FX DRS MK2 Micro Classic Walnut 12ft/lbs UK Legal Air Rifle

When FX brought out the DRS, it turned a few heads. A compact, no-nonsense PCP with that over-the-barrel cylinder layout. Now the MK2 is here, and the Classic Walnut Micro might just be my favourite of the bunch.

This is the 380mm barrel version – what FX call the Micro – and it’s been tuned to run at the UK legal limit of 12ft/lbs. So it’s spot-on for hunting, target work, or just knocking about on the range without worrying about power curves or extra paperwork.

What’s new on the MK2?

The headline changes are proper upgrades, not just stickers.

FX have given the DRS MK2 their updated Air Pressure Barrel (APB) system, which borrows the barrel inlet from the Dynamic block. What that means in real terms is better airflow and a more consistent shot cycle. No dead spots or sluggishness.

They’ve also fitted a larger power plenum. On a sub-12 rifle, that extra volume smooths everything out. You get fewer flyers and less drop-off across the fill pressure. It just feels settled.

Calibres and specifications

You can order the DRS MK2 Micro in .177 or .22. Both are factory-set to the UK 12ft/lbs limit, so there’s no faffing about with regulators or worrying about legality.

Let me give you the full spec, because the details matter:

• Action: Side lever regulated PCP

• Calibres: .177 or .22 (Sub-12 ft/lbs)

• Barrel length: 380 mm

• Stock: Classic walnut

• Air cylinder: Over-the-barrel design

• Rail: Picatinny with 30 MOA elevation bias

• Mounting: M-Lok slots on the fore-end

• Liner system: Quick-change, no need to de-pressurise

The .177 is lovely for flat-shooting target work or a bit of informal plinking. The .22 hits a touch harder – ideal for pest control or if you just prefer a heavier pellet. Same rifle, different character.

The stock and handling

The walnut stock is what caught my eye. Classic shape, warm colour, and properly fitted. No plasticky spacers or cheap checkering. It balances beautifully with the short 380mm barrel, so the rifle swings more like a lightweight sporter than a benchrest anchor.

The fore-end has M-Lok slots if you want to add a torch or bipod, but honestly, the balance is that good out of the box you might not bother.

Quick-change liner and rail

You can swap calibres without dumping the air. That’s handy if you shoot .177 for targets and .22 for pest control. Just pull the liner, slide another in, and you’re off.

The Picatinny rail now comes with 30 MOA elevation built in. That’s a thoughtful touch for anyone dialling out past 50 yards with a scope that runs out of adjustment.

Who is it for?

This rifle suits the shooter who wants walnut and steel but doesn’t want to lug around a full-length sporter. It’s short enough for the truck or the hide, accurate enough for club comps, and quiet enough with a decent moderator that you won’t annoy the neighbours.

Because it’s factory-set to 12ft/lbs, it’s UK legal without any fiddling. Just buy it, mount a scope, and zero it.

In the real world

I’ve handled a few of these now, and the MK2 is noticeably smoother than the first generation. The side lever is light, the trigger breaks clean, and the shot count is perfectly respectable for a rifle this compact. You’re not chasing the gauge every ten shots.

The walnut won’t suit everyone – some prefer synthetic – but if you appreciate a traditional stock on a thoroughly modern PCP, the DRS MK2 Classic Micro is hard to beat.

All in all, a very clever little rifle that actually improves on the original.