SHOT Show 2019 Guns: Maxim Defense PDX

by
posted on January 25, 2019
maxim-defense-pdx-sbr-pistol-f.jpg (1)
Maxim Defense, best known for the company's ultra-compact CQB Stocks for AR-15 and SIG MCX rifles, jumped into the complete-rifle game with the most interesting ultra-compact AR rifle I’ve seen at SHOT Show 2019: the 18.75-inch-long Maxim PDX. It is currently available chambered in 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39, with 300 Blackout expected to drop in the second quarter of 2019, and ships in both pistol-brace and SBR configurations.

I’m deeply skeptical of most ultra-compact, rifle-caliber guns, especially because they tend to be portable flashbang generators with poor blast/flash management. The PDX was clearly designed to address this problem head-on, as it integrates Maxim’s HateBrake, which combines a linear compensator with a substantial blast-director device.

Despite having an ultra short 5.5-inch barrel behind the HateBrake, the 
ultra-slow-motion videos of a PDX in 5.56 NATO being fired in full darkness showed virtually no muzzle flash. The same gun fired without the HateBrake generated a massive fireball and visible concussion wave. Short of attaching a suppressor and making the gun substantially longer, the HateBrake is one of the few effective solutions we’ve seen for taming the blast from a tiny AR.

Naturally, Maxim Defense has mounted the company's rugged yet compact CQB 
collapsible stock on the PDX, which only extends 4 inches from the rear of the receiver when collapsed. The CQB stock does not interfere with any aspect of the gun’s controls when collapsed or deployed, and the PDX can be fired without extending the stock if desired. When it’s time to rock and roll, the CQB stock can be pulled briskly to full extension without fumbling for a latch or lever.

The PDX will be shipping in February 2019 with an MSRP of $2,299, with the 5.56 and 7.62x39 versions available immediately, and the .300 Blackout PDX that I’m excited to try is scheduled to ship in Q2 2019. The HateBrake is available separately for $200 to $240 MSRP, depending on caliber and muzzle-thread configuration.

Latest

.22LR Semi-Automatic Pistol
.22LR Semi-Automatic Pistol

Roundup: .22LR Semi-Automatic Pistols

Easy to shoot and easy on your wallet.

Want To Improve Your Accuracy? Get a Grip.

Get your sights on-target and keep them there.

First Look: XS Sights DXT2 Pro Series Sights

Now available for a variety of smaller pistols.

First Look: Falco TalonGuard Holsters

Kydex on the inside, leather on the outside.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts Under $30

Stocking stuffers for the firearms enthusiast in your life.

Hidden Risks of Chinese Body Armor

Is the vest that you're trusting to save your life worthy of your trust?

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.