First Shots From a Daniel Defense DD4 RIIIs SBR

While SBRs may be relatively uncommon among civilian shooters, they do give us a good glimpse at the potential a large-format pistol has. Despite my years as a writer and YouTuber I had previously minimal exposure to Daniel Defense firearms. So was excited to get to try one out at the recent Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous. Those first shots came through the DD4 RIIIs SBR with an 11.5-inch barrel.

Daniel Defense DD4 RIIIs SBR

Feeling somewhat bold I picked up the DD4 RIIIs and after listening to a rundown of the features (more on that later) decided to try engaging a 50-yard, 12-inch target standing freehand. That proved boringly easy to hit, and so I moved to the 100-yard, 12-inch target and got the same results. With nothing but a reflex sight for aiming, I then gave the 200-yard, 12-inch target a try, and although holding that steady was more physically taxing, was able to ring steel shot after shot.

That experience made me decide that Daniel Defense firearms are worth looking into. The new handguard design is one that as a former M203-gunner I appreciate. Daniel Defense’s design permits much of the bottom of the handguard to be removed for the mounting of an M203 or similar device without disrupting the rest of the handguard (or replacing it completely as I had to for my Afghanistan tour).

The rest of the build, save Daniel Defense’s ambidextrous lower, has no glaring technological or feature advancements, and yet the DD4 RIIIs SBR shot so perfectly for me. I believe this is an example of how components and build quality matter. You may not be able to find any one specification or part to attribute the experience to, but when the whole rifle is built well with quality parts the experience IS different. We have a Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII rifle in for review that will let us dive eveb deeper.

For more info, please visit danieldefense.com.

Daniel Defense DD4 RIIIs SBR Features & Specs

• Lower Receiver: Fully ambidextrous Mil-Spec with Enhanced Flared Magazine Well and Rear Receiver QD Swivel Attachment Point. CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum, Type III Hard Coat Anodized
• Upper Receiver: Mil-Spec with Indexing Marks and M4 Feed Ramps. CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum, Type III Hard Coat Anodized
• Barrel: Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel, Cold Hammer Forged
• Gas System: Pinned Low Profile Gas Block CNC Machined of 4140 hardened steel and Mil-Spec Heavy Phosphate Coating, Direct Impingement
• Bolt Carrier Group: M16 Profile, Mil-Spec MP Tested, Chrome Lined, Properly Staked Gas Key
• Buffer: H Buffer
• Handguard: RIS III 10.5”, CNC Machined of 6061-T6 Aluminum, M-LOK Attachment, Flat Dark Earth Type III Hard Coat Anodized
• Charging Handle: GRIP-N-RIP Charging Handle, Body CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum, Handles & Latch CNC Machined of 6061-T6 Aluminum, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Roll Pins, Type III Hard Coat Anodized
• Receiver Extension: 6 Position Mil-Spec 7075-T6 Aluminum
• Buttstock: Daniel Defense Buttstock, Glass Filled Polymer with Soft Touch Overmolding
• Pistol Grip: Daniel Defense Pistol Grip, Glass Filled Polymer with Soft Touch Overmolding

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