SBR Vs. AR-15 | Daniel Defense

Daniel Defense is one of the most respected gun manufacturers in our country that most people haven’t even heard of. I previously wrote a blog about the Daniel Defense M4 V11 and I’ve gotten many requests to talk about the Short Barrel Rifle models, such as the MK18, DDM4 PDW SBR, and the DDM4 V7. For this reason, I want to explain the differences between the traditional M4 models and the SBR models.

This blog is going to give you all the information to make the most informed decision you can about which one to buy. As laws and regulations seem to be changing in regard to SBR’s, Daniel Defense is at the forefront of producing some of the most revolutionary rifles on the market. SBR’s are typically chambered in rifle calibers, such as the 5.56mm NATO, .300 Blackout, and the 7.62x39mm bullets. As you’ll see, this style of gun is on the fringe of categories and requires specific regulation.

Daniel Defense M4 V11

The DDM4 V11 series rifle is built around the CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum on both the upper and lower receiver. One of the most impressive features for all Daniel Defense (DD) rifles is the barrel. The barrel is cold-hammer-forged and made from a Chrome Moly Vanadium (CMV) Steel, then Chrome lined and coated with heavy Mil-Spec Phosphate. Finally, the barrel is 16″ in overall length and uses a 1:7″ twist rate to accommodate the 5.56mm NATO bullet (same twist rate in all 5.56 chambered military rifles).

The V11 uses a mid-length gas tube that is built from 4140 hardened steel and coated with phosphate. The V11 is built with a KeyMod system for quick and easy attachment at the 3,6, and 9 o’clock positions on the upper receiver. The DD M4 V11 is also completely ambidextrous with an ambidextrous charging handle, known as the Grip-N-Rip, safety select lever, and the QD attachment points.

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
• 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

Cons

• Very Expensive!
• Their pistol grip isn’t very good
• Not a great trigger

Where Can I Buy The DDM4 V11?

1. Palmetto State Armory
2. Gun Broker
3. RK Guns

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Daniel Defense M4A1

The DD M4A1 has been the official M4 of US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) for the SOPMOD II Weapons System since 2005. It features a 14.5″ barrel with a free-floating 7075-T6 Aluminum upper receiver. The barrel is made of CMV steel, heavy phosphate coated, and High pressure tested (HPT) Mag particle inspected (MPI) for any impurities. DD really went out of their way to ensure this rifle barrel would last years in any environment. The HPT/MPI tests ensure the barrel is as flawless as possible for those who need precision and consistency. The M4A1 is built with the Rail Interface System (RIS) II instead of the SLiM Rail handguard that in the V11 model. Another great reason the SOCOM soldiers like this rifle is for the built-in flash suppressor that significantly reduces the muzzle flash. Many people underestimate how important this feature is, but not silhouetting yourself after each round fired could save your life.

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Cons

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The difference between an SBR and an AR-style pistol is so minimal that it gets a lot of gun enthusiasts in trouble wit the ATF. The biggest and most noticeable difference between an AR-15 style pistol and an SBR is the stock. An SBR is any rifle with a barrel length less than 16″ and meant to be shoulder-fired and is normally chambered in rifle caliber rounds. According to the National Firearms Act (NFA), an SBR is intended to be used as a shoulder-fired rifle, whereas, an AR-15 pistol is meant to be shot with a forearm brace. As you can probably tell, it’s difficult to legalize anything based on intent, but that’s where we’re at at this time in 2020. If you’re using an SBR with a shoulder-fired stock, you must pay the appropriate stamp tax for the weapon. Failure to pay this tax and register the gun as an SBR will result in a felony, which no one wants or needs. If you’re wanting a full guide on the differences and regulations regarding an SBR, read our blog, “The Differences Between an AR-15 Pistol and a Short Barrel Rifle (SBR)”.

MK18

For the sake of sales, the MK18 is one of the most sought after guns in the Daniel Defense arsenal. The MK18 features a 10.3″ cold hammer-forged barrel with the same Rail Interface System (RIS II) used on the M4A1 model. This SBR is used exclusively by USSOCOM as their go-to CQB weapon because of the versatility and increased mobility. It’s built from the same CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum that is on the AR-15 models but is type III Hard Coat Anodized for improved hardness and durability. It has the same 1:7″ twist rate as the AR-15’s to handle the 5.56mm NATO bullet and HP/MPI tested for impurities. The RIS II gives this SBR a reduction in felt-recoil while offering more accurate follow-up shots be the diversion of gases away from the operator. The MK18 features a carbine-length gas tube instead of the mid-length gas tube used in the AR-15 models to help reduce the recoil and improve the accuracy.

Specs

Pros

• Glass Filled Polymer with Soft Touch Overmolding stock is designed to absorb some of the concussion from the operation
• The Glass Filled Polymer with Soft Touch Overmolding is better than the traditional M4 V11 rifle
• Incredibly versatile with a 10.3″ barrel and the added power of a 5.56mm NATO round
• 3 low profile ladders made from Santoprene, heat resistant to 300° F
• Used by SOCOM soldiers because of its durability, dependability, and stopping power in close-quarters

Cons

• The legality of these rifles are still up in the air on who can own them and what kind of tax you have to pay
• Very expensive

Where Can I Buy The MK 18?

1. Palmetto State Armory
2. Gun Broker
3. RK Guns

DDM4 V7

The DDM4 V7 series SBR is built around the free-floating, Cold Hammer Forged 11.5” barrel that has been hard coat anodized for increased durability. It features the same carbine length gas system on the MK18 to reduce the felt-recoil and ensure reliability in any type of environment from the desert to the tundra. The barrel is designed to improve maneuverability, reliability, accuracy, and terminal ballistics. The V7 uses a different rail system, known as the Daniel Defense MFR 10.0 Rail system that is designed for incredible weight savings as well as superior cooling, ergonomics, and modularity while maintaining the strength and durability needed for combat. The V7 features an M-Lok attachment system for easy attachment points on the accessible 1913 Picatinny rail. The muzzle allows for easy installation of suppressors or flash-hiders, depending completely on your mission requirements. This SBR will replace any AR-15 rifle you have with its advanced technology, improved ergonomics, and reliable operation in any environmental condition on Earth.

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