You might have seen the new FX Airguns DRS MKII just launched, and there's a really cool story behind the scenes working with Saber Tactical on testing this new and more advanced version of the FX DRS platform.
Before I dive in, let me set the stage: what I'm about to share is a great example of the potential power of the new FX DRS MKII, but how I'm demonstrating that potential isn't publicly available just yet. I'm testing this platform installed in a Saber Tactical DRS Chassis with a prototype .35 cal FX smooth bore (and rifled barrel) slinging 375 grain arrows at over 475 FPS with a super-tight spread of 10 FPS or less. What's crazy is I'm getting a full quiver of arrows per fill, grouping the size of a golf ball at 20 yards, a tennis ball at 40 yards, and a small pumpkin at 80 yards.
As part of this new product launch, FX did increase the caliber options to include .30 cal. Based on our testing with the Saber Tactical Chassis and a custom MLOK arrow quiver, we were able to shoot .35 cal arrows, pellets, and slugs with outstanding results. This could become an option in the future for the ultimate lightweight, compact medium-to-large game hunting rig. If that interests you, let us know, we'd love to see it happen.
So how did this whole concept start?
I've been pushing the FX Dynamic block with arrows for the last three years, dreaming about an arrow/slug/pellet all-in-one airgun that had all the power of the Dynamic block but in a compact form factor that could drop into a Saber Tactical Chassis. The original FX DRS was on the edge of having the power and shot count with the over-the-barrel air source, but just not quite there.
Then I went to IWA in Germany, and that's where all the pieces came together.
A perfect alignment of passion for hunting and innovation happened when I was introduced to Larysa from the Larysa Unleashed Hunting Channel through our mutual friend Oscar from GRS Rifle Stocks. Oscar and I had spent the last few years testing prototype arrow technology with FX, and Larysa has set out to set world records through the SCI record book. We connected at the FX booth, and her excitement, along with the challenges she'd been running into with other airgun arrow technology, made it immediately clear that a partnership between Saber Tactical and FX Airguns would be a perfect fit for her goals.
The core problem she was facing: unregulated arrow airguns. They're awesome out to 30-40 yards, but when your velocity spreads are 20, 30, or 40 FPS slower and unpredictable shot to shot, you can miss the entire target box beyond 40 yards. Arrows just have poor ballistic performance compared to slugs. She needed a regulated, precision airgun to shoot beyond 40 yards.
Based on years of testing, I knew the FX platform was the answer. What I didn't know was that they were releasing a MKII version of the DRS. We all met at the FX booth in Germany and Johan brought us all together on this project. The funny thing is, we didn't even know it was a DRS MKII until it arrived at the shop.
So what makes the MKII different?
When Izzy got it assembled and dialed in the initial tune, he noticed significantly larger transfer ports and air passageways throughout the block. You can now swap out the barrel liner without degassing the gun. The trigger is absolutely amazing. But the coolest part? It drops right into a Saber Tactical Chassis with zero modifications.
We 3D printed a custom MLOK arrow quiver, and right before IPAC in Florida, I flew down early to put this thing through its paces, because honestly, I was skeptical. How can an airgun with a relatively small over-the-barrel air source and a smaller magazine-style plenum produce the kind of power I was looking for?
My benchmark was simple: it needed to match or beat my Ravin crossbow before I'd recommend it for shots beyond 40 yards. That meant at least 400 FPS and a minimum of 3 shots per fill.
When I arrived, Izzy had it tuned for pellets and hybrid slugs at around 880-900 FPS at 145 bar with a 500mm barrel. Good power, but the real test was shoving an Air Venturi Arrow in and seeing what happened. I loaded one up and sent it downrange into my SpyderWeb Targets (Made in Michigan, baby!) with a satisfying thud. The chronograph read 350 FPS.
My first reaction? Meh. Basically compound bow power. But here's the kicker, I got 10 shots on a full fill. WHOA.
Look, if you need 10 shots while archery hunting big game, you don't need to be in the woods. You need to get back to the practice range. So I set out to find the power ceiling by cranking the regulator with the Tungsten Hammer as high as it would go. Let one fly, 500 FPS. That is complete overkill with a broadhead-tipped arrow and will kill anything on this planet within 50 yards.
From there, I dialed in the perfect balance of shot count and velocity and settled on 470 FPS with a full quiver of 5 arrows per fill.
We brought Larysa in for a full orientation on the FX DRS MKII paired with the Element Optics Immersive 5x with BDC reticle and got it DOPE'd out to 80 yards. As a fun finale, I put a small decorative pumpkin out at 80 yards and hit it twice in a row. Needless to say, she's pumped to take this into the field and chase more SCI records.
So, is the .35 cal FX DRS MKII available as part of this launch?
Not yet. But it absolutely demonstrates the power potential of this platform. Whether you're looking for a powerhouse .22 cal for PRS competition, slinging heavy-for-caliber hunting slugs, or running a .25 or .30 cal slug setup, this rig packs an enormous amount of performance into an incredibly compact form factor.
Personally, I'd love to see FX bring this to .35 cal, because pairing it with the Saber Tactical Chassis has made it my favorite arrow gun ever. The ability to quickly swap in a rifled barrel for slugs and pellets makes this a dream combo for medium-to-big game hunting.
Stay tuned, there's a lot more testing to come.
