Friends Of NRA Gun Of The Year: Daniel Defense DDM4 V7

by
posted on February 13, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ddmfinal.jpg

For the first time in its 25-year history, Friends of NRA has selected an AR-15-pattern rifle as its Gun Of The Year. These limited-edition Daniel Defense DDM4 V7s (danieldefense.com) will only be available at 2017 Friends of NRA events.

This year marks the Friends of NRA’s 25th anniversary, and it has so far hosted more than 17,600 events nationally during that time, generating $700 million in revenue for The NRA Foundation. It is at these events where attendees have a chance at winning prizes such as the limited-edition Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 pictured here.

Marty Daniel’s passion for excellence is reflected in his company’s guns, and it all started with making a few parts. Now the company has been awarded the Friends of NRA 2017 Gun Of The Year for its DDM4 V7 rifle.

This specialized rendition, chambered in in 5.56x45 mm NATO, features custom engraving on the lower receiver along with custom NRA serialization. Additionally, the limited run of 1,150 guns is finished in a distinctive hybrid Cerakote pattern called Rattlecan. Upgrades include a Geissele two-stage trigger and a Daniel Defense Superior Suppression Device capping the 16", cold hammer-forged barrel.

The DDM4 V7 uses a mid-length gas system, and the rifle’s MFR XS 15.0 handguard has M-Lok slots for accessory attachment. A full-length Picatinny rail along the top of the rifle accommodates optics, sights and accessories. The buttstock features adjustments for six positions and has Soft Touch overmolding like the gun’s pistol grip.

For more information, visit friendsofnra.org.

Latest

FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19
FP 6.5Peak Launch Fusion Terminalascent Peakalloy 19

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifle Renaissance 2026: Exploring Rifle Skills Beyond Marksmanship

Being able to shoot in contextual situations, shoot from unusual positions, manipulate the rifle quickly and rapidly adjust one’s position based on distance are all essential skills for a well-trained rifleman. To train these abilities, The Complete Combatant hosted the first annual Rifle Renaissance event in March 2026.

New Guns For 2026: A Full Guide

While it’s claimed the firearms industry is experiencing a slowdown, that hasn’t meant a stall to innovation. It means gunmakers are working harder than ever to earn your business.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.