Pint-Sized Powerhouse: Testing the DRD Tactical MFP-21 Pistol

DRD Tactical is a brand synonymous with discreet and reliable firepower. The company’s first release, the Paratus rifle, was designed around the needs of U.S. Special Operations personnel. This precision, semi-automatic take-down rifle could be stored in a briefcase and deployed as needed with great efficiency. DRD Tactical has applied the same concepts to the MFP-21, designed for close-range encounters.

The Purpose-Built DRD Tactical MFP-21

The MFP-21 uses DRD’s hallmark take-down system but diverges from the company’s AR-15-inspired CDR pistols in its overall design. The MFP-21 pistol uses a similar internal recoil system to those in the Paratus and Aptus series of rifles. This means that the recoil system is contained within the firearm itself and is not dependent on a buffer-tube assembly to function.

Instead, the MFP features a Picatinny rail section on the back of the lower receiver to allow for a folding brace. All of this makes for an incredibly compact platform, even without making use of the included take-down capability.

The MFP-21 is geared towards stepping up the level of firepower at your fingertips in a defensive situation. A large-format pistol chambered in a rifle cartridge generally provides significant advantages over a handgun. Among these are improved effective range, accuracy, and recoil management.

One of the biggest deterrents for folks wanting to keep a more substantial firearm with them in their travels is the size of the platform itself. The MFP-21 benefits from the advantages of a rifle caliber while requiring much less storage space.

While assembly time is a concern with some take-down platforms, the MFP benefits from the simplicity of DRD’s patented system. I found takedown to be very intuitive and doable in less than 40 seconds—under ideal conditions, of course.

Covert Firepower

Despite the number of large-format 300 Blackout pistols on the market, the MFP-21 provides a unique experience on the range. The first thing you’ll notice when firing an MFP-21 is the stunning lack of recoil. The gun is utterly pleasant to shoot.

Standing at 50 yards, I was able to consistently keep rapid strings of fire on my steel 66% IPSC target. The recoil remains minimal while firing with a folded brace. The fact that the MFP-21 is chambered in the relatively mild 300 Blackout cartridge is certainly part of what gives it its controllability.

What makes this pistol exceptionally tractable, however, is the two-port muzzle brake at the end of the barrel. This is a rather uncommon addition to a short 300 Blackout platform.

Many such platforms are focused exclusively on suppressor use and come equipped accordingly. There is a 5/8 x 24 thread under the brake, as well as an adjustable gas system for those who want to suppress the MFP-21.

The adjustable gas system proved to be invaluable in getting the gun to function during testing with a variety of different loads. Certain 300 Blackout loads were not getting the bolt back quite far enough to allow the gun to operate properly at the original setting. A slight adjustment to the gas system had the gun up and running without the use of any tools.

Reliability after adjustment of the gas system was good, with both hollow-point and full metal jacket loads feeding dependably. I found that increasing the gas flow improved reliability while maintaining a pleasant shooting experience.

Shooting the MFP-21

The gun feels substantial in the hand. Everything from the receivers to the barrel profile is on the heavier side. This gives the gun an incredibly solid feel. The heft doesn’t hamper running and gunning with MFP-21. It’s able to maneuver well in tight spaces with or without a stabilizing brace.

I decided to attach a Custom Smith Tailhook Brace setup, as it matches the aesthetic and size of the MFP well. With the brace attached, shooting further with better precision comes easily. When equipped with a brace, I found the balance of the MFP improved from good to great. This, in conjunction with the pistol’s 8-inch barrel, makes it ideal for firing from compromised positions.

The muzzle brake does kick up quite a dust storm when fired right next to the ground. However, it’s never enough to completely obscure the targets downrange.

At greater distances, the MFP-21 performed admirably. While I don’t tend to get too hung up on bench precision and distance accuracy with large format pistols, I was pleasantly surprised by the MFP.

Standing and shooting unsupported, it was not difficult to put all of my shots on the 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of paper stapled to an IPSC Silhouette at 100 yards. I think this is just as much of a testament to the stable nature of the platform as it is to the quality of the barrel.

Left-Hand Friendly Controls

The controls on the MFP-21 are almost entirely ambidextrous. As a left-handed shooter, I’m always happy when a gun comes from the factory ready for me to use with the same efficiency as a right-handed shooter.

The bolt catch, magazine release, and safety of the MFP are all ambidextrous. The controls will also be completely familiar to those who shoot ARs. Where the MFP’s controls diverge most appreciably from an AR-15 platform is in the charging handle.

The MFP sports a non-reciprocating, folding charging handle on its left side. This charging handle is easy to deploy from the folded position and is incredibly smooth in operation.

While folded down, it does not interfere with the Custom Smith Manufacturing Brace Adaptor, which folds to the same side of the receiver. I found several pretty natural methods to charge the pistol left-handed without interrupting my stance too much.

Build Quality

It’s immediately apparent when handling the MFP-21 that DRD Tactical did not want to sacrifice any of the gun’s durability to incorporate their expeditious take-down system. Despite feeling like an absolute tank in the hand, the pistol is not overly heavy.

The gun is actually well-balanced when a stabilizing brace is attached at the rear. Likewise, the mechanisms of the take-down system themselves feel solid as a rock when not in use.

This is not always the case with take-down platforms. I have owned and fired several with a penchant for taking themselves apart during strings of fire. This is not a problem I can fathom happening with this platform.

The MFP-21 ships with a Black Moose Gear Backpack. This backpack can store everything you need for a successful trip to the range or the hiking trails. It’s large enough to store the pistol completely assembled with an optic and a folded or collapsed brace. It has several pockets for magazines, ammunition, and other supplies.

The gun could fit in a much smaller bag when taken down. However, the Black Moose bag provides everything you need to transport and operate the pistol while assembled.

Quality Does Come at a Price

All of this quality does come at a price—and not a small one, either. The MFP-21 has an MSRP of $2,500. In my honest opinion, this is not an unreasonable price for the product being provided.

Considering that many high-end AR-15 pistols cost more than the MFP-21, it’s hard to look at the quality and features of this pistol and call it overpriced. While the AR-15s may be constructed to the same or even higher standards of quality, they lack the take-down functionality and possible modularity of the MFP-21.

Even when equipped with a Law Tactical adaptor in the folded position and separated into upper and lower receivers, a standard AR-15 pistol platform will never fit into the same limited storage space as DRD’s alternative.

Whether covert portability and ease of assembly are important enough to warrant the $2,500 price tag is the determining factor. One thing is certain: the MFP-21 from DRD Tactical packs plenty of power and performance into a discreet platform. For both civilians and armed professionals seeking best-in-class EDC characteristics, the MFP-21 delivers.

DRD Tactical MFP-21 Specs

Caliber: 300 Blackout
Barrel: 8 inches 
Overall Length: 18 inches
Weight: 5.3 pounds (empty)
Grips: Polymer
Sights: None
Action: Gas operated
Finish: Hardcoat Type III Anodizing
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $2,500

Performance .300 Blackout

Performance .300 Whisper

Bullet weight measured in grains and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 50 yards.

This article was originally published in the Combat Handguns September/October 2022 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Or call 1-800-284-5668, or email subscriptions@athlonmediagroup.com.