[McPatrickClan]

I did a search on this site & could not find anything significant on the Daniel Defense line of ARs. I am considering one of these rifles and wanted to garner some feedback on them.

As far as I could tell, the big difference between the two is that the M4 Carbine has a rail on the upper to mount various accessories to. There could be other significant upgrades, though I may have missed them.

I am particularly interested in the DDXV, assuming it can be had for right at $1,000 or so (MSRP is $1,199)....

 

[Bark'n]

I've heard good things about Daniel Defense and their aftermaket accessories are first rate.

That's about the extent of my knowledge. I am planning on getting one of their railed handguards for my Colt Govt. Carbine.

 

[KevinDooley]

Everything I've read and seen says that their rifles are top-notch. On part with Colt, Bravo Company, and LMT.

You're right, the two models are exactly the same except for the rail system.

 

[ExactlyMyPoint]

Just bought one. I was going to go full bore and get the M4 but this is my first one and I do not know what I want, or need on it. I spoke with Grant of G and R Tactical (he had them in stock) and we decided it would be best if I bought the XV and added accessories as I decided what I liked.

If you already know you want all the bells and whistles, they are the exact same rifle, just one is more "accessorized" than the other.

 

[TRUST8383]

Just bought one. I was going to go full bore and get the M4 but this is my first one and I do not know what I want, or need on it. I spoke with Grant of G and R Tactical (he had them in stock) and we decided it would be best if I bought the XV and added accessories as I decided what I liked.

If you already know you want all the bells and whistles, they are the exact same rifle, just one is more "accessorized" than the other.

You know you qualify for the DD black card promotion now right? You get a $250 gift card to buy stuff from their catalog since you purchased it after 9/14/09... (unfortunately, I bought mine a week too early! ******! haha)

If you can get a DDXV for $999 plus $250 gift card...seriously that is thee BEST deal going on right now.

Here's my DDM4.

 

[McPatrickClan]

Where did you find the XV for $999? PM me if you need to thanks!

 

[TRUST8383]

Where did you find the XV for $999? PM me if you need to thanks!

Not quite $999 ($1139 plus 1cent shipping ), but if you use the the DD $250 gift card for an Omega rail, you have yourself a really nice gun.

AIM Daniel Defense XV M4 Carbine .223/5.56 Rifle Daniel Defense XV M4 Carbine .223/5.56 Rifle

 

[C hawk Glock]

I was just at the local shop talking about DD last night. I have heard nothing but good things about them until last night. We pulled one off the shelf and compared it to many other models. I think the only major issue we had with the rails extending past the front sights. Though it may be just the look, I personally don't like it and why add extra weight to the gun? Other then that, they seem really nice.

 

[Sarge45]

Check out Aim for the DD XV. Looks like and M4 to me with or without the rail.

AIM Daniel Defense XV M4 Carbine .223/5.56 Rifle Daniel Defense XV M4 Carbine .223/5.56 Rifle

 

[McPatrickClan]

Good deal on the M4 there at AIM.

 

[TRUST8383]

I was just at the local shop talking about DD last night. I have heard nothing but good things about them until last night. We pulled one off the shelf and compared it to many other models. I think the only major issue we had with the rails extending past the front sights. Though it may be just the look, I personally don't like it and why add extra weight to the gun? Other then that, they seem really nice.

I didn't like the extended rail at first either. But after shooting with it, I was converted. Everyone at the range was really surprised at how LIGHT this gun is. (i'm talking lighter than guns that have a smaller rail) Also, with a more forward grip (better control) and a 12:00 light mount, the extended rail is a winner to me. I'm sure Larry Vickers knew what he was doing when he helped them spec it out. I actually like the look of it now. It's grown on me. :embarassed:

 

[C hawk Glock]

I didn't like the extended rail at first either. But after shooting with it, I was converted. Everyone at the range was really surprised at how LIGHT this gun is. (i'm talking lighter than guns that have a smaller rail) Also, with a more forward grip (better control) and a 12:00 light mount, the extended rail is a winner to me. I'm sure Larry Vickers knew what he was doing when he helped them spec it out. I actually like the look of it now. It's grown on me. :embarassed:

Yeah I could see it growing on you when you get used to it. It's just different look then what we are normally programed to seeing. They are nice weapon systems. :smile:

 

[KevinDooley]

...Also, with a more forward grip (better control) and a 12:00 light mount...

