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

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 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.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.