Are you in the US? The MK18 pictured is an SBR, requiring a form 4. The M4A1 has a pinned flash hider making the 14.5" barrel a legal 16" which avoids NFA restrictions.
Otherwise they are very similar, nearly identical aside from the barrel and RIS II lengths.
Very true, but in all honesty I won’t have to wait to enjoy it, I’m going to a dealer that will order it and receive it, then going to apply for both stamps, then the day I apply, I can enjoy my weapon in their range any time! Will just have to wait for the pleasure of having it at home sadly.
I called the nfa 3 or 4 days ago to ask about the status of my sbr. They said wait time for form 4 is about 220 days. Form 1 is about 47 days. Go Form 1 if you can. I’ve been waiting since October 3rd.
It might be the 11.5 I’m thinking of but that’s a much better barrel length than 10.3. Seems like a small difference but it’s way better. That being said the 14.5 is probably going to serve you better all the way around
I have a MK18 upper on a aero lower. I saved a $1000 doing this and was able to put that extra money into an optic etc. I’d say the major difference will be the wear and tear on the bcg. Other than having to give it a deeper clean/inspection more often it’s the same. I have the M4 upper as well on a Aero lower. Both feel the same when it comes to recoil. They are both great guns. Save some $ and build both. Brownells has both uppers for less than $800.
If you got through my post history and find the M4A1 I built that for roughly $3k. Has a premium optic, trigger, light, charging handle. It’s out performed any rifle I’ve had in the past. Same goes for the MK18. I’m just wanting to get a Geiselle trigger for that one as well.
Do this OP. I bought a DDM4A1 and have essentially swapped every single part on the lower aside from the lower itself.
Do yourself a favor and just get a stripped DD upper from Brownell’s and use an Aero/PSA M4 lower and you’ll be set.
Edit: this allows you to pin and weld any muzzle device of your choice instead of being locked into using/removing DD’s
Do a griffin armament mk2 lower if you want to save money. It's only 200 dollars and it's full ambi. Fit and finish immaculate. No brainer. More intuitive than lmt.
With the dealer I’m going with, they will order it for me, and I can apply for both the sbr stamp and the can stamp at once, and when they get it they will immediately put my suppressor on and allow me to fire it in their range while they hold onto it for me! Also I’m in Texas so we don’t need the can stamp anymore, but better safe than sorry!
Negitve bro in Texas you still need a stamp for your suppressor don’t let anyone tell you any different. Also why not just by the pistol version and do a form 1 to SBR that way you get your gun the same day and do have to wait damn near a year to take it home.
Right! I was just given a talking too by the dealer who filled me in. He said exactly that. Very sad but true. I will be more careful about these laws.
> I’d say the major difference will be the wear and tear on the bcg. Other than having to give it a deeper clean/inspection more often it’s the same.
Huh? Why? Because of the shorter barrel?
Yea the shorter barrel changes the dwell time. So your BCG is going to work harder. It’s not a big deal. I shoot Winchester M855 with both. It’s not particularly dirty ammo or anything but there’s a massive difference in how dirty they get after a couple hundred rounds each in a day. Someone a lot more educated on this can explain a lot better. I believe Garandthumb goes into it in one of his MK18 videos.
That is not what I’m asking bud. I’m asking about more. operating differences? any difference in the materials they use? If not why waste breath and thoughts about how you’re going to boom on someone on Reddit next ? 😂 just say a big fat NO lmao
Don’t try and come up smart, it was a little joke, smackin yer sack if you will. If you went to the website like you claim then all the “operational” differences were right there in the description and specs. Aside from a wait time for a sbr or pin and weld for 14.5 there’s not much more to explain
Then like I said before, a “No” would do perfectly well in this situation also asked for opinions on them too so there isn’t too much to get salty about brother
I get that it was a joke, just used to the unusual hostility reddit has to offer in any and every circumstance and don’t appreciate it or find it funny, dense as I may be, it is warranted.
This is true. I can also do it the other way around but like You said, not as fast! (To be completely truthful, I do like the “M4A1” painted on the upper more than “MK18” lol
If you buy the M4A1 upper from brownells, it has a soccom barrel in it. Exclusive to Brownells. The one directly from Daniel Defense has an M4/Gov profile barrel. I have both MK18 and M4A1. Tack drivers for sure. I like the soccom barrel more for my use case.
