Article number: | DD02-128-02957-047 |
Built around a cold hammer forged barrel, it has a DD improved flash suppressor to reduce flash signature. The mid-length gas system provides smooth and reliable cycling under any condition and reduces both perceived recoil and wear on moving parts. A free-floating MFR XS 15.0 hand-guard offers incredible weight savings as well as superior cooling, ergonomics, and modularity while maintaining the strength and durability expected from Daniel Defense. With the M-LOK attachment points that run along 7 positions and an uninterrupted 1913 picatinny rail on top, the V7 LW has plenty of room for the sights, optics, and accessories the user may require. The rifle is finished off with the rugged and comfortable Daniel Defense buttstock and pistol grip. This 5.56 model has a 16" barrel and Daniel Defense Rattlecan finish; a hybrid paint scheme which blends Daniel's proprietary Tornado and Mil Spec + Cerakote finishes.
Overall build quality is great. DD uses a pinned gas block, so the gas system is bulletproof. The rifle is very light which I like. Lower receiver is pretty basic which is a bit disappointing at this price point but not a deal breaker. The trigger was very heavy out of the box, used it for two range sessions and then swapped in a Geissele SSA-E. Ambi safety was a nice touch but the right hand safety lever was a bit long and hit my knuckles when flipping the safety off. I swapped the safety out for a Radian Talon. The charging handle is a nice upgrade over the old mil-spec they used to give you.
Overall, I think it's a great rifle to make your own; you get a bulletproof upper and a quality lower. You'd be totally fine leaving the whole rifle stock, but it definitely reaches the next level with a few easy upgrades. The rifle would be a 5/5 if the stock trigger was better, I can easily live with the safety but the trigger was a major disappointment.