Daniel Defense M4 V11 Review

The Daniel Defense M4 V11 is an upgrade from the V9 series carbines with the added benefits of having the KeyMod System and the integrated SliM Rail. The mid-length gas system has a smoother recoil impulse, which keeps the shooter on target at a faster pace than previous models. The Picatinny rail on top of the receiver and the KeyMod attachments (3,6,9 o’clock) gives the shooter an option to have attachments, such as optics and lights, and still have a clear line of sight for iron sight shooting. This rifle comes standard with an ambidextrous Grip-N-Rip Charging Handle that is perfect for us lefties too. With an ambidextrous safety select lever and QD points for quick connection and disconnection of slings, this rifle is engineered to be comfortable for all shooters.

Specs

Pros

• Lightweight for 16″ barrel
• 16″ barrel increases your target range and accuracy past 400 yards for a point target
• Twist rate allows for heavier bullets to provide better accuracy
• SliM Rail System is amazing
• Durable
• Accurate

Cons

• Very Expensive!
• It seems like they forgot to put creativity into their pistol grip

Features

• Improved muzzle design reduces the flash signature of the rifle
• The Barrel is Cold-Hammer Forged to drastically increase the life and performance of the barrel
• The magazine well is widened and beveled to guide magazines into place faster and more secure, saving time and energy.
• Ambidextrous safety lever
• Free-floating rail system provides assurance that the barrel harmonics will be protected
• The Buttstock is interchangeable and has a nonslip cheek weld with QD point for sling
• KeyMod Attachment System
  
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Why You Should Buy the DDM4V11

This M4 is about as good as it gets for this weapon system with the quality of materials used to make the parts to the integration of the KeyMod and Bolt-Up systems in the SLiM Rail. If I wanted an M4 and didn’t already have one, this is by far the best one I’ve been around. I carried the M4 from Colt during my two tours in Iraq (Balad, Bucca) and had a chance to hold the Daniel Defense M4, and without any doubt, Daniel Defense has a better rifle. This rifle will be very expensive, but if you want the best-made M4, go with Daniel Defense and don’t look back.

Where Can I Buy a DDM4 V11?

You can buy most Daniel Defense weapons from Palmetto State Armory, especially if you’re a veteran or law enforcement officer to get that discount. Buying directly from Daniel Defense is also a great option because you get their lifetime warranty on all parts of your gun from any defects or poor workmanship. Just make sure if you decide to build your own Daniel Defense rifle, you don’t use parts from other manufacturers. Daniel Defense won’t honor the warranty unless your entire gun is made by them.

DDM4 V11 Pro

The DDM4 V11 Pro is specifically designed for competitors in multi-gun matches in the International Defense Pistol Association(IDPA) or the National Rifle Association (NRA) run bouts across the globe. The biggest differences between the regular V11 and the V11 Pro are the muzzle climb mitigator, the upgraded trigger, and the updated pistol grip. The muzzle climb mitigator redirects the gasses from the operation through calibrated ports to keep your rifle on target without muzzle rise and reduces felt recoil.

The best upgrade by far is the Geissele Automatics Super Dynamic 3 Gun Trigger. The trigger is a flat instead of curved and is incredibly crisp with no creep, comes in just under 3 lbs of trigger pull, and has a very quick reset of operation. The muzzle mitigator can be loud, and the flash can be seen as you shoot, but for competition shooters, this is an excellent rifle for a 3-gun match. The barrel is incredibly accurate, but at 18″, it can be a little front heavy, making it difficult for shooting at range standing. You’ll most certainly need a front grip to help with the length of the barrel.