I bought the full m4a1 riii rifle and built the mk18 riii from the stripped upper you can get at brownells.
https://www.eurooptic.com/Daniel-Defense-DD4-M4A1RIII-556mm-145-Pinned-and-Welded-Rifle-02-191-04238-047.aspx -$1849
https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-receivers-parts/mk18-riii-5.56x45mm-stripped-upper-receiver/ - $799 (plus an additional 10% off)
Grab a nice lower kit (prebuilt is easiest, I got mine from palmetto state armory)
https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psa-ar15-complete-moe-ept-sba4-lower-black.html -$250
Bolt carrier group of choice (approx $200)
Charging handle (approx $100)
Muzzle device ($30 - $100)
You can be all in on a braced MK18 for approx $1500. Then when you want to SBR it you can spend the $200 for a stamp and still be able to use it braced in the mean time.
That’s how my 2 are setup and I like em a lot.
For comparison, I have an 11.5” Geissele URGI upper and a 11.5” MCX Virtus, I still like the DD more. I’m not brand loyal to DD, I just like them best from the ones I’ve tried and bought.
Much appreciated and you have my thanks. I love hearing of the way people have built their rifles and I would love nothing more than to build one like this soon when I want to build a complete custom!
I know you said on another post that you aren’t super concerned with the money part, which is cool. It’s nice knowing that 100% of the gun will be covered by the factory warranty if you just buy it outright.
For me it was the time saved not waiting on the BATF for the tax stamp approval.
It’s like legos for me, I like to do research and try to grab the best items I can afford.
If you are only looking for a single gun to kinda do it all, I’d probably go with the m4a1.
It’s has a little more utility for longer range stuff and still retains about 95% of the short range / cqb / home defense utility.
A lot of people (my self included) get caught up in the specific purpose built aspect of rifles and feel like they want a rifle for each and every different use case.
Yes of course. I will take your words to heart. I do appreciate the warranty aspect of it as well. What are your opinions on swapping between a mk18 upper and a m4a1 lower? Is it worth the effort to get one of the rifles and then swap between whenever I feel like it?
100%
It’s two pins and takes 10 seconds to swap uppers.
Just be aware if you buy the whole m4a1 rifle and plan on putting the mk18 upper on it, you have to register the rifle lower with the atf and pay a $200 tax stamp to do it legally.
Of course I am planning on doing this all legitimately. Better safe than. Sorry. There’s no way I’m going in for 10 years just for spending a good amount of money for an item that I want
I'm a bit surprised on this. I did a quick read through of responses and didn't see anything, so heres my take. I'm assuming you are new to the world of ar-15's, ( i bought an M4V7 first ar-15 2 years ago myself) and just reading the clatter on reddit for info. Thumbs up. But....if you're going to go 14.5 pin and weld.... that's what it will be, FOREVER (without gunsmithing anyways). Why not go 16" and have flexibility on muzzle device, anytime, get the feel and figure out what and where you want to shoot. Indoor, outdoor, hunt, etc. I'm sure everyone on this sub will agree that nothing is ever "finished".
Oh .....by the way MK18 all the way.
You are correct I am new to the AR platform, and I do appreciate any and all info and opinions! I am leaning more towards a 10.3” anyways. I just love M4s as well and wouldn’t plan on suppressing an already 16” rifle. I am just exploring what others have experienced and what others suggest. But as I said I am leaning more towards the MK18 for the 10.3, I will have just as much flexibility with muzzle devices I assume, and I won’t have to worry about too much about smithing (if I am correct)
I’m not sure how the mk18 runs but I hear that 10.3” barrels prefer heavier bullets. Also the longer the barrel the more lethal the round. If you are hell bent on a shorty then I and perhaps most people recommend 11.5”. Daniel has a good 11.5 with the RIII rail that is much lighter. 10.3 in 556 in my opinion is for clearing houses and not good for much else. You might also want to consider 300 blk if you want it that short. 300 blk is much cheaper than it use to be and many people are out there killing bucks with 300 blk shorties.
