NRA Gun of the Week: Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW

by
posted on July 3, 2020
** 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. **
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

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 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.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.