3 Reasons Why you should own a Daniel Defense MK18
In an industry flooded with options, its hard to break through the crop and rise to the top. Many factors have to fall into place for someone to truly shine. In the firearms industry, it’s even harder. Yes, I know that there are larger industries out there: clothing, motor-vehicles, etc. But what makes the firearms industry so hard to be great in is the fact that so many lives depends on it. The police officers who protect you on their daily shifts depend on it. The soldiers who protect your nation and fight tyranny depend on it. The Daniel Defense MK18 is very well known. This is why we created the 3 Reasons Why you should own a Daniel Defense MK18.
That being said, the firearms industry has been ruled by a few “large” corporations for many years. Beretta is the oldest firearms company to date (founded in 1526); the shotgun industry is ruled over by them. Smith and Wesson was established in 1852 and has had a grip on one of the top spots in handguns since. Despite this, the hardest segment of the firearms industry to excel in is the AR industry. Being relatively new (created in the 50s), the market for ARs has been ever shifting. First it was Colt, then FN joined the game, then Sig and everyone else. All of these big name manufacturers sought the coveted role of “top-Dawg.”
Though each of those companies makes great products, including their ARs, the “top-Dawg” spot is still debated to this day. And one of the contenders, and a comparatively new company, Daniel Defense is making consistent strides for the title. Throughout their 15 years in business, Daniel Defense has shown the world the amazing quality each of their product offers. One product in particular, the focus of our blog today, has shined brighter than most of late. The Daniel Defense MK18. There are more law enforcement and military groups using the MK18 platform than any other in the world.
Coming from hands on experience, this blog is going to give you 3 reasons why you should own a MK18 Daniel Defense.
Reason #1: Quality
Quality is key. Aim for quality not quantity. Those are just a few of the hundreds of sayings about quality. And how useful is a an AR that has bad quality? About as useful as a poopy flavored lolly pop (Dodgeball movie quote). The MK18 is definitely not lacking in the quality department.
Have you ever heard of Cold-Hammer Forging? Well, short story version, its a forging process that forges the metal at a molecular level while at room temperature (which is why it’s called “Cold Forged”), aligning the molecules to provide greater strength and rigidity. In simple phrasing, it’s the best way to make barrels. This machine pounds the metal at over 2000 tons of force and the entire building knows the machine is in use. Daniel Defense is one of only five companies worldwide that produces them. The process creates superior toughness and durability. Some people will try and state that the stress of hammering the metal cold can cause accuracy issues with the bore, but it really doesn’t; if it did, then why are people still using Remington, Noveske, HK, and Daniel Defense barrels?
The MK18 receiver is CNC machined from 7075-T6 aluminum to Mil-Spec standards and it features M4 feed ramps for feeding reliability in all situations. The bolt carrier group in the MK18 dd is properly staked, chrome lined, and Mil-Spec MP tested. The handguard (RIS II MK18) is CNC machined out of 6061-T6 Aluminum and is the same rail still used by many USSOCOM operators. This rail was specifically designed for SOCOM… at the request of SOCOM.
Now to top this quality cake off with some icing. Every one is hand assembled and quality tested. Very, very, very rarely does anything less than perfect go out the Daniel Defense door, and if on the super slim chance that it does, Daniel Defense’s 100% quality assurance will cover it. And their customer service is second to none.
Reason #2: Because its good enough for the Heroes
Growing up, and to this day, my dream handgun was/is a Walther PPK. Why is that, you may ask. Well, the Walther PPK is more commonly known as the James Bond gun. Connery, Moore, and even Craig used the PPK at one point. James Bond was THE suave, world-saving spy-hero and if the PPK is good enough for the Hero, then it is good enough for me. The same is true for the MK18.
Reason #1 ties into this reason heavily. SOCOM and all the other Military and LEOs who use Daniel Defense do so knowing full well that the quality is worth risking their lives on. Since the contract for the RIS II was made in 2005, Daniel Defense has supplied over 30,000 units to USSOCOM. Thats not all folks. Daniel Defense also provides rails for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense.
On top of that, many military and LEOs (both active and retired) love Daniel Defense rifles. In an episode of American Elements for Carbon TV, Marty Daniel himself talked about how important it is for them to help bring our service men and women home safely. Daniel Defense carries that same quality standard into all of their products. You can do a google search and find numerous reviews of Daniel Defense products, including the MK18, from current and former military/LE guys who can’t stop raving about them.