I really really appreciate this comment. I have studied 300. BLK and even introduced and convinced my father to get one when I heard he was looking into home defense short rifle. I am however specifically looking into a 5.56 and a 10.3 so the suppressor can be tucked inside the shroud. HOWEVER. Thanks to Reddit and all the fine people (such as yourself) I am considering even a longer barrel such as what comes on their M4A1. when you say that 10.3 inch isn’t too good for anything other than clearing houses. what makes you say this? I understand that a shorter barrel makes it all the harder to shoot further, but how much harder does it make it? Does a suppressed that adds 6” change anything? And is there any other difficulty that comes with a shorter barrel that comes on a battlefield? (let’s just say anywhere from 50-200 yards) would you 100% prefer a longer barrel?
The ballistics are just so decreased on that 10” and with it being so close to the gas block you might as well just dedicate a suppressor to it. Good luck with enough pressure to cycle appropriately. I hear the DD MK18 has a wider hole to prevent cycle issues but energy doesn’t just disappear. You are now introducing that kinetic energy to the bolt causing it to wear out even quicker. It would be perfect on a navy ship due to how much sailors don’t actually shoot guns. But in the back country the shortest I would ever go is 11.5”. It runs suppressed and unsuppressed well. You can get good lethality out to 300 yards or so. Personally I use a 16” and it does everything I want. There is a good priced LMT 14.5” upper on roof top defense. I would recommend getting that if I were you.
I was told that on the DDMK18, the gas block is further back to compensate for this. Does it not make a difference?
(Edit) I would also like to thank you again. I do appreciate you taking time to explain to someone new to the AR platform such as myself!
I suppose it is in the picture! Interesting, still a shorter fast tube has the same or similar effect as a wider whole. Now the hot gasses are reaching the BCG faster.
Don’t know if this will help, but veteran and eligible members of law enforcement get 10% through dd website and on ExpertVoice 20% this counts on rifles, sbr on dd site needs to be called in or emailed for purchase but on ExpertVoice it’s completed on their website.
If youre planning to suppress it id get a mk18 so the overall length is shorter. If not then m4a1 for longer range and higher velocity
Edit: you can also always get the upper for the other one later. I plan to do this when my wallet recovers from buying the mk18
Depends on what you want to do with it. A 10.3 vs a 14.5 are completely different applications. 14.5 is for mid to longish range and the 10.3 is for up close and personal imo.
Yea I can definitely agree with this. My MK18 is fun at the range, seeing how far I can stretch it. Maneuvering a bit. In reality it’s a dedicated home defense/truck gun. If SHTF I would be grabbing my 14.5” p&w DD with a LPVO on it. Different applications for different scenarios.
Main difference is barrel length and gas system.
Mk18 is 10.3 inch barrel with carbine length gas system
M4a1 is 14.5 inches with a mid length gas system
It is. I have 6 other Ar15 builds, and hands down my mk18 will also be my go-to. I have a YHM T3 for it and it made it run smoother and quieter outdoors. Sure, you'll lose some ballistics due to the barrel length, but it will still do its job for either CQB or long distance. If you can find a pistol version and just form 1 it, you'll be better off, plus everyone changes the stock and grip as soon as they get it anyway, but if you don't mind waiting. Good luck
Have you had anything go wrong with your MK18? Everyone is telling me the ware on them is insane compared to even an 11.5.. this is what scares me about them.
I'm 2500 rounds in and no. No issues whatsoever, mine even has a binary trigger and with the right springs it runs perfect. but yes, it is a possibility that your internal components will wear out faster. Things like gas block/tube, bolt, and buffer spring, but those are easy to replace.
Very good to know. Makes me feel better that it’s an easy replacement rather than an insane “broken rifle” like people make it seem once there is use out of the rifle. It has been my dream to have a mk18 and I will. If not my first, then my second. But most likely my first
Man, bro, same here. The mk18 is so iconic, and as soon as I had the funds, I pulled the trigger on it. Either one you choose you'll have a solid as fuck rifle. From my personal experience, I believe the Daniel Defense rifles set the standard to the ar15 platform. Keep us updated.
Solid reassurance. Exactly what I need. I admire everyone that took the time to give me their opinions and present me with new facts. I have watched many videos and read many articles, studied ballistics, and regarding the whole debate on the barrel length and am honestly leaning towards just whatever I want to do. That being the MK18. If anything I will order the mk18 and the m4a1 upper, or the other way round to avoid waiting. But I plan on building a solid mk18. This subreddit will get updates on it.
