our launch of the DRS Enhanced will know we've been banging this drum for a while.
When the original DRS launched with a dovetail rail, we immediately questioned why. Most customers were buying the optional Picatinny rail anyway, as it offered more usable space, and Picatinny is easier to find accessories for than the outdated Dovetail.
So when we introduced the Enhanced package, we specifically included the optional rail as standard and discounted the package because we knew most people would buy it regardless.
The reality is that dovetail rails are becoming increasingly outdated on modern PCPs.
So credit where it's due. FX have listened. At least partially.
The Small Catch
Unfortunately, because FX is a global brand, they've fitted the same 30 MOA Picatinny rail that was previously available as an optional extra.
For higher-powered rifles and longer-range shooting, that's excellent.
For UK sub-12 ft-lb shooters who spend most of their time between 10 and 40 metres?
Not always ideal. If you're shooting at very close ranges, particularly around 15 metres, some scopes may require a significant amount of adjustment to compensate.
In some cases you may even find yourself needing adjustable mounts depending on your optic. So whilst we're delighted the Picatinny rail is finally standard equipment, we'd have preferred a flatter rail for the UK market.
The Price Has Gone Up Too
Not dramatically. But enough to notice.
The DRS has now crept beyond the £750 mark and is edging closer towards £800, depending on specification.
That's not a huge jump in the grand scheme of things, but it does move the rifle into a slightly different buying conversation.
Whether the improvements justify that increase will ultimately come down to the individual buyer.
Stock Options: Things Get More Interesting
Like the MK1, the MK2 is available in both synthetic and walnut configurations. However, the somewhat confusing "Grade 2 Walnut" option has disappeared.
In its place comes what is arguably the most attractive version of the entire lineup.
The RedLine Grey Laminate. And honestly? It's gorgeous.
Not only does it look fantastic, but it also brings practical upgrades including:
Adjustable cheekpiece
M-LOK accessory mounting
Enhanced ergonomics
Improved adjustability
The downside, naturally, is the price. The Compact Laminate carries an RRP of around £1310, which is a substantial jump from the synthetic models.
That said, unlike some laminate upgrades that are little more than a prettier stock, this version actually adds useful features alongside the aesthetics.
What Would We Buy?
The sensible choice? Probably the Micro Synthetic.
It's the cheapest option, arguably the most practical, and likely to suit the widest range of shooters.
The heart, however, says something different. If we were spending our own money, we'd probably be looking at the Compact RedLine Laminate.
The combination of the M-LOK system, adjustability, and that stock design just makes for a very appealing package.
What We're Not Stocking
We've already listed the models we're bringing in and they're currently making their way through the FX supply chain. Which means they'll arrive somewhere between "soon" and "whenever FX decides they feel like it." As with most FX launches, predicting arrival dates with absolute confidence is a dangerous game.
What we can say is this; we will not be stocking:
Standard length models
Sniper length models
.20 calibre variants
.25 calibre variants
.30 calibre variants
Why?
Because they're simply not our market.
Longer rifles aren't automatically better.
The UK pellet market heavily favours .177 and .22.
And the FAC market remains small enough that stocking large quantities of bigger calibres simply doesn't make commercial sense for us.
We're focusing on the models we believe most UK shooters actually want.
What We Are Stocking:
So, Is The MK2 Worth It?
That's the question.
The APB system is clever.
The Picatinny rail should have been there from day one and we're glad it finally is.
The laminate stock looks fantastic.
The naming structure is... certainly a choice.
The price has increased, but not outrageously.
So now it's over to you.
Are you planning on upgrading?
Are you happy with your original DRS?
Which MK2 variant would you choose?
And are you still trying to work out why the Compact isn't really the compact one anymore?
Let us know in the comments below.
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