NRA Gun of the Week: Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW

American Rifleman Staff

posted on July 3, 2020

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The AR-15 design has again and again proven its worth as a trusted option in the market of firearms dedicated to personal defense. The DDM4 PDW from Daniel Defense is one such standout of gas-operated semi-automatic pistols based on the Stoner design. The pistol features a 7”, cold-hammer-forged chrome-moly-vanadium steel barrel chambered for the .300 BLK cartridge. Daniel Defense packed its DDM4 PDW with practical details that add to the user experience.

Right side of Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW pistol with text on image calling out make and model.

Daniel Defense partnered with Maxim Defense to include its adjustable CQB Pistol Brace. 4” of adjustments are available, and hook-and-loop straps at the rear are provided for securing the pistol the shooter's forearm. An enhanced buffer system is also provided by Maxim Defense to further increase reliability with all load types, whether supersonic or subsonic. A linear compensator is provided to direct muzzle blast and screws onto the barrel’s 5/8"x24 TPI muzzle threads.

Man wearing a ballcap and protective shooting gear shooting an AR-15 pistol on a shooting range.

The gun’s receiver is a CNC-machined Daniel Defense enhanced unit that features a flared magazine. The upper receiver is also machined from 7075-T6 aluminum. The M16-style bolt carrier group (BCG) inside is chrome-lined. Sending gas to the BCG is a low-profile gas block machined of hardened steel that is phosphate-coated.

Close-up view of the DDM4 PDW collapsing arm brace from Maxim Defense.

Wrapping the barrel of the Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW is a free-floating MFR XL 6.0 handguard machined from 6061-T6 aluminum. Daniel Defense supplies its Grip-N-RIP Charging Handle and Pistol Grip as well.

Black AR-15 handguard shown on dapled gray background.

To learn more about the Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW pistol, watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above.

Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW Specifications
Manufacturer: Daniel Defense
Model: DDM4 PDW
Action Type: gas-operated, semi-automatic, center-fire rifle
Chambering: .300 BLK
Receivers: 7075-T6 aluminum
Barrel: 7", cold-hammer-forged
Trigger: 6-lb., 13-oz. pull
Magazine: 30-round detachable box
Stock: Maxim Defense adjustable brace
Sights: none; Picatinny rail
Length: 20.75" to 24.75"
Weight: 5 lbs., 11 ozs. empty
 MSRP: $1,865
danieldefense.com

Further Reading:
The Making of Daniel Defense 
Selecting An AR
Tested: Daniel Defense DD5V1
Build Your Own AR from Scratch
M1A—The M14's Successful Sibling

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