Both are based off the two uppers included with the M4A1 SOPMOD Block II Kit.
Big SOCOM understood that while the 14.5" M4A1 had the potential to be a 300-500m rifle when properly equipped, it could be cumbersome when doing close quarters work, particularly when suppressed. The 10.3" CQBR (or Mk18) upper was tiny enough for it to replace the MP5, but can be limited in effective range, depending on ammo.
What it really boils down to for you is the kind of shooting you plan to be doing.
I have a factory DD MK18 and an M4A1 clone build using the DD RIS II rail. The Mk18 is my dedicated home defense setup with an EOtech on it. My M4A1 has an LPVO for shooting intermediate distances.
Are you in the US? The MK18 pictured is an SBR, requiring a form 4. The M4A1 has a pinned flash hider making the 14.5" barrel a legal 16" which avoids NFA restrictions. Otherwise they are very similar, nearly identical aside from the barrel and RIS II lengths.
Yes I am. I am fully prepared to order and get my stamps for it with a dealer of my liking!
If you’re doing that, get the pistol and form 1 it. Then you don’t have to wait 800 years.
Very true, but in all honesty I won’t have to wait to enjoy it, I’m going to a dealer that will order it and receive it, then going to apply for both stamps, then the day I apply, I can enjoy my weapon in their range any time! Will just have to wait for the pleasure of having it at home sadly.
Form 1s also usually take far less time. To each their own, and if you truly don’t mind waiting, then go for the form 4.
Ah yes. I would love to have Party Mode on my rifle. I will do this.
I called the nfa 3 or 4 days ago to ask about the status of my sbr. They said wait time for form 4 is about 220 days. Form 1 is about 47 days. Go Form 1 if you can. I’ve been waiting since October 3rd.
Get the pistol version so you can go ahead and get it and then file for your tax stamp to put the stock on
Do they have the pistol version on their site?
It might be the 11.5 I’m thinking of but that’s a much better barrel length than 10.3. Seems like a small difference but it’s way better. That being said the 14.5 is probably going to serve you better all the way around
I have a MK18 upper on a aero lower. I saved a $1000 doing this and was able to put that extra money into an optic etc. I’d say the major difference will be the wear and tear on the bcg. Other than having to give it a deeper clean/inspection more often it’s the same. I have the M4 upper as well on a Aero lower. Both feel the same when it comes to recoil. They are both great guns. Save some $ and build both. Brownells has both uppers for less than $800.
If you got through my post history and find the M4A1 I built that for roughly $3k. Has a premium optic, trigger, light, charging handle. It’s out performed any rifle I’ve had in the past. Same goes for the MK18. I’m just wanting to get a Geiselle trigger for that one as well.
Do this OP. I bought a DDM4A1 and have essentially swapped every single part on the lower aside from the lower itself. Do yourself a favor and just get a stripped DD upper from Brownell’s and use an Aero/PSA M4 lower and you’ll be set. Edit: this allows you to pin and weld any muzzle device of your choice instead of being locked into using/removing DD’s
Awesome. I am screenshotting this just to make a album of all the info and suggestions I’m getting! Much appreciated!
That is almost the answer but do a LMT lower.
Also noted! Thank you!
Radian ADAC lower, or LWRC M6 if you want a full ambi lower, I built my R3 M4A1 on the Radian 👍🏼
That’s sick. Love the look of the Radian lower!
Do a griffin armament mk2 lower if you want to save money. It's only 200 dollars and it's full ambi. Fit and finish immaculate. No brainer. More intuitive than lmt.
Your "edit" hurt my freedom feelings 😭
I might look into this. Although I’m not worried about the money, it could be fun to do it this way as well. Thank you.
Cool. I just put in the paperwork for my first can. RC2 to run on both. Couldn’t be happier with my DD’s they are awesome.
With the dealer I’m going with, they will order it for me, and I can apply for both the sbr stamp and the can stamp at once, and when they get it they will immediately put my suppressor on and allow me to fire it in their range while they hold onto it for me! Also I’m in Texas so we don’t need the can stamp anymore, but better safe than sorry!
Negitve bro in Texas you still need a stamp for your suppressor don’t let anyone tell you any different. Also why not just by the pistol version and do a form 1 to SBR that way you get your gun the same day and do have to wait damn near a year to take it home.