Exactly why it was designed that way. I've heard lots of people talk about how it looks... Rail systems were never designed for aesthetics, they were designed to make a tool more useful. And from all reports, this rail system did just that.

Also, I don't know if it's everywhere that sells DDXVs, but I know several places are offering a $250 Black Fund Card (Daniel Defense Gift Card) with the purchase of an XV, which will buy you an Omega rail (or any rail, that one is a no-gunsmithing install)... so if you really don't like the DDM4 rail, you can get the XV and add the DD rail of your choice to it...

 

[Knuckledrager]

I was just at the local shop talking about DD last night. I have heard nothing but good things about them until last night. We pulled one off the shelf and compared it to many other models. I think the only major issue we had with the rails extending past the front sights. Though it may be just the look, I personally don't like it and why add extra weight to the gun? Other then that, they seem really nice.

Mounting space further from the receiver is advantage of the extended rails. It allows a VFG/light switching to be mounted further forward. This provides for a strong stance and can speed the engagement multiple targets. I have found it to be far faster than that "HK MP5" type of stance..

 

[C hawk Glock]

Mounting space further from the receiver is advantage of the extended rails. It allows a VFG/light switching to be mounted further forward. This provides for a strong stance and can speed the engagement multiple targets. I have found it to be far faster than that "HK MP5" type of stance..

Yeah there are two basic schools of thought, and I tend to be on the opposite side. For example, with handguns who trains to have your arms all the way extended like the old days? Everything is in close to your body.

I tend to like the feeling of a vertical grip being fairly close myself, but I know that others like to be more extended as they tout better recoil control. I don't think of recoil as being much of a problem with an AR-15.

Again, I understand why the rail is extended, I just personally don't like the look and I don't like anything that adds weight. It has nothing to do with the quality of DD as I have heard good things about them.

 

[BAC]

For what it's worth, folks running vertical grips still advocate putting them as far out as the rail allows. Any long gun, the AR-15 included, handles better when moving target to target if your hand's further toward the muzzle; it's a matter of leverage, plain and simple. Also, Daniel Defense rails are usually pretty light (as in, the rail assembly weighs the same or less than the stock plastic handguard assembly...).

How you 'run' your gun also depends on whether or not you're wearing body armor. If you are, squaring up to the threat is a good idea and will by necessity change your shooting/fighting stance. If you're not...


-B

 

[C hawk Glock]

For what it's worth, folks running vertical grips still advocate putting them as far out as the rail allows. Any long gun, the AR-15 included, handles better when moving target to target if your hand's further toward the muzzle; it's a matter of leverage, plain and simple. Also, Daniel Defense rails are usually pretty light (as in, the rail assembly weighs the same or less than the stock plastic handguard assembly...).

How you 'run' your gun also depends on whether or not you're wearing body armor. If you are, squaring up to the threat is a good idea and will by necessity change your shooting/fighting stance. If you're not...


-B

Some folks running vertical grips put them as far out as the rail allows. I don't, and many people I know who are ex rangers and marines do not either. Neither is right or wrong, I understand the reasons either way. I choose not to be fully extended, if I were shooting another caliber it might be different.

 

[chrise2004]

Thank you to the original poster for posting this topic.....exactly what i was looking for as well and thank you to all the people who have posted and especially the pictures.

This weekend I was at a local gun show and I spied a DD m4 with full rails and just fell in love with it. I can't believe how light it was compared to a M&P AR sitting right next to it.

The $250 gift card is the way to go I'll definitely be purchasing one before December 31st. I personally like the looks of the full rails.

 

[McPatrickClan]

You are welcome! Let me know if you find a good price on one of 'em!

 

[chrise2004]

You are welcome! Let me know if you find a good price on one of 'em!

thanks man i appreciate it. the guy at the gun show had this DDM4v2 for $1750 with tax and he was going to throw in 3 extra mags with it. I didn't think that was too shabby but I want to buy my DD AR from my local gun guy.

I'm kind of torn on which model to get. I'll be honest it's my first AR style rifle and I don't know which one is the best for me. I'm not really concerned about the price I just want a tough well built mil spec rifle. Which model are you going for and why? Just curious.