The Daniel Defense DD5 7.62mm 20" is a battle ready DMR style rifle. Much along the lines of the SASS 20" sniper rifles from the early 2000's. It is one of DD's more accurate shooters, and like all Daniel rifles, built with the best components and designed to last.
The DD5 V5 features a free-floated 20” cold hammer forged barrel that provides exceptional precision even after prolonged use. The monolithic 15” M-LOK handguard offers ample mounting options for optics and accessories while keeping weight down. The Upper and lower receivers are precisely machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and finished with Type III hard coat anodizing for extreme durability.
Ambidextrous controls including the charging handle, selector, and magazine release provide flexibility. The adjustable gas block enables reliable cycling with or without a suppressor attached. Reviews praise the DD5 V5 for its smooth shooting characteristics, reliability, and sub-MOA accuracy when paired with quality ammunition. This modular semi-auto platform accepts many AR-10 components for further customization.
The GRIP-N-RIP charging handle improve ergonomics for both left and right-handed shooters. The glass-reinforced polymer pistol grip features a unique palm swell design to reduce fatigue during extended range sessions. Reviewers praise the DD5 V5's mild recoil impulse and excellent balance thanks to its lightweight profile barrel and streamlined 15" M-LOK handguard. The monolithic rail provides ample mounting points for optics and accessories without unnecessary bulk.
The rifle features an innovative 4-bolt connection system that creates a rigid barrel-to-upper receiver joint for enhanced accuracy. The bolt carrier group has a DLC coating that virtually eliminates friction while resisting fouling and corrosion. Paired with the chrome lining on the bore, this rifle can hold up to high round counts in adverse conditions.
For the technical nerds, it is interesting to note that the bolt itself is made of stainless steel, using a proprietary geometry and dual ejectors, matched with 8620 DLC coated carrier.
Intended for discerning shooters, the DD5 V5 promises match-grade accuracy, tactical reliability, and familiar AR controls in a semi-auto package. It excels in roles such as competition shooting, hunting, and defensive applications. Daniel Defense has a reputation for manufacturing high quality rifles that stand up to abuse. Many reviewers recommend upgrading the trigger and stock for even greater performance. With proper ammunition, the DD5 V5 can deliver sub-MOA groups for precision work.
The DD5 V5 comes with a 20-Round Magpul PMAG but accepts any AR-10 magazine for flexibility. Various barrel lengths and calibers like .308 Win and .260 Rem are also available. Daniel Defense produces some of the finest production AR platform rifles in terms of fit, finish, accuracy, and attention to detail. If you seek a modern semi-auto rifle that can serve as a sniper’s tool or answer the call of duty, the DD5 V5 warrants strong consideration.
Matt Hurt, from Daniel Defense, elaborates on the fine-tuned accommodations of the DD5, noting that a critical part of the design process was improving its serviceability - evident in the innovative 4-Bolt Connection System. This unique construction increases the connecting surface area between the barrel and upper receiver, ensuring enhanced rigidity and stability. An easy-to-service weapon means you spend less time in maintenance, and more time perfecting your aim.
The DD5's masterstroke is the full Ambi lower and M-LOK rail-system. This elevates the firearm's ergonomic features, enhancing your control over the weapon significantly - a quality often underrated but deeply impactful in crisis scenarios or rapid-action requirements.
Still, what sets the DD5 apart is its commitment to suppressive shooting dependability. A critical characteristic of AR-10s is the inherent increase in noise levels due to the shorter barrel length than traditional bolt guns and the ejection port snap. The addition of an adjustable gas block on the DD5 turns this disadvantage on its head. It ensures a consistent shooting experience, suppressed or unsuppressed. The adjustable gas block was designed in-house by DD engineers, and the shooter can adjust the gas block aperture by using an Allen wrench and reaching between the M-LOK slots.
Compared to rivals from LMT, KAC, and HK, the DD5 V5 matches or exceeds their performance at a more affordable price point. The quick-change barrel system on the LMT MARS-H provides added flexibility [2], but for pure out-of-the-box accuracy the DD5 V5 is on par. The fit and finish may not be as refined as a Knights SR-25, but most reviewers agree the DD5 V5 is a fine gas gun. As one expert put it, "I'd put the DD on the same level as the Sig 716 or Aero M5 Precision but behind LMT and KAC." [3]
For the shooter seeking match grade precision in a battle-ready tactical package, the Daniel Defense DD5 V5 7.62 NATO rifle more than fills this role. It provides versatility for both duty and competition at a fair price point. If your life depends on your weapon, you can entrust it to a DD5 V5.
