Here is a brief synopsis of the differences among models.
There is no internal differences among lowers or uppers, the V# correlates to the load out. Some models the rail, and rail length are the only differences from another. Most models come in more than one cal, the V3, V5, V7 are offered in 5.56, 6.8, 300 aac. (MK18 or SBR is 5.56 or 300)
MK18 is a 10.3" barrel, CARBINE length gas tube, flat top with low pro gas block and RISII MK18 handguards around 5.6lbs -6 lbs (300 aac vs 556) 300 AAC model is not technically called a MK18, it is the "DDM 300 SBR" and it runs a Pistol length gas system.
V1 is a carbine length gas system with 16" M4 profile barrel, Front Sight Block, Fixed rear site, and a 12" DDM4 rail (6.15 lbs)
V2 - nearly identical to V1 but with a 7" rail, designed to be a lower weight option to the V1 (6.10 lbs)
V3 - its a V1 with a mid length gas system, Govt prof barrel and a 9" rail (6.12 lbs)
V4 16" M4 barrel with a low pro gas block and a 9" Monolithic DDM4 rail (flat top, designed for aftermarket optics, no front sight post, no irons come with it) ( 6.7 lbs)
V5 16" Govt prof barrel with low pro gas block and a Monolithic DDM4 rail 12" (V5 is designed as a aftermarket optics ready platform, no irons or sights come with it) (6.4lbs)
V7 16" M4 barrel with low pro gas block and a modular FF tube rail, 12" (no front sight post, designed for aftermarket optics) (6.9 lbs)
V7 SPCII - 18" CMVS barrel in 6.8 the rest is the same as the regular V7.
Several models are offered with a light weight barrel option, and more than one barrel profile. The V3, V5 and V7 are offered in more than one gas system length. Some models later came with revised rail systems, my last DDM4V5 came with the newer style rail system.
Long story short, if you are trying to decide what one to pic ask yourself 1) am I going to put an optic on it ? 2) do I need irons? 3) how much rail space do I need? 4) do I care how heavy it is? you can narrow it down fast.
Most people take the V5 because its light, its optic ready and they intend to run a aimpoint/eotech or etc and because it is a gov profile barrel.
I would love a DD.
But I prefer the 14.5" barrels over 16.#" barrels.
I do agree, one of my biggest gripes with the DDM4 line is that they are too overlapping. IMO the V2 and V4 should have been 14.5" barrels, as that would make sense given their intended purposes of being light weight short rail variants of both the V1 and V5.
The only reason they are not is because of the US market where the 16" carbine is the national standard. Here in Canada I think the 14.5" is the general standard, then again we don't have to jump through hoops for a SBR like the yanks do.
The bold is the reason for the 16" barrel setup being so common. As for recommendation, I would not recommend the V5 series. Lots excessive rails for no reason, stick with a clean tube and add as you need. Short of a sling and a light, there's no practical reason for more rail.
TDC
The bold is the reason for the 16" barrel setup being so common. As for recommendation, I would not recommend the V5 series. Lots excessive rails for no reason, stick with a clean tube and add as you need. Short of a sling and a light, there's no practical reason for more rail.
TDC
Yeah that was my point about the 16" being the national standard, anything below that requires tax stamp and paperwork and a long wait.
Your argument against the v5 doesn't make sense, it has a gov profile barrel and only 3" more rail than the v4... The V5 is also the lightest M4 in the DD carbine line up regardless of the rail real estate. Besides anyone who runs a afg or grip or even a bipod will appreciate the extra rail length. I would rather have it and not need it than not have it and gimp up my posture to shoot it proper.
I do agree, one of my biggest gripes with the DDM4 line is that they are too overlapping. IMO the V2 and V4 should have been 14.5" barrels, as that would make sense given their intended purposes of being light weight short rail variants of both the V1 and V5.
The only reason they are not is because of the US market where the 16" carbine is the national standard. Here in Canada I think the 14.5" is the general standard, then again we don't have to jump through hoops for a SBR like the yanks do.
So thats your preference but personally i like the rail
Yeah that was my point about the 16" being the national standard, anything below that requires tax stamp and paperwork and a long wait.
Your argument against the v5 doesn't make sense, it has a gov profile barrel and only 3" more rail than the v4... The V5 is also the lightest M4 in the DD carbine line up regardless of the rail real estate. Besides anyone who runs a afg or grip or even a bipod will appreciate the extra rail length. I would rather have it and not need it than not have it and gimp up my posture to shoot it proper.
If you aren't using the rails then what's the point?
Not sure I follow? The V7 weighs slightly less than the V5, but as mentioned the excess rails are a waste of effort and far from comfortable. You can mount an AFG or other items with the included rail sections without adding excess weight.
TDC
If you aren't using the rails then what's the point?
Not sure I follow? The V7 weighs slightly less than the V5, but as mentioned the excess rails are a waste of effort and far from comfortable. You can mount an AFG or other items with the included rail sections without adding excess weight.
TDC
Any chance of DD switching the front quad rail on the v5 to the newer quad rail they are offering with QD points at front and back of rail?
My v5 came with the omega x rail. Iirc all v5 now ship with them.
Man u dont follow cause u seem to think only u know how everything runs, have u stopped for a second to think that ppl have different taste
The point is the v5 rifle is lighter than the others and it's handy to have the rail space. FYI the v7 has the same length of rail 12" and the FFT is railed across the entire top of the rifle. The v7 is heavier due to the 4150 barrel vs the standard crmv barrel in the v5.
While it's only oz it adds up