Reason #3: It’s practical for all Situations
The MK18 features a 10.3″ barrel length. A lot of people will see that and think, “its so short, its not gonna be accurate,” or “I don’t like that, I want to be able to shoot over 100 yards.” Here’s the thing about that. How often are you really going to be shooting over 100 yards? If your answer is something like, “I plan on doing shooting contests,” or “I don’t know, but I’d like to be able to,” then I’m pretty sure you’re not even reading this blog. Either way, let me learn you a thing or two.
If you’re ever in a situation where you need to defend you home and family from an intruder/s, what will be better? A long, heavy 16″ or 18″ barreled gun, or a short MK18? The short length of the MK18 offers better movement as well as reduced weight. It’s a step up tactically from the regular length AR and provides an advantage in vehicles and other close spaces. There is a reason SBRs are favored by special forces operators around the world. They’re practical for all situations and, more so than that, they have far more upside than downside.
Here’s another little tid-bit for you to consider. I, not a professional shooter or a special forces operator, have hit targets with my Daniel Defense MK18 from 300 yards, with no issues. Despite the 10.3″ barrel, accuracy is not an issue, and I know and have read of people who can produce similar result with the MK18 Daniel Defense.
Driving it Home
I could go on for hours and days about the benefits of the Daniel Defense MK18, but I won’t. I don’t want you to get bored of reading just yet. Here’s the deal, and I’ll be totally honest with you. I know most of the reservations with Daniel Defense stems from the price. People often makes comments like “I can get two other AR15s for the price of one Daniel Defense Upper.” To them I would say, “Yes, you can. Just like you can get two Yugos for the price of one Ford, but would you really rather buy the Yugos?”
I’m not saying any of this to dis on other ARs and other Manufacturers. The reason I’m saying this is to point out that with Daniel Defense, you get what you pay for. Try looking at it as an investment. If you invest $600 in some other complete AR, you’re going to have to invest more time in upkeep and you’re going to have to invest more money to replace parts that stop working or break. With a Daniel Defense MK18, you have a heftier initial investment, but your investments later are significantly less. You won’t have to spend as much time in upkeep and you definitely won’t be replacing a lot of parts. You spend $1,180.00 on a MK18 Upper, and you get your money’s worth.
If you can afford a $600-$700 AR right now, why not wait a bit longer. Save up some more and get a Daniel Defense MK18 upper. Then you can invest in an SBR or a Pistol lower. Some people are happy with their cheaper ARs. That’s ok. The ARs work and do what’s expected of them, but the Daniel Defense exceeds expectations.
Options
The Daniel Defense MK18 is available as an SBR, or you can get is as an Upper Receiver Group and put it on your own SBR or pistol lower. And you can get it in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Tornado Grey, or Mil Spec +. And if you just can’t get past the 10.3″ barrel, check out the Daniel Defense DDM4A1; another Daniel Defense used by military and LEOs (think of it as the MK18’s bigger brother, which features a 14.5″ barrel with a pinned Daniel Defense Flash Suppressor).
View our Daniel Defense MK18s
I noticed that I could not see a round size in your blog. Do DDR s only come in one size?
Daniel Defense does make other round size guns, however the MK18 is only in 5.56.
I just bought an mk18 in 300acc from Daniel defense
And how does it perform do you use a carbine buffer tube stock set up or what?
Yes, it uses standard carbine buffer tube with standard H or H1 buffer. For those that want a short barrel with a quad rail, it is the best.
Very good article. I want to get the MK18 but I live in California. We are planning on leaving by late 2018, headed to a more friendly state, once we move the first two things I plan on doing is getting my CCW and a Daniel Defense MK18 SBR.
I don’t remember writing this. Lol. Sounds exactly like my situation. Good luck to you.
The MK18 is legendary. Worth every Penny that I had to explain to my wife about. it’s my go to, my SHTF, my home defense, my battle rifle. And it’s something that will still be legendary when it’s passed down to my son.
Can a 18 year old buy a mk18? Or since it’s not a 16inch. It is considered to be a pistol?
Check into laws yourself for complete clarification, as we are not giving any legal advise. In our store, we understand that pistols age is 21 to purchase. To purchase a MK18 SBR or any SBR you must be 21 to purchase it.
I HAVE A ROCKRIVER! Will YOUR UPPERS FIT MY LOWER!!
The uppers should fit any standard lower. It is one of the great attributes of the AR15 style rifle is that they are so interchangeable.
WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS?
WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS? GOES WITH PREVIOUS MESSAGE I SENT!!
With a barrel 4″-6″ shorter than what is thought “standard” what is the velocity drop and is there an much larger muzzle flash due to a larger amount of un-burned powder escaping the barrel?
does the upper mk18 barrel threaded for a suppressor.?
