The Daniel Defense DDM4 MK18 Short Barrel Rifle (SBR) in .223 Remington / 5.56 × 45 mm caliber is an American self-revolving carbine, structurally based on the popular AR-15 platform, and features a 10.3" barrel length. The Daniel Defence brand is famous for creating some of the world's best rifles and carbines based on the AR platform, sometimes referred to as top-of-the-line and premium in the US. This weapon will satisfy any shooting connoisseur, whether for sporting purposes, for uniformed services or for collectors. This model will be an excellent choice for tactical and dynamic shooters, due to its light weight. Military The thread pitch of the barrel is 1:7 inches and allows the use of both light and heavy bullets. It is worth noting that all parts of the weapon are made of the best materials, and the individual components ensure trouble-free operation. Thanks to the gas system with direct injection of powder gases into the slide, the feeling of recoil is reduced. The carbine additionally demonstrates compatibility with the Mil-Spec standard and has a front bed equipped with 22mm RIS rails, which gives the possibility of any configuration.
Features of the Daniel Defense DDM4 MK18 SBR carbine:
- Design based on the AR-15 platform, with high susceptibility to modification.
- There is a large range of compatible accessories on the market to increase the functionality of the carbine.
- Self-supporting front bed equipped with Picantinny 22mm mounting rails.
- It is equipped with a comfortable and telescopically extendable, multi-position flask.
- Self-supporting, unattached to the bed, 10.3-inch barrel.
- Multiple ports for attaching the Quick Detachable quick release.
- Trigger and breech chamber made of rugged and lightweight alumunium with Cerakote coating.
- Chrome-plated lock with slide made of 6061-T6 aluminum, hard anodized.
- Short, carbine-style gas system for easy attachment of a smaller bed.
- Winged fire selector/safety switch on the left side of the trigger chamber.
- Lightweight polymer magazine included (full compatibility with other magazines for the AR-15).
- Robust and atypical for AR-15 carbines bolt-on bed mounting on the sides of the breech chamber.
The principle of operation of the carbine
The DDM4 MK18 is based on a classic gas system developed by ArmaLite. It uses gunpowder gases that, through a hole in the barrel and then a gas tube, enter the interior of the slide, expanding it and unclamping it. The advantage of such a system is the reduced number of moving parts, reduced recoil sensation and smooth operation of the breech. The weapon is bolted by rotating the breech with 6 symmetrical bolts. The breech and trigger chamber, standard for AR-15 carbines, is made of milled aluminum coated with a durable coating created by the anodizing process.
Safeties and manipulators
The carbine has two types of safety features. The primary one is a winged safety located on the left side of the trigger chamber, just above the thumb. It can be easily operated by the shooter without taking his hand off the grip. The second safety is an internal lock that prevents the shooter from firing when the lock is not engaged.
Compatibility with military specifications
The weapon was made in Mil-Spec-compliant specifications, so you can easily replace the buttstock, pistol grip, foregrip, manipulators, trigger tongue with others. The model is an excellent choice for those who plan to make intensive changes to the internal parts of the weapon. It will also be perfect for those beginning their adventure with dynamic shooting.
Self-supporting carbine barrel
The Daniel Defence DD4 carbine is equipped with a thin 10.3" long, chrome-plated and cold-forged barrel with a typical 1:7 threaded profile . Its surface has been anodized to protect it from factors like corrosive effects of powder gases and water. The barrel ends in a thread with a factory-installed flame suppressor. The 5-screw front bed has 22mm rails with angles at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, with which you can easily install additional accessories like a flashlight, foregrip, angle grip or additional sighting device. Also, a 22mm Picantinny rail is drawn across the entire length of the lock chamber and bed.