DANIEL DEFENSE DD5 V4 CALIFORNIA COMPLIANT

Posted May 19, 2023

Since its establishment in 2002, Daniel Defense has gone from strength to strength, cementing its place among the top gun manufacturers in the world. Their success has been built on a foundation of high-quality craftsmanship and precision engineering, making them a go-to destination for shooters of all levels of experience.

In 2020, the company switched up its production line-up to include the semi-automatic DD5 V4 California Compliant, a weapon designed to meet the legal requirements established by the state of California. This review of the Daniel Defense DD5 V4 California Compliant aims to take an in-depth look and evaluate the rifle’s features, performance, and reliability.

Design & Construction

The DD5 V4 California Compliant features a full-length monolithic upper receiver made from mil-spec aluminum and featuring M-LOK® slots on all four sides. This provides a greater number of attachment points for accessories, as well as a longer sighting radius.

The lower receiver is made from a unique polymer-aluminum blend that is strong and lightweight. This ensures the rifle is easy to carry and maneuver, but also rugged enough to handle rough terrain and frequent use.

The trigger guard is oversized and flared to