FX DRS Mk2 Update: The Great Naming U-Turn
- Vector Air
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you read our recent article covering the FX DRS Mk2 range, you'll have noticed we spent a reasonable amount of time trying to explain the new naming structure.
Unfortunately, it appears we weren't the only ones struggling.
Following feedback from retailers, distributors, and customers throughout the UK market, the FX UK distributor has officially decided to roll back the recent naming changes after concluding that the new structure was causing widespread confusion.
To be fair, it wasn't exactly difficult to see why.
The original plan essentially reclassified existing rifles into new categories. The rifle everyone knew as the standard DRS suddenly became the "Compact", while the previously announced Compact effectively became the "Micro".
It left retailers explaining why the rifle customers already owned was now apparently something else entirely.
Thankfully, common sense appears to have prevailed.
The New (Old) Naming Structure
From 29/05/2026 onwards, all UK sub-12 ft/lb DRS models will be classified as follows:
Model Name | Barrel Length |
DRS Tactical / Classic Compact | 380mm |
DRS Tactical / Classic Standard | 500mm |
DRS Classic Standard Plus | 600mm |
Available stock options remain:
Synthetic
Walnut
Redline Laminate
The important thing here is that the names once again match what most UK shooters would naturally expect.
Compact is compact.
Standard is standard.
Nobody has to explain why the standard rifle isn't actually the standard rifle anymore.
A surprisingly useful development.
During The Changeover...
There is one small wrinkle.
Because production, packaging, and distribution don't change overnight, some rifles may still arrive with the previous naming labels on their boxes.
The UK distributor has advised that during this transition period, barrel length is likely to be the most reliable way to identify exactly which model you're looking at.
If in doubt:
380mm barrel = Compact
500mm barrel = Standard
600mm barrel = Standard Plus
Simple.
What About Our Previous Article?
Our original DRS Mk2 article will remain live because it accurately reflected the information available at launch.
However, we have now added a notice explaining that parts of the naming information are no longer current following the UK distributor's decision to reverse the changes.
We'll also be updating product listings and descriptions across our website to match the corrected UK naming convention.
What We Are Stocking:
Were We Right To Be Confused?
Without wanting to sound too smug...
Yes.
The original naming structure generated confusion almost immediately among retailers and customers alike. Judging by how quickly the distributor sought feedback and acted on it, it appears the wider industry had very similar concerns.
Credit where it's due though. Plenty of companies would have doubled down and insisted everyone else was wrong.
Instead, feedback was gathered, a decision was made, and the names were changed back before too much long-term confusion could set in.
That's probably the best outcome for everyone involved.
The Important Bit
The rifles themselves haven't changed.
The improvements we discussed in the original article are still there:
Air Pressure Barrel (APB) system
Factory Picatinny rail
New stock options
Redline laminate models
The various synthetic and walnut configurations
Only the names have changed.
Which, frankly, is probably a relief for everyone.
What Do You Think?
Did the original naming structure make sense to you, or did it leave you wondering whether FX had accidentally let the marketing department near a barrel-length chart?
Has the UK distributor made the right decision by rolling back the DRS naming changes.
Absolutely
The original "New" names were fine
I was confused before and I'm confused now
I just look at barrel lengths anyway
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