Daniel Defense DDM4v7 (also written DDM4 v7) Mid-Length Tactical AR Carbine/Rifle Outfitted with DD MFR 12.0 (Daniel Defense Modular Float Rail 12.0) Lightweight Modular Tactical Handguard/Rail System and Contour Gun Cam (Video Camera) System at SOFIC 2011 (Video!)

by David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com

All photos and video clips contained in this article were shot by DefenseReview.com (DR), and are copyrighted. DefenseReview.com owns the copyright on these materials. The photos and video clips were shot with a Canon PowerShot S90 10-megapixel digital camera (still camera with video capability).

June 15, 2011

While DefenseReview.com (DR) was making the rounds at the 2011 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC 2011), we got to view and handle the Daniel Defense (DD) DDM4v7 16″ tactical AR carbine with the new Daniel Defense MFR 12.0 (Modular Float Rail 12.0) modular Mil-Std-1913 “Picatinny” free-float rail system/forend rail tube/tactical handguard with mounted Contour Weapon Cam (video camera) installed on it. Watch the video below to see (and hear) how the Contour Gun Cam works.

Saving every ounce of weapon weight possible is a major priority for everyone these days, whether your tactical AR is intended for combat or competition, so the new circular-format modular handguards/forend rail tubes that allow you to place short rail sectons only where you need them are de rigueur. Most of the dialed-in crowd these days is going minimalist, and only want rails where they want them (i.e., need them for specific tactical accessory placement). Except for a full-length top rail, which the DD MFR 12.0 provides, of course, they don’t want the full “cheese grater” on there that also creates extra weight out front.

The DDM4 V7 tactical AR carbine/MFR 12.0 tactical handguard setup is Daniel Defense’s response to this. Another company, LaRue Tactical, responded with the LaRue Tactical PredatAR Series OBR 7.62mm NATO/.308 Win. and 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem. lightweight tactical ARs sporting lightweight contoured barrels, which Defense Review reported on back in early February, after SHOT Show 2011.

Anyway, the DD MFR 12.0 modular handguard/forend rail tube looked and felt good, and should be a good seller. It’s DefenseReview’s understanding that the weapon we photographed and handled at SOFIC 2011 was a direct-gas-impingement (DGI) gun that utilized a mid-length gas system. In DR’s opinion, a mid-length gas system is generally the way to go with a 14.5″-16″ barreled DGI AR, and it’s going to be softer and smoother shooting than a standard carbine-length gas system.

Daniel Defense makes excellent products, and the new Daniel Defense DDM4v7 tactical AR carbine and Daniel Defense Modular Float Rail 12.0 (DD MFR 12.0) lightweight free-float rail tube/tactical handguard would appear to be no exception. Defense Review looks forward to running the new rail on one of our guns, at some point. In the meantime, here’s the video we shot at SOFIC 2011:

By the way, Daniel Defense spokesman Larry Vickers recently shot a DDM4 carbine torture test video. Larry’s a retired U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) assaulter/operator and is currently a highly-respected tactical shooting instructor.

The following information on the DD MFR 12.0 rail system comes directly from the Daniel Defense (DD) website:

“MODULAR FLOAT RAIL 12.0

QUICK OVERVIEW:
The Daniel Defense MFR 12.0 is a 12″ CNC Machined Modular Free Float Handguard. It is specifically designed to adequately cover a low profile gas block on a carbine or mid-length gas system barrel.

The MFR 12.0 has been engineered to provide each shooter with the ultimate in modular adaptability. Should the shooter desire, the tube can be run “slick” with an unitterupted top rail that runs the length of the tube. In addition, the installation of Modular Picatinny Rails is accomplished with little effort. This allows you to have rails anywhere you need them and nowhere you don’t.

The slim profile feature of the MFR 12.0 keeps the shooter’s support hand close to the bore which aids in firearm manipulation, and the design and construction allow for the attachment of Picatinny Rail Sections at standard 90 degree or offset angles.

Availability: In stock:

MSRP: $249.00 USD

FEATURES:
Free Floating Barrel Design
Light Weight
Uninterrupted Upper Rail Platform
Slim Profile
(3) Military Specification 1913 Picatinny Rails Sections

MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION:
Precision CNC machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and Military Specification Hard Coat Anodized.

Material: Aircraft Grade 6061-T6 Aluminum
Finish: Military Specification Type III Hard Coat Anodized
Length: 12.0″
Outside Diameter: 1.76″
Inside Diameter: 1.61″
Weight 12.2 oz
3″ Rail Section Weight: 1.1 oz
Made in the USA!

ITEMS INCLUDED:
(1) MFR 12.0 Free Float Hand Guard
(3) 3” Modular Picatinny Rail Sections with Mounting Hardware
(1) Proprietary Barrel Nut Wrench
(1) Hardened Steel Barrel Nut
(4) Set Screws w/ Nylon Locking Patch
(1) 5/64” Allen Wrench
(1) 3/32” Allen Wrench

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
SKU: DD-09079
Manufacturer Number: 01-107-09079-006
Product Weight: 12.2 oz
Rail Length: 12″
Width: 1.76″
Inside Diameter: 1.61″
Barrel Nut: Modular Float
Gas System Length: Rifle
Free Float: Yes
Continuous Upper Rail: Yes
Integrated Sling Swivel Attachment Point: No
Manufacturer: Daniel Defense”

Company Contact Info:

Daniel Defense, Inc. (DD)
101 Warfighter Way
Black Creek, GA 31308
Phone: 866-554-4867
Fax: 912-851-3248
Email Contact Form: https://danieldefense.com/contacts
Website: https://danieldefense.com/

CAGE Code 3E3E2

Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical Inc.
3439 Ramsey St. PMB 131
Fayetteville, NC 28311
Email: larry@vickerstactical.com
Website: http://vickerstactical.com

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