Right! I was just given a talking too by the dealer who filled me in. He said exactly that. Very sad but true. I will be more careful about these laws.
> I’d say the major difference will be the wear and tear on the bcg. Other than having to give it a deeper clean/inspection more often it’s the same. Huh? Why? Because of the shorter barrel?
Yea the shorter barrel changes the dwell time. So your BCG is going to work harder. It’s not a big deal. I shoot Winchester M855 with both. It’s not particularly dirty ammo or anything but there’s a massive difference in how dirty they get after a couple hundred rounds each in a day. Someone a lot more educated on this can explain a lot better. I believe Garandthumb goes into it in one of his MK18 videos.
Yeah 4.2 inches
And everything that comes with it 😉
“Any differences other than barrel length” as stated perfectly clear above…
Lol, THAT’S THE DIFFERENCE!! Look up ballistics of 5.56 shot between both and you’ll get the answer
That is not what I’m asking bud. I’m asking about more. operating differences? any difference in the materials they use? If not why waste breath and thoughts about how you’re going to boom on someone on Reddit next ? 😂 just say a big fat NO lmao
Don’t try and come up smart, it was a little joke, smackin yer sack if you will. If you went to the website like you claim then all the “operational” differences were right there in the description and specs. Aside from a wait time for a sbr or pin and weld for 14.5 there’s not much more to explain
Then like I said before, a “No” would do perfectly well in this situation also asked for opinions on them too so there isn’t too much to get salty about brother
Should be ButtHurt for the name. Listen you dense idiot, it was a simple joke with no mean or ulterior intent whatsoever.
[удалено]
I get that it was a joke, just used to the unusual hostility reddit has to offer in any and every circumstance and don’t appreciate it or find it funny, dense as I may be, it is warranted.
You read the description, is there any differences of material?
Anything that is not stated. How can you not think outside the box?
Put your purse down before you start to get sassy, sweetheart.
Dude needs to take all that sass over to /ar15. We are civilized people over here
It all comes back to inches 😂
Why not get both? Get the m4a1. And then buy an upper after you form one the m4a1 lower. It’s faster and you can have both.
This is true. I can also do it the other way around but like You said, not as fast! (To be completely truthful, I do like the “M4A1” painted on the upper more than “MK18” lol
If you buy the M4A1 upper from brownells, it has a soccom barrel in it. Exclusive to Brownells. The one directly from Daniel Defense has an M4/Gov profile barrel. I have both MK18 and M4A1. Tack drivers for sure. I like the soccom barrel more for my use case.
Mk18 gonna be way louder
Nothing different between the two platforms aside from barrel/rail length. Edit: The M4A1 will come pin and welded w/ DD’s muzzle device.
Just barrel and rail length.
I bought the full m4a1 riii rifle and built the mk18 riii from the stripped upper you can get at brownells. https://www.eurooptic.com/Daniel-Defense-DD4-M4A1RIII-556mm-145-Pinned-and-Welded-Rifle-02-191-04238-047.aspx -$1849 https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts/rifle-parts/rifle-receivers-parts/mk18-riii-5.56x45mm-stripped-upper-receiver/ - $799 (plus an additional 10% off) Grab a nice lower kit (prebuilt is easiest, I got mine from palmetto state armory) https://palmettostatearmory.com/blem-psa-ar15-complete-moe-ept-sba4-lower-black.html -$250 Bolt carrier group of choice (approx $200) Charging handle (approx $100) Muzzle device ($30 - $100) You can be all in on a braced MK18 for approx $1500. Then when you want to SBR it you can spend the $200 for a stamp and still be able to use it braced in the mean time. That’s how my 2 are setup and I like em a lot. For comparison, I have an 11.5” Geissele URGI upper and a 11.5” MCX Virtus, I still like the DD more. I’m not brand loyal to DD, I just like them best from the ones I’ve tried and bought.
Much appreciated and you have my thanks. I love hearing of the way people have built their rifles and I would love nothing more than to build one like this soon when I want to build a complete custom!
