The Pros and Cons of Daniel Defense

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Kosmonument

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Hello. I'm currently contemplating my first AR. I've homed in on a Daniel Defense V7 16". I plan on running it with just the DD iron sights until I learn to shoot proficiently that way. After that, I might add a fancier optic. Or I might keep it that way. Haven't decided.

My question is: What are some of the known positives and negatives of a DDM4? I understand it's high quality and expensive, but that's about it. I see a lot of AR threads here but rarely does anyone mention these guys.

I was looking at one of the Colt Canada rifles with the integrated upper but I don't like the idea of not having full control over a rifle that I own.
 
The DD are excellent quality and you won't be disappointed. CHF barrels are accurate and last. The IUR is nice (MMR is nicer!), but I too would avoid it as you need proprietary wrenches to work on them.
 
There are no cons to DD. I like to think of them as the American counterparts to Colt Canada. Their CHF barrels are Top notch as is their QC.

I agree with you; I prefer to have non-integrated receivers. I think the MRR is a great agency or service rifle where you have employed armorers.
 
mebiuspower said:
What's so special about DD?
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The same could be said for Colt Canada.

DDs are good because of their QC and barrel quality. But if you’re looking for a specific answer, you won’t find one. Unless you’re going to buy a top-tier AR like PWS or something else that commands a truly premium price, a mil spec AR will forever be a milspec AR.

In my honest opinion, QC and barrel quality is what separates milspec ARs from one another.

Looking at DD through that specific lens, it’s a fantastic rifle, as is Colt Canada and a few others.
 
Donster 125 said:
The same could be said for Colt Canada.
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mebiuspower said:
What's so special about DD?
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Nothing. Nobody special uses them :)

They do (did?) make rails for SOCOM or something like that...

DD are top quality firearms with high QC standards and I think I have only seen one example of a constant failure (weak primer strike leading to FTF) at an event maybe 5 years ago.

Defiantly the king of tier II rifles.

The owners are pretty rabid. Especially in any conversation about KAC CC or HK. Butts can be easily hurt.

I call it getting Daniel Defensive.
 
I myself own a Daniel Defense mk18 as well as a complete colt canada IUR. Both rifles are good to go. As previously said, the DD is more user friendly as you can swap out the handguard should you desire (not sure what the point of that would be though) but the CC IUR or MRR is truly more bomb proof with that integrated receiver.

Either way you cant loose.
 
IMO, Daniel Defense is one step below a boutique rifle in terms of price and quality. It’s right at that cusp of where you’d feel bad for beating on it a little because of how much you paid for it.
 
You can't go wrong with quality ARs. DD, BCM, AND CC are a few common ones. I have owned and currently own both BCM and DD and I have nothing bad to say about either of them. They're milspec and good quality comes at a cost. Right now the market is flooded with cheap ARs that are garbage. If you stick to one of these brands you won't be disappointed and if you're looking to save on cost always keep an eye on the equipment exchange, if you don't have access yet, just make sure you've done all the requirements and be patient. There's a few good deals on DD rifles on there.
 
Nice rifles but IMO, a bit overpriced compared to what's offered by other reputable brands/line for much less. Good rail/handguard systems and very accurate barrels though. Crappy mil-spec gritty triggers unless they changed that by now. Got a DD M4V5 and recall paying just shy of $1500. for it. Can't believe they're asking north of $2300. No wonder they had to cut back on staff 'cause nobody wants to spend that kinda $$ on a not-so-boutique boutique rifle.
 
I used DD uppers, BGCs and barrels. The early bolts from years ago did not have o-ring and the extractor spring was done in 3 thousand rounds , I fixed that myself. The later ones ( also many years ago) came with o-rings.

Their 4-bolt and 6-bolt ( RIS ) rail attachment system is underrated by most recreational users. They are truly great designs because they don't transmit torque to the barrel nut like all others. They won the Sopmod contract rightfully.
 
The only cons I can find with DD rifles is their new stocks & grips that he rifles come with. Just look cheap to me, but most replace them anyways. Other than that, everything else is solid
 
DD is the best brand you can buy where the extra cost is worth the extra money.

Said a different way, everything that is more expensive than DD is not demonstrably better.

Yes a DD really is twice as good as a $1000 Bushmaster AR, yes it is three times better than a Ruger/S&W AR, and yes it is four times better than a Norinco AR.

It's also 10-20% better than a Colt, which justifies the price premium. I love their line "Some companies stop at MilSpec, others start with it".

However, I would be hard pressed to believe any claims that Noveske, KAC, or H&K were any better than DD, let alone 20-100% better to justify the cost.

Those brands are certainly great brands, but in my opinion they are not worth any extra money than a DD.

Once you get your hands on a DD, especially in the newer rubber overmold furniture, you will know where your extra money has gone and you'll know it was worth it.
 
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