[SHOT 2026] New Zenith Firearms ZF-9 and ZF-10 MRDS PDW Pistols
Zenith Firearms took their MRDS platform (Modern Roller Delayed System) that debuted at SHOT Show 2024 and shrunk it down for SHOT Show 2026. The company launched PDW variants in both 9mm and 10mm chamberings, giving roller-delayed fans a compact option that ditches the buffer tube entirely. These aren't carbines, they're legitimate PDW-sized packages built around Zenith's proprietary roller-delayed blowback system.
Industry Day at the Rang had two models: the ZF-9 in 9mm and the ZF-10 in 10mm. Both guns use the same roller-delayed operating system Zenith has been refining for years, packaged in a bufferless design that keeps overall length compact. The system runs without gas or recoil springs in the rear, which matters when you're trying to keep a gun short without sacrificing reliability.
Both models offer magazine compatibility options for either Glock or CZ Scorpion magazines, and barrel length choices depend on which caliber you pick. Here's what Zenith built:
- ZF-9: 5.8-inch or 8.9-inch cold hammer forged barrel, 4 pounds unloaded, 9x19mm
- ZF-10: 8-7/8-inch cold hammer forged barrel, 4.5 pounds unloaded, 10mm
- Fully ambidextrous controls (safety, mag release, bolt release)
- Non-reciprocating charging handle
- Last round bolt hold open
- AR-15 trigger compatibility
- M-LOK free-floating handguard
- Full-length Picatinny top rail and 1913 rear end plate
- Cold hammer forged 4150 chrome-moly barrels with 1/2x28 threading
- 30-round magazine capacity
- 6-8 pound trigger pull
Full pricing wasn't disclosed, but these are built-to-order guns with a six-to-eight-week lead time once production starts.
What makes these interesting is Zenith building a compact roller-delayed platform with modern magazine compatibility. The original MRDS rifles worked well but stayed rifle-length. These PDW variants put the same operating system in a package that's actually compact enough to justify the PDW designation.
The 10mm option fills a gap in the PCC market. Most compact pistol caliber guns top out at 9mm or .45 ACP, so having a roller-delayed 10mm PDW gives shooters more horsepower in the same size package. The 9mm version competes directly with other compact PCCs but offers the smooth-shooting roller-delayed action instead of blowback.
Zenith hasn't announced final retail pricing yet. Are you interested in a bufferless roller-delayed PDW in 9mm or 10mm, or are you sticking with traditional PCC designs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Managing Editor: AllOutdoor.com | Staff Writer: TheFirearmBlog | Certified Gunsmith | Published Author | Firearm History Enthusiast
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By looking at their website and the interviews from ShotShow that are being posted, it looks it’s going to be competitively priced especially with everything you get. With purchases like this, the extra $100 or even $200 will be quickly forgotten when you have a high quality firearm. The frustration from a poorly built firearm is not worth it. I’m not saying Kuna is poorly made at all. I’m just saying that if I have decided to buy a nice gun and I know I’m spending $1000 or so, another $100 or $200 is fine. I will save for another month or whatever if necessary. I will be happy at the end!
*makes grabby hands* Gimme. 10mm.