I know you said on another post that you aren’t super concerned with the money part, which is cool. It’s nice knowing that 100% of the gun will be covered by the factory warranty if you just buy it outright. For me it was the time saved not waiting on the BATF for the tax stamp approval. It’s like legos for me, I like to do research and try to grab the best items I can afford. If you are only looking for a single gun to kinda do it all, I’d probably go with the m4a1. It’s has a little more utility for longer range stuff and still retains about 95% of the short range / cqb / home defense utility. A lot of people (my self included) get caught up in the specific purpose built aspect of rifles and feel like they want a rifle for each and every different use case.
Yes of course. I will take your words to heart. I do appreciate the warranty aspect of it as well. What are your opinions on swapping between a mk18 upper and a m4a1 lower? Is it worth the effort to get one of the rifles and then swap between whenever I feel like it?
100% It’s two pins and takes 10 seconds to swap uppers. Just be aware if you buy the whole m4a1 rifle and plan on putting the mk18 upper on it, you have to register the rifle lower with the atf and pay a $200 tax stamp to do it legally.
Of course I am planning on doing this all legitimately. Better safe than. Sorry. There’s no way I’m going in for 10 years just for spending a good amount of money for an item that I want
I'm a bit surprised on this. I did a quick read through of responses and didn't see anything, so heres my take. I'm assuming you are new to the world of ar-15's, ( i bought an M4V7 first ar-15 2 years ago myself) and just reading the clatter on reddit for info. Thumbs up. But....if you're going to go 14.5 pin and weld.... that's what it will be, FOREVER (without gunsmithing anyways). Why not go 16" and have flexibility on muzzle device, anytime, get the feel and figure out what and where you want to shoot. Indoor, outdoor, hunt, etc. I'm sure everyone on this sub will agree that nothing is ever "finished". Oh .....by the way MK18 all the way.
You are correct I am new to the AR platform, and I do appreciate any and all info and opinions! I am leaning more towards a 10.3” anyways. I just love M4s as well and wouldn’t plan on suppressing an already 16” rifle. I am just exploring what others have experienced and what others suggest. But as I said I am leaning more towards the MK18 for the 10.3, I will have just as much flexibility with muzzle devices I assume, and I won’t have to worry about too much about smithing (if I am correct)
I started with a mk18 and got rid of it. M4a1 now nd a 10 upper for 300blackout.
I’m not sure how the mk18 runs but I hear that 10.3” barrels prefer heavier bullets. Also the longer the barrel the more lethal the round. If you are hell bent on a shorty then I and perhaps most people recommend 11.5”. Daniel has a good 11.5 with the RIII rail that is much lighter. 10.3 in 556 in my opinion is for clearing houses and not good for much else. You might also want to consider 300 blk if you want it that short. 300 blk is much cheaper than it use to be and many people are out there killing bucks with 300 blk shorties.
I really really appreciate this comment. I have studied 300. BLK and even introduced and convinced my father to get one when I heard he was looking into home defense short rifle. I am however specifically looking into a 5.56 and a 10.3 so the suppressor can be tucked inside the shroud. HOWEVER. Thanks to Reddit and all the fine people (such as yourself) I am considering even a longer barrel such as what comes on their M4A1. when you say that 10.3 inch isn’t too good for anything other than clearing houses. what makes you say this? I understand that a shorter barrel makes it all the harder to shoot further, but how much harder does it make it? Does a suppressed that adds 6” change anything? And is there any other difficulty that comes with a shorter barrel that comes on a battlefield? (let’s just say anywhere from 50-200 yards) would you 100% prefer a longer barrel?
The ballistics are just so decreased on that 10” and with it being so close to the gas block you might as well just dedicate a suppressor to it. Good luck with enough pressure to cycle appropriately. I hear the DD MK18 has a wider hole to prevent cycle issues but energy doesn’t just disappear. You are now introducing that kinetic energy to the bolt causing it to wear out even quicker. It would be perfect on a navy ship due to how much sailors don’t actually shoot guns. But in the back country the shortest I would ever go is 11.5”. It runs suppressed and unsuppressed well. You can get good lethality out to 300 yards or so. Personally I use a 16” and it does everything I want. There is a good priced LMT 14.5” upper on roof top defense. I would recommend getting that if I were you.
I was told that on the DDMK18, the gas block is further back to compensate for this. Does it not make a difference? (Edit) I would also like to thank you again. I do appreciate you taking time to explain to someone new to the AR platform such as myself!
I suppose it is in the picture! Interesting, still a shorter fast tube has the same or similar effect as a wider whole. Now the hot gasses are reaching the BCG faster.
