Daniel Defense DDM4 V7

The DDM4 V7 is a 16-inch AR-15 pattern rifle from Daniel Defense, and it's a clear example of how the company builds a general-purpose carbine. There's nothing flashy about it. You get a careful set of choices that add up to a rifle meant to run and keep running.

This is the base configuration in 5.56 NATO. The barrel is cold hammer forged from chrome moly vanadium steel in a government profile. It's formed under heavy hydraulic pressure, a process that adds durability and accuracy. A mid-length gas system runs the direct impingement action for smooth, reliable cycling.

The receivers are 7075-T6 aluminum with a Type III hard coat anodized finish. Up front sits the Daniel Defense MFR 15.0 handguard with M-LOK slots, so you can mount lights, grips and other gear right where you want them. The rifle wears Daniel Defense's own buttstock and pistol grip, and both have soft-touch overmolding for a sure hold. A GRIP-N-RIP charging handle and a Daniel Defense flash suppressor round out the factory setup.

It weighs 6.2 pounds and measures 32.25 to 35.875 inches, depending on where you set the stock. Sights aren't included. That makes sense on a rifle this modular, since most owners will want to pick their own irons, optic, or both.

The rifle ships in a full-latch impact plastic case, which is handy for storage and trips to the range. If you're building a collection of modern American rifles, or you just want one AR that's done right from the start, the V7 is a sensible place to begin. It's the kind of rifle you can set up once and then simply shoot.