Daniel Defense DDM4 V7
Semi-Automatic Rifle
Daniel Defense is one of the best recognized names for high-end MSRs/AR-15s. They started with the original DDM4, setting the stage for the modern MSR/AR-15 market and eventually developing into the modern DDM4 V7 semi-automatic rifle with its M-LOK attachments and accessories.
The DDM4 V7 line’s variants are denoted by a suffix to indicate its intended purpose, for example the DDM4 Hunter is geared towards hunting while the DDM4 Pro is made for competition shooting.
The standard Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 is a hefty investment in self-defense. The reliability and modularity of the rifle itself allows for the most modifications to meet a large variety of tasks. From home defense to duty use to pest control, the DDM4 V7 has enough rail space to mount any optic or accessory you need.
Due to its popularity, most of the market is compatible with the DDM4, from magazines to most spare parts. Spare parts can be finicky if they are not in the right spec, but the overall modularity of the DDM4 means you have more options to choose from.
The DDM4 V7 is not a beginner’s rifle. The quality, durability, and overall utility of the DDM4 makes it a great option for someone who is familiar with the MSR and does not want to own a number of lower quality guns for different tasks. The DDM4 is the gun for someone who either has a lot to invest in rifles or for someone who wants just one extremely reliable firearm.
Let’s look at the DDM4 V7’s current features.
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Semi-Automatic Rifle Standard Features:
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The DDM4 V7 is a standard semi-automatic rifle with a direct impingement gas system. A low profile gas block is used with the Daniel Defense MFR 15.0 rail in order to create the continuous strip of Picatinny from the top of the receiver to the end of the rail.
Combined with the M-LOK mounting surfaces, the DDM4 V7 has all of the available real-estate necessary for modern requirements for modularity. You will be able to easily mount Picatinny and M-LOK compatible hardware to the rifle, be that lights, grips, lasers, or optics.
The mid-length gas system with H-buffer helps ensure that the rifle will run properly while reducing perceived recoil and parts wear. The 16 inch government profile barrel with Daniel Defense’s improved Flash Suppressor will cut down on excessive muzzle blast for a better shooting experience.
The bolt is an M16 profile and is chrome lined with staked gas keys. This is an important part of the system as excessive gas leakage can impact the reliability of the firearm itself, especially as the bolt is one of the major moving parts.
The stock is adjustable and comes with the standard 6 positions found on Mil-Spec receiver extensions. The barrel threads are also a standard ½ x 28 and the rifle comes with Daniel Defense’s 32 round magazine (this allows for 30 rounds in the magazine after downloading by 2 for better reliability).
For the price point, the lack of standard iron sights is not an issue. If you are in the market for a rifle in this price point you probably already have an optic or other accessories in mind to go with it. This is not an entry level rifle. This is for the individual who wants quality performance and is not afraid to pay for it.
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Semi-Automatic Rifle Standard Variants:
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Price:$1,860-$2,200
DDM4 V7 Pro
The Pro variant of the DDM4 is designed for competition. This includes a flared magazine well for faster reloads, a Geissele Automatics Super Dynamic 3-gun trigger, longer barrel with a Muzzle Climb Mitigator, and a rifle length gas system. These combine into better control through lower, more direct recoil and a more forgiving trigger pull.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, direct impingement |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45 NATO |
| Capacity: | 32+1, (30-20 using non-Daniel Defense magazines) |
| Barrel Length: | 18 inches |
| Weight: | 7.4 pounds |
| Overall Length: | 34 ¾ - 37 ⅞ inches |
| Twist Rate: | 1:7 |
| Gas system: | Rifle-length, H-buffer |
| Sights: | Not included |
Popular variations:
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Pro 5.56mm NATO 16in Black Semi Automatic Rifle - 32+1 Rounds
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Pro 5.56mm NATO 18in Black/Rattlecan Semi Automatic Modern Sporting Rifle - 30+1 Rounds
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DDM4 V7 SLW
The Super Light Weight version of the DDM4 is geared towards being a handy rifle that won’t give you a weight penalty while moving. With many modern accessories, MSRs can easily climb to nearly 10 pounds in total weight.
While this would be beneficial for things like competition or target guns it can have a negative impact on self-defense or duty use. Heavy guns eat up recoil but this extra weight makes them unpleasant to carry for long periods. Lightweight guns can also be moved more easily in dynamic environments and create less shooter fatigue over extended periods.
