On a recent visit with the fine folks at Maxim Defense, we somehow talked them into showing us everything they had to offer. 

As a primer, Maxim's firearms generally include options for chamberings in three calibers – 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39, .300 BLK – with stock/brace options that make them either a pistol or short-barreled rifle (NFA rules apply). They generally also come in arid or black, with urban grey now coming online as well. 

These guns are made from military-grade materials (17-4 Stainless Steel, 7075 and 6061 Aluminum) and include the company's low-flash Hate Brake muzzle booster, which aids in reliability. Top rails, Maxim's compact buffer carrier system, and a free-floating slotted handguard are also standard. 

Where the fundamental differences between models come are in barrel/overall lengths and receiver construction. Let's get in to that. 

Maxim PDX CJ Dugan muzzle flash
According to Maxim's engineers, the Hate Brake significantly reduces recoil, decreases the flash signature, pushes gasses and concussion wave downrange away from the operator, and improves overall performance. Note the distinctive flash. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)
 

PDX 


What Maxim bills as the king of the short game, the company's big splash was the PDX. Arising from the SOCOM Personal Defense Weapon solicitation, it is a hyper-compact design that uses a 5.5-inch barrel, which gives it an overall length of 18.75 inches. An ALG defense combat trigger and dependable operating system, which includes an integrated BCG with an interchangeable buffer weight, make it reliable while still being a direct impingement system. Maxim even offers an upper build kit so you can use your own lower to craft your own. 
 

Maxim PDX guns against wall
Offered in either braced pistol or stocked SBR formats and in three colors, the MSRP is $2,295. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

 

Maxim PDX 7.62x39mm
It is available in 7.62x39mm (shown) as well as 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout. (Photo: Paul Peterson/Guns.com) 

 

Related: We Had a Blast Reviewing the Maxim PDX

 

UPGRADE YOUR SHORT GAME WITH A PDX

 

PDX-SPS

 

Maxim PDX SPS
Dropping the brace or stock options for a more streamlined option for the back end of an AR Pistol, the PDX-SPS shaves off 5.3 ounces from the standard PDX while keeping everything else. It includes a rear single-point QD swivel mount and has the same retail price. (Photos: Maxim & Paul Peterson/Guns.com)


Maxim is also offering the conversion for those looking to swap out a current brace. 
 

 

MDX-508 

 

Maxim MDX
The MDX family utilizes billet aluminum receivers and the shortest model is the 508. With the same heart and soul of the proven PDX,  including the ALG trigger, the 508 features an 8.5-inch barrel. The series is available in arid and black, all three calibers, pistol or rifle (SBR) configuration, and with either the CQB or SCW system. Overall length with the system collapsed ranges between 21.5 and 23 inches depending on options. MSRP: $2,495.  (Photos: Maxim)

 

MDX-510

 

Maxim MDX 510
The MDX: 510 gets the "10" part of its name from the 10.3-inch barrel. Using either the Gen 7 CQB stock in rifle format or Gen 6 CQB brace as a pistol, the overall length is between 23.5 and 25 inches with the system collapsed.  MSRP: $2,495.  (Photos: Maxim)

 

MD-15

 

Maxim MD-15
The MD-15 is about the closest thing Maxim has to a "value" series gun, running Mil-Spec aluminum receivers. With a more AR-standard look, they incorporate a slim handguard for a more monolithic-like upper receiver that has M-Slot compatibility on five sides, which leaves the Hate Brake bell exposed rather than under the rail on other Maxim models. Offered equipped with options for the company's SCW, PDW, or CQB stock or brace systems and in either an 8.5-inch or 10.3-inch barrel, the MSRP runs from $1,595.00 – $1,695.00.  (Photos: Maxim)

 

URGs and Kits


Maxim also sells the PDX, MDX:508, and MDX:510 uppers as well as (almost) everything needed to make the PDX in a kit format.
 

Maxim PDX kits
Designed to be installed on any Mil-Spec lower receiver, the PDX kit is available in all three calibers (5.56, 7.62x39, .300 BLK), comes in arid or black, and offers options for either a brace or stock. (Photos: Maxim)

 

Related: Factory Tour of Maxim Defense in St. Cloud, Minnesota

 

CHECK DEALS ON MAXIM DEFENSE IN STOCK

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