By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2023
DANIEL DEFENSE
Daniel Defense is a family-owned and privately held firearms manufacturer in Black Creek, Georgia. Founded in 2001 by President/CEO Marty Daniel, the company started from Marty’s vision to create custom accessories for his M-16 rifle.
An avid sportsman and supporter of the 2nd Amendment, Marty Daniel committed himself to produce a product unmatched in quality and precision. Just 18 years later, Marty Daniel’s concept has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in the firearms world, manufacturing the world’s finest AR-15 rifles, rail systems, and accessories for civilian, law enforcement, and military customers.
Today, with 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space combined, Daniel Defense has maintained a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
THE LIMITED SERIES
Daniel Defense has partnered with industry-leading manufacturers to build small batches of once-in-a-lifetime rifles, the Limited Series.
The Limited Series rifles are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. So, the best way to get your hands on one is to sign up for insider notifications and be one of the first to know what’s coming and when it’s available. But act fast because once these limited-edition rifles are gone, they’re gone for good.
THE LIMITED SERIES – SEPTEMBER 2023 – V7 PRO – DARK ACES
The DDM4 V7 Pro “Dark Aces” is the eighth Limited Series rifle from Daniel Defense. They took their popular DDM4 V7 Pro to the next level, making it an even more serious competition-friendly firearm.
THE RECEIVERS
The lower receiver is CNC machined of 7075-T6 aluminum, Mil-Spec with an enhanced flared magazine well and rear receiver QD swivel attachment point. Finished with a Multi-Cam Cerakote.
The upper receiver is CNC Machined of 7075-T6 aluminum, Mil-Spec with indexing marks, and M4 feed ramps, finished with a Multi-Cam Cerakote.
THE GUTS
The Dark Aces is fitted with a Geissele Automatics Super Dynamic 3-Gun trigger that delivers rapid hits on target with a light, short pull, and quick reset. It features a Raptor charging handle and a Radian Talon ambidextrous safety.
THE BARREL, BOLT & GAS SYSTEM
The barrel is chrome moly vanadium steel, cold hammer forged, 1:7 twist, with an 18″ S2W profile, chrome lined, and Mil-Spec heavy phosphate coated.
The muzzle device is a tunable S&J Customs Titan Extreme—the same model Daniel Defense-sponsored competitive shooters use on the circuit.
The Bolt Carrier Group is an M16 Profile, Mil-Spec MP tested, and chrome lined.
The Gas System features a pinned low-profile gas block CNC machined of 4140 hardened steel, Mil-Spec heavy phosphate coating, rifle length, and direct impingement.
THE FURNITURE
The Handguard is a Daniel Defense MFR 15.0 inch, CNC Machined of 6061-T6 Aluminum. The Buttstock is a black Reptilia RECC·E with a black Reptilia CQG Grip. It comes with a DD Vertical Grip and a RailScales Karve hand stop, so you can set it up for maximum control and ergonomics to fit your shooting style.
THE OPTICS
Dark Aces features a black Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 scope mounted in a 30mm Reptilia AUS mount.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Gas Operated, Direct Impingement
Caliber: 5.56 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 32 Rounds
Sights/Optic: Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 scope
Barrel Length: 18 Inches
MSRP: $6,500
URL: www.danieldefense.com
THE VERDICT
The DDM4 V7 Pro “Dark Aces” features the quality of workmanship you would expect from Daniel Defense, and its 100% satisfaction guarantee backs it against defects in original materials and workmanship.
The DDM4 V7 Pro “Dark Aces” comes shipped with a few extras, including a Mantis BlackbeardX Training system with green laser for at-home training, six Daniel Defense 32-round magazines, and a Certificate of Authenticity that lets everyone know you own one of only a handful of these coveted, collectible rifles from Daniel Defense.
That’s all for now, folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counterstrategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Off Grid, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International.
Contact him at [email protected].