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Stickman
16 March 2009, 18:50
The original concept behind this review was to wait until we had rounds through it before we made much in the way of comments. As it turns out, we are a little delayed, so we will start with an overview, and will document the firing and use of the weapon at a later date. We understand that an overview is not the same thing as an actual hand on review, so lets consider this a first chapter.


The Daniel Defense carbine was talked about for well over a year before it was released. I can remember talking with the DD team closer to two years ago about a carbine, and from that point, the goal was to make an AR15 that would stand out from the rest, and be a new standard within the AR15 community.

Most persons reading this are familiar with the Daniel Defense military rail projects, both with the US Military, and the British MOD. These contracts show an ability to create a top shelf project, not just in design, but establish it in execution and follow through. It takes more than simply wishful thinking to build a carbine, and to keep QC at necessary levels.


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8459-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 18:52
Daniel Defense gives the below as their list of quality features.

We will take a quick walk through of those items.....




* Lower Receiver: Mil-Spec with Enhanced Flared Magazine Well
* Upper Receiver: Mil-Spec with Indexing Marks and M4 Feed Ramps
* Barrel: 16″ Ordanance Grade 4150 MP Tested, Chrome Lined, 1:7 Twist, M4 Profile
* Chamber: 5.56 NATO
* Flash Hider: A2 Birdcage Flash Hider
* Bolt Carrier Group: Mil-Spec MP Tested, Properly Staked Gas Key
* Sights: Daniel Defense A1.5 Fixed Rear Sight; Pinned “F” Marked Front Sight Base
* Rail System: Daniel Defense Omega X 12.0 FSP
* Buttstock: MAGPUL MOE Buttstock & Mil-Spec 5 Position Receiver Extension
* Magazine: MAGPUL 30 round PMag in Black
* Vertical Grip: Daniel Defense A2 Styling Vertical Grip



Shown below is the Flared Magazine Well



http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8480-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 18:55
Upper Receiver: Mil-Spec with Indexing Marks and M4 Feed Ramps

The image below shows both that the feedramps line up nicely, and also that the weapon is test fired with what appears to be military M855.





http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8492-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 18:58
- Rail System: Daniel Defense Omega X 12.0 FSP

-Vertical Grip: Daniel Defense A2 Styling Vertical Grip

- Barrel: 16″ Ordanance Grade 4150 MP Tested, Chrome Lined, 1:7 Twist, M4 Profile

-Chamber: 5.56 NATO

-Flash Hider: A2 Birdcage Flash Hider

The most striking of visual indicators with the Daniel Defense carbine is the Omega X 12.0 FSP. Even from a distance it stands out with its unique profile. One of the greatest benefits of the extended rail is the ability to mount a light out farther, and to reduce shadowing off the barrel.



http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8464-1028-WEVO.jpg



http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8460-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 19:02
Sights: Daniel Defense A1.5 Fixed Rear Sight; Pinned “F” Marked Front Sight Base

The rear sight gives the advantage of total durability in the form of a fixed sight. The A1 sight adjustment means there is little chance of accidentally altering the windage if the weapon is stepped on while in a vehicle, or knocked into walls or equipment. A standard A2 aperture is retained for its useful features. Adjustments can easily be made with the tip of a bullet or similarly sized object.



http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8467-1028-WEVO.jpg



http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8478-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 19:06
Magazine: MAGPUL 30 round PMag in Black

Trigger Guard: MAGPUL Enhanced Aluminium Trigger guard

Pistol Grip: M16A2 style pistol grip



http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8470-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 19:06
Buttstock: MAGPUL MOE Buttstock & Mil-Spec 5 Position Receiver Extension


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8473-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 19:10
Bolt Carrier Group: M16 Carrier, Mil-Spec MP Tested, Properly Staked Gas Key

Buffer: Mil Spec H Buffer


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8486-1028-WEVO.jpg



http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8484-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 19:12
Rear Receiver QD Swivel Attachment Point

Staked End Plate


http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/WeaponEvolution.com/IMG_8475-1028-WEVO.jpg

Stickman
16 March 2009, 19:23
We have to take a pause at this point, when we pick up next, there should be enough rounds down range to give solid feedback on pros and cons of this carbine layout. I can comment that with dry drills, and in doing clearing drills, the weapon handles quite well, though at this point it is more a matter of individual preference than anything else.

There are a few LEO I know of who have picked up the DD M4 carbine, and they have been very happy, but that has been initial impressions as well.

For further information, take a look at the below Daniel Defense link.

http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=141



Stocking Dealers of this carbine include, but are not limited to the below links.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/

http://www.adcofirearms.com/

http://global-tactical.com/

http://www.rainierarms.com/