No, it is not suppressor ready. Daniel Defense offers this product for you.
ACME THREAD QUICK-CLAMPING SYSTEM
The no-tools, Acme Thread Quick-Clamping System securely mounts to a 17-4PH stainless steel muzzle device. Heavy acme threads on the muzzle device serve to disrupt carbon build-up as the suppressor is detached, allowing for easy removal even after extended use.
1. Is a 10″ barrel considered (or classified as) a pistol vs. rifle?
2. Bore pressure increases because of a short barrel? I would expect it to be unchanged or perhaps even decrease because the bullet would leave the barrel sooner.
The pressure has to do with the shorter gas tube. It’s higher pressure causes more violence upon the gas block and wears out your parts quicker.
The Mk18 uses a standard carbine length gas system. So, it does not have a shorter gas tube. Carbine length has been a long standing standard length that has proven to be very reliable.
Great article, I’m buying my MK18 in the next couple weeks…Giddyup!!!
Will I still have to pay a $200 tax stamp if I decide to purchase the MK18 upper? I’m planning on building a pistol.
Tax stamps are for serial numbered items. The MK18 upper does not have a serial number. It is considered accessory parts. You are able to purchase the MK18 complete upper and we can ship it directly to you.
I’ve been running a Colt 6920 for years, which I love but just picked up an MK18 pistol with the Law folding stock and an MRO riding up top. I didn’t care for the folding bit (heavy and it cut my hand up during reload drills) so I threw on a standard buffer tube and a SBA3 brace. I also swapped the DD ambi plastic safety/selector for a non-ambi standard Colt safety (just what I’m used to) and swapped on an older BCM charging handle. Lastly, I moved my Geisselle SSA-E trigger from my Colt to the MK18. For those of you that aren’t familiar, God himself designed the SSA-E trigger and bestowed it upon humanity.
Now with said minor changes, it’s a great set up. I’ve put a few hundred rounds down range with no issues. I really like the smaller size of the 10.5″ barrel opposed to the 16 incher on my Colt. Much handier whether moving around a structure or in a home, moving in/out of a vehicle or patrolling through the woods looking for stray zombies.
The fit and finish are a wee bit better on the DD as opposed to the Colt. But. If someone has a max budget of around $1000 then I would get one of those OEM Colt 6920s and dress it up as you see fit.
Accuracy seemed fine. I couldn’t tell a huge difference between the 6920 and MK18 shooting at steel from 80 yards but then again I wasn’t really shooting for accuracy.
My 6920 has been bomb proof so the DD MK18 has some big shoes to fill but it looks like it will do just fine.
I know you will love it.
10.3” barrel on the MK18
I have two DD MK18s. Both with Trijicon RMOs. They are fantastic SBRs. I have shot them in 3-gun matches and they point like nothing other. Fast to achier targets. I have shot them out to 550 yards with a Trijicon RMO on a 22×17 plate, and ping without a problem. The DD MK 18 is SOLID. Shooting steel with my MK18 out to 100 yards with a AAC M4-2000 is just fun stuff.
What kind of sites are you using on your MK18 to reach out that distance?
” I, not a professional shooter or a special forces operator, have hit targets with my Daniel Defense MK18 from 300 yards, with no issues. Despite the 10.3″ barrel, accuracy is not an issue, and I know and have read of people who can produce similar result with the MK18 Daniel Defense.”
Do you need a class three license to purchase a MK 18?
You have to have it shipped to an FFL. Anyone can buy it but will have it shipped to the FFL and a background check done prior to pickup.
It is a pistol. Just like any other handgun. Assuming you get the pistol version.
I have the MK18 with a silencerco 556k and topped with ACOG. I can hit 10” steel at 500 yds with it. 300 yds is a breeze. You wouldn’t think that little package could do that, heck I didn’t shoot targets passed 100 yds the first few years I had it. One day I was just playing around and shot the 300 yd steel and banged it first try. Ever since it is one of my favorite weapons to shoot steel on our range. It goes everywhere with me and sleeps right next to me.
I have six DDs, haven’t tried the mk18, of mine my favorites are the v5s& the m4a1. Have had no problems with any of my DDs.
MK18 is the number one seller world wide for Daniel Defense.
Can i put a dd mk18 on my dd m4a1 lower would that make it an sbr just wondering
Before attaching any upper with barrel less than 16 inches, please read up on NFA compliance as it relates to Short Barrel Rifles and what is required to have less than 16 inch barrel.
Check the rules, but I think anything under 16 inch barrel going on a rifle lower will make it a SBR. Consult NFA Rules.