NRA Gun of the Week: Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW

by
posted on July 3, 2020
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

Extras:






Latest

Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog right-side view nickel-plated gun revolver with black grip
Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog right-side view nickel-plated gun revolver with black grip

I Have This Old Gun: Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog

Many eagle-eyed NRA members viewing the 1993 Western “Tombstone” no doubt recognized the Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog so deftly welded by actress Joanna Pacula, portraying Big Nose Kate, during a contemptuous card game between Doc Holliday and Ed Bailey.

Medal Of Honor Marine Receives Henry Repeating Arms Tribute

Henry Repeating Arms presented a Spirit of the Corps 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition rifle to Maj. Gen. Livingston for going above and beyond the call of duty on May 2, 1968, during the Battle of Dai Do in Vietnam.

Preview: Duramag 1911 DS Magazines

Duramag’s 1911 DS Magazines are compatible with numerous 9 mm Luger-chambered 2011-style handguns on the market.

Colt Monitor: The FBI’s “Fighting Rifle”

In the years between the World Wars, a rare variation of the Browning Automatic Rifle proved its reputation as an effective, devastating automatic rifle for combat between the country’s lawmen and its outlaws.

The Armed Citizen® May 19, 2025

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

Report Shows Inventory, Prices Have Dropped At Firearm Retailers

Nearly all gun and related gear inventories at retailers dropped in the last 12 months. So have most prices paid at the counter, according to the year-over-year comparison detailed in the latest RetailBI report.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.