Specs

Pros

• 18″ barrel increases your target range and accuracy up to 500 yards with a 4 MOA
• Twist rate allows for heavier bullets to provide better accuracy
• SliM Rail System is amazing
• Durable
• Accurate
• Muzzle Climb Mitigator helps with accuracy and control

Cons

• $2,000 w/out attachments
• Mitigator does make this gun very loud to shoot
• Heavy compared to the V11

Features

• Improved muzzle design reduces the flash signature of the rifle
• The Barrel is Cold-Hammer Forged to drastically increase the life and performance of the barrel
• The magazine well is widened and beveled to guide magazines into place faster and more secure, saving time and energy.
• Ambidextrous safety lever
• Free-floating rail system provides assurance that the barrel harmonics will be protected
• The Buttstock is interchangeable and has a nonslip cheek weld with QD point for sling
• KeyMod Attachment System
• Upgraded Trigger
• Upgraded pistol grip designed to stop slippage in your grip during rain or mist and built at a better angle for your hand to rest in comfortably.
• Muzzle Climb Mitigator

Why You Should Buy The M4V11 Pro

The V11 Pro model is best used for competition shooters in their 3-gun matches across the world because the trigger pressure is light, crisp, and has a quick reset for follow up shots. The muzzle mitigator prevents almost all of the felt recoil and resists muzzle climb shot after shot, allowing for incredible accuracy and speed. This rifle is going to be very expensive, even if you get it on sale, so make sure you can get your money’s worth before diving into such a big expense. There are plenty of M4 rifles that you can get for less than half this price at places such as Armslist and Palmetto State Armory.

What is the Best Ammunition for DDM4?

The best ammunition for your gun is going to be the ammo that doesn’t have misfeeds or misfires and is consistently accurate shot after shot. Personally, I won’t use anything less than 62Grain 5.56 (.223 Remington) ammo in my M4 because I have the best accuracy with heavier grain bullets. With a 1/7 twist rate in the barrel, Daniel Defense is designed to use heavier bullets that provide more force for accuracy at any distance. For the sake of argument, I know there are dozens of brands that work just fine, but I use Sig Sauer 77 Grain Elite Performance and PMC X-Tac 62 Grain

SIG SAUER 223 REMINGTON 77GR ELITE MATCH GRADE OTM AMMUNITION

For competition shooters, this is going to be the best ammo to use because of the muzzle velocity (2,750 fps), Sig Sauer’s name, and the most dependable primers in the game. This round is specifically made for competition shooters who demand the best ballistics, such as the Sig V-Crown. The Sig V-Crown uses a toothed cannelure to help lock the lead core to the jacket. Most other rounds are bonded, which bonds the jacket to the soft lead core, helping keep the bullet together for maximum penetration of your target. By locking in the lead core to the jacket, the V-Crown style bullets are more accurate.

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PMC X-TAC 5.56MM NATO 62GR LAP AMMUNITION

I carry the PMC X-Tac ammo because it’s always up to the standard of either US Military Specification standards (MIL-SPEC) or The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). The peace of mind that I get when using this ammo instills confidence in me. The X-Tac 62 Grain round makes me feel like it’s going to hit my target and will fire exactly where and when I want it to. As a self-defense round, it’s best to spend your money on companies that put their entire reputation on whether their products work 100% of the time or not.  As any police officer or warfighter will tell you, confidence in your gear is instrumental in your success in the field.

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Conclusion

The Daniel Defense M4 V11 series rifle is going to be one of the most expensive rifles could ever own, but as with many things in life, it’s well worth the money. This SLiM Rail technology paired with the KeyMod attachment locks on the 3,6,9 o’clock positions makes this rifle lightweight, ergonomic and accurate on the move. Upgrade the M4 V11 to the Pro model if you’re a competitor in the 3-gun challenge and take advantage of the muzzle climb mitigator that replaces the V11. The Pro comes standard with an 18″ barrel to increase accuracy and range but gives up a little in the control of the rifle. The most impressive feature of the pro model is the upgraded Geissele Automatics Super Dynamic 3 Gun Trigger. The trigger is flat and has about a 2.5 lbs trigger pull near the bottom of the trigger, and a 3 lbs trigger pull weight in the middle. The pull itself is clean, crisp, and resets surprisingly quick, giving the shooter quick and more accurate follow up shots. Whether you’re a competitor or soldier, the DDM4 V11 series is a hell of a tool to have when time and accuracy are everything.