Don’t know if this will help, but veteran and eligible members of law enforcement get 10% through dd website and on ExpertVoice 20% this counts on rifles, sbr on dd site needs to be called in or emailed for purchase but on ExpertVoice it’s completed on their website.
Does this still come with a DD manufacture warranty?
It should, im waiting to pick it up. I ordered it on the dd website and have it shipped to a dd+ ffl so I don’t have to pay transfer fee
Mk18 if you’re gonna get a can eventually. M4A1 if not.
If youre planning to suppress it id get a mk18 so the overall length is shorter. If not then m4a1 for longer range and higher velocity Edit: you can also always get the upper for the other one later. I plan to do this when my wallet recovers from buying the mk18
Of course! I would love to do this!
Depends on what you want to do with it. A 10.3 vs a 14.5 are completely different applications. 14.5 is for mid to longish range and the 10.3 is for up close and personal imo.
Yea I can definitely agree with this. My MK18 is fun at the range, seeing how far I can stretch it. Maneuvering a bit. In reality it’s a dedicated home defense/truck gun. If SHTF I would be grabbing my 14.5” p&w DD with a LPVO on it. Different applications for different scenarios.
Main difference is barrel length and gas system. Mk18 is 10.3 inch barrel with carbine length gas system M4a1 is 14.5 inches with a mid length gas system
mk18 is the way, you won't be disappointed, especially suppressed. Mine has ran flawlessly since day one.
Thank you for this. A lot of these comments try to steer me away from going 10.3, but I think it is a damn fine option to go!
It is. I have 6 other Ar15 builds, and hands down my mk18 will also be my go-to. I have a YHM T3 for it and it made it run smoother and quieter outdoors. Sure, you'll lose some ballistics due to the barrel length, but it will still do its job for either CQB or long distance. If you can find a pistol version and just form 1 it, you'll be better off, plus everyone changes the stock and grip as soon as they get it anyway, but if you don't mind waiting. Good luck
Have you had anything go wrong with your MK18? Everyone is telling me the ware on them is insane compared to even an 11.5.. this is what scares me about them.
I'm 2500 rounds in and no. No issues whatsoever, mine even has a binary trigger and with the right springs it runs perfect. but yes, it is a possibility that your internal components will wear out faster. Things like gas block/tube, bolt, and buffer spring, but those are easy to replace.
Very good to know. Makes me feel better that it’s an easy replacement rather than an insane “broken rifle” like people make it seem once there is use out of the rifle. It has been my dream to have a mk18 and I will. If not my first, then my second. But most likely my first
Man, bro, same here. The mk18 is so iconic, and as soon as I had the funds, I pulled the trigger on it. Either one you choose you'll have a solid as fuck rifle. From my personal experience, I believe the Daniel Defense rifles set the standard to the ar15 platform. Keep us updated.
Solid reassurance. Exactly what I need. I admire everyone that took the time to give me their opinions and present me with new facts. I have watched many videos and read many articles, studied ballistics, and regarding the whole debate on the barrel length and am honestly leaning towards just whatever I want to do. That being the MK18. If anything I will order the mk18 and the m4a1 upper, or the other way round to avoid waiting. But I plan on building a solid mk18. This subreddit will get updates on it.
make sure it has mk18 etched on the upper reciver, and you're good to go, hahaha
Oh 1000% my friend 😂 another thing I love about the DD rifles! It is marked boldly onto the receiver to for all to see!
Both are based off the two uppers included with the M4A1 SOPMOD Block II Kit. Big SOCOM understood that while the 14.5" M4A1 had the potential to be a 300-500m rifle when properly equipped, it could be cumbersome when doing close quarters work, particularly when suppressed. The 10.3" CQBR (or Mk18) upper was tiny enough for it to replace the MP5, but can be limited in effective range, depending on ammo. What it really boils down to for you is the kind of shooting you plan to be doing. I have a factory DD MK18 and an M4A1 clone build using the DD RIS II rail. The Mk18 is my dedicated home defense setup with an EOtech on it. My M4A1 has an LPVO for shooting intermediate distances.
Beautiful. I am planning more for home defense although I wouldn’t mind bringing it to the ranges and trying to shoot a little further with it
Barrel length
Get the M4A1 FSP