Daniel Defense DDM4 V7
Daniel Defense · Carbine · In Production · 2015
Also known as: DD M4 V7, DDM4V7
Overview
The Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 is a semi-automatic carbine chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Daniel Defense since 2015. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this carbine offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2812 g (99.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3382 g (119.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 24 N (5.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 914 m/s (2999 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1671 J (1232 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Hard Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Free Floating Handguard, M Lok Attachment, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Rotating Bolt, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Mid Length Gas System, Adjustable Stock
Variants
- DDM4 V7 SLW — Lightweight
- DDM4 V7 Pro — Enhanced
- DDM4 V7S — Short Barrel
Service history
Operators
- United States Law Enforcement · as DDM4 V7
- Various US State Police Agencies · as DDM4
Production
Production years: 2015-present
Continuous production for civilian and law enforcement markets
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Daniel Defense built its reputation on manufacturing rails and accessories before entering the complete rifle market. The V7 designation indicates the seventh iteration of their core M4 carbine design. The MFR handguard's four-bolt attachment system and free-floating design help keep the overall weight to approximately 6.2 pounds while maintaining rigidity. The mid-length gas system provides smoother recoil impulse and reduced port pressure compared to carbine-length systems. Daniel Defense manufactures all critical components in-house at their Black Creek, Georgia facility, including barrels, bolts, and receivers. The company gained notoriety when one of their rifles was used in a high-profile shooting incident, leading to temporary policy changes, though the V7 remains popular with professional users.
Background
Daniel Defense rose from a small garage operation to one of America's premier AR-15 manufacturers, known for supplying rails to USSOCOM for the Mk 18 program. The V7 represents the company's philosophy of 'perfection in design and manufacturing' with every component engineered for reliability and precision. Many competitive 3-gun shooters choose the V7 as their platform for its balance of weight, accuracy, and reliability.