The SLW does come with a pinned and welded Flash Suppressor to extend the 14.6 inch barrel to 16 inches to comply with NFA guidelines.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, direct impingement |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45 NATO |
| Capacity: | 32+1, (30-20 using non-Daniel Defense magazines) |
| Barrel Length: | 14.5 inches |
| Weight: | 5.9 pounds |
| Overall Length: | 31 ½ - 34 3.4 inches |
| Twist Rate: | 1:7 |
| Gas system: | Mid-length, H-buffer |
| Sights: | Not included |
Popular variations:
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 SLW 5.56mm NATO 14.5in Black Semi Automatic Rifle - 32+1 Rounds
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 SLW 5.56mm NATO 14.5in Deep Woods Semi Automatic Rifle - 10+1 Rounds - California Compliant
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DDM4 V7 Pro California Compliant
This version of the Pro features the same muzzle device, trigger, and rifle length gas system, but does not come with Daniel Defense’s 32 round magazine. Instead, it features a 10 round Magpul PMAG in order to comply with California magazine requirements.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, direct impingement |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45 NATO |
| Capacity: | 10 rounds, Magpul PMAG |
| Barrel Length: | 18 inches |
| Weight: | 7.4 pounds |
| Overall Length: | 34 ¾ - 37 ⅞ inches |
| Twist Rate: | 1:7 |
| Gas system: | Mid-length, H-buffer |
| Sights: | Not included |
Popular variations:
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Pro 5.56mm NATO 18in Black Semi Automatic Rifle - 10+1 Rounds - California Compliant
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Pro 5.56mm NATO 16in Deep Woods Semi Automatic Rifle - 10+1 Rounds - California Compliant
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DDM4 V7 California Compliant
The California Compliant DDM4 V7 is set up to meet Californian magazine requirements but otherwise has the same standard features of the DDM4. This allows you to have a quality rifle that is legal in your area, although you should still check your local laws before purchasing a firearm.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, direct impingement |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45 NATO |
| Capacity: | 10 rounds, Magpul PMAG |
| Barrel Length: | 16 inches |
| Weight: | 6.2 pounds |
| Overall Length: | 32 ¼ - 35 ⅞ inches |
| Twist Rate: | 1:7 |
| Gas system: | Mid-length, H-buffer |
| Sights: | Not included |
Popular variations:
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 Mod Rail 5.56mm NATO 16in Black Semi Automatic Rifle - 10+1 Rounds - California Compliant
- Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 SLW 5.56mm NATO 14.5in Deep Woods Semi Automatic Rifle - 10+1 Rounds - California Compliant
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DDM4 V7 S
This 5.56 short barreled rifle features a MFR 10.0 M-LOK rail and is smaller overall than the standard DDM4. This makes the gun more maneuverable while sacrificing some of the ballistic effectiveness of 5.56 NATO.
The barrel comes in at 11.3 inches and features a ½ x 28 thread to allow you the most modularity for your muzzle devices. This allows the gun to fulfill a Close Quarters Battle role while still remaining reliable. This is mostly due to the H-buffer and carbine length gas system.
Realistically this is the shortest a 5.56 gun should go before the trade in performance versus overall length becomes detrimental. Since this gun has a barrel length below 16 inches it requires a tax stamp in order to be NFA compliant.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, direct impingement |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45 NATO |
| Capacity: | 32+1, (30-20 using non-Daniel Defense magazines) |
| Barrel Length: | 11.5 inches |
| Weight: | 5.8 pounds |
| Overall Length: | 27 ⅞ - 31 ¼ inches |
| Twist Rate: | 1:7 |
| Gas system: | Carbine-length, H-buffer |
| Sights: | Not included |
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DDM4 V7 P
In order to comply with NFA regulation, this DDM4 V7 is considered a pistol and features a pistol brace instead of a normal stock. These braces are the SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing brace. Primarily the brace is attached to the buffer tube, but you also have the option of the brace being mounted to a Law Tactical GEN 3-M Ar Folding Stock Adapter. This allows the brace to be folded to the side for a more compact pistol.
This firearm comes in two different chambering 5.56 and .300 Blackout with two different thread pitches, ½ x 28 and ⅝ x 24 respectively. Combined with the MFR 9.0 M-LOK rail, this allows you to have an alternative to a short barreled rifle with less NFA hassle. Be sure to check your local laws before purchasing.
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Action: | Semi-automatic, direct impingement |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45 NATO, .300 Blackout (Model dependent) |
| Capacity: | 32+1 (30-20 using non-Daniel Defense magazines), 30 rounds, Magpul PMAG AR 300 B Gen M3 |
| Barrel Length: | 10.3 inches |
| Weight: | 5.31-6.17 pounds (Caliber and stock dependent) |
| Overall Length: | 28 ⅝, 30 ¼ inches (20 ¾ inches folded |
| Twist Rate: | 1:7, 1:8 |
| Gas system: | Pistol-length, Carbine-length, H-buffer |
| Sights: | Not included |
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