New Product Highlight: New Calibers for the Maxim Defense PDX-SD

The Maxim Defense PDX-SD was already one of the best premium personal defense weapons you could buy, and the premium manufacturer just made it better with two new cartridge offerings.

You can now buy the PDX-SD in .300 AAC Blackout and 7.62×39, two cartridges that are arguably the best for suppressed AR pistols. Up until now, it was only available in 5.56 NATO. 

Features that popularized the original PDX-SD include a compact integrated suppressor, a collapsible pistol brace, an M-LOK handguard, and QD points for mounting a sling. You can get one in black, gray, or two-tone FDE.

“The PDX-SD is a testament to Maxim Defense’s knack for innovation and relentless pursuit of perfection,” David Farrell, the vice president of sales at Maxim Defense, said. “The addition of these two popular chambers makes the PDX-SD an exceptional personal defense weapon.”

Maxim Defense PDX-SD Pistol

$3,695

at Maxim Defense

Prices accurate at time of writing

$3,695 at Maxim Defense

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

• 25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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So, what’s the big deal about two new cartridge offerings? It all comes down to barrel length. The 5.56 NATO cartridge is formidable because of its speed, not its mass, and the small bullet needs a long runway to reach its potential.

As you reduce barrel length, the round loses significant velocity and power. Another consequence is that, instead of burning up in the barrel, much of the propellant burns outside the muzzle in the form of a massive muzzle flash.

A suppressor will mitigate the flash, but it won’t restore speed and power. Furthermore, many shooters like to use subsonic ammunition to reduce sound even further. The end result is a potentially underpowered firearm.

The suppressor guru himself, Kevin Brittingham, solved this problem by creating .300 Blackout – a .30-caliber bullet fired from a necked-up 5.56 NATO. The old Soviet 7.62×39 round does roughly the same thing.

By chambering the PDX-SD for these cartridges, Maxim Defense is making the most out of a suppressed AR pistol platform.

Maxim Defense lists an MSRP of $3,695 for the PDX SD.

What do you think of the new Maxim Defense PDX SD? Let us know below. For more suppressor-friendly personal defense guns, check out our guide to the best .300 Blackout AR pistols and rifles.