| Specifications | Daniel Defense DD5 V5 6.5 CM 20" Battle Rifle |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Daniel Defense |
| Lower Receiver | Enhanced Flared Magazine Well, CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Upper Receiver | CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum with flare to accept DD5 rail |
| Rail System | M-LOK DD5 rail system with taper connection to upper receiver, 15" |
| Caliber | 6.5 Creedmoor |
| Barrel Length | 20" S2W (Strength-to-Weight) |
| Gas System | Rifle length with adjusted gas block |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Barrel Details | Chrome Moly Vanadium Colt Hammer Forged, S2W profile, 1:8 twist, 5/8-24 TPI |
| Muzzle Device | DD Linear Compensator, Suppressor Ready, 17-4 stainless, Nitride exterior |
| Bolt Carrier Group | Superfinished and DLC Coated |
| Trigger | Military grade DD trigger |
| Overall Length | 38 3/8" - 41 5/8"" |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs |
| Receiver Extension | 6 Position DD Mil-Spec forged 7075-T6 aluminum |
| Charging Handle | GRIP-N-RIP Independently Ambi |
| Grip | DD pistol grip, glass filled polymer with Soft Touch Overmolding |
| Stock | Daniel Defense Buttstock, Glass Filled Polymer with Soft Touch Overmolding |
| Magazine | Magpul PMAG 20-Round, accepts all SR-25 magazines |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| MPN | 02-165-30063-047 |
Notes:
photos courtesy of Daniel Defense, Guns and Ammo, Gun Digest and TFB TV
You may have found us by looking for Daniel Defense rifles or the new RIII SBR or parts, and that is awesome. Charlie's specializes in military correct rifles for shooting enthusiasts, as well as for military and law enforcement. We are a small business based in Virginia, and our Potomac Armory is a licensed firearms manufacturer and registered DOD contractor and law enforcement dealer. In a few short years, our consumer brand, Charlie's Custom Clones has grown to be the leading brand for shooting enthusiasts who are looking to increase their proficiency and their armament collection with military rifles and the hobby of clone building, which is just another way of saying that our customers want to buy or build a military correct rifle, largely as collectors, but also as active operators. The word, "Clone" in our name scares people that think we have fake products. We do not. Nothing can be further from the truth, as to have a clone rifle is to have as exact a copy of an actual military issued weapon as a civilian possibly can have.
In addition to great combat rifles, we carry a large selection of both military correct suppressors, and popular commercial suppressors. We are a Daniel Defense dealer and Potomac Armory is an OEM manufacturer. Charlie's directly resells DD manufactured parts, uppers, barrels rails, and full rifles. We are proud to carry the Daniel product line, and DD has a fantastic reputation as one of the quality AR style manufacturers, with a military style. Potomac Armory uses the barrels and rails to build military correct clone uppers and rifles. CCC curates our offering of DD products, to fit our customer lifestyle, but if you are looking for something from DD that we do not carry, let us know. Most likely, if it is current production, we can get it for you in short order.
We have online chat during business hours, in addition, you can contact us with product questions on Instagram and Facebook at @charliesclones as well as email and phone support. Let us know how we can help you, and help to make your shooting sports ambitions come true. Thanks for stopping in.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. This item must ship to FFL holder. No civilian exceptions.
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state.
2) Find your FFL… Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to Charlie’s (Make them earn their fee!!!)
3) Be patient! You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers. Please click the “Buying a Firearm” tab at the top of this page for more information.
California residents, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles.
THIS IS A SERIALIZED FIREARM. It must ship to a Federal Firearms License holder. No civilian exceptions.
Buying and shipping through Charlie’s is easy, but there is some information you need to know. Only a federally licensed firearms dealer may receive a firearm or federally regulated serialized item (like a receiver or suppressor). We cannot ship these items directly to you. Please follow these steps to process your transaction:
1) Check your state laws to make sure the federally regulated item you want to purchase is legal in your state. Your FFL dealer should be able to give you all of the necessary information regarding your state specific laws. But, if we ship to your FFL, and there is a legal issue, we cannot accept a return. So please make sure that you know and follow your local and state laws.
2) A quick google search will show you what Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealers are in your area. When you are ready to purchase, contact the FFL dealer you would like to use and get their shipping address. During the check-out, put YOUR address in the “billing” section and the FFL DEALER’S address in the “shipping” section. If you don’t know your FFLs address, that’s okay. You can send the information later.
3) After check out, make sure to contact your FFL dealer to ensure they will receive your shipment for you (most do this for a small fee, but you should always double check).
4) Have your dealer send us a copy of their FFL to FFL@CharliesCustomClones.com. Charlie’s does not reach to your FFL (MAKE THEM EARN THEIR FEE!!!)
5) Be patient! In order to ensure we remain compliant with all federal laws, our compliance department is kept separate from our sales and operations team. Please allow a few days for our compliance officer to verify all of your dealer’s documents and ensure all federal laws are being observed. You should hear from our compliance department within 3-4 business days. If not, feel free to reach out for a status update.
That’s it! We try to make this process as simple as possible for our customers, but if you are unfamiliar the process or have any other questions, please visit our How to Buy a Firearm page for more details.
California and New York residents please, click here. The process may be different due to state specific laws.
NOTE: The free shipping option does not apply to full rifles, unless purchased with a riflescope. If you choose free shipping at check-out, we will bill you for shipping later.
Daniel Defense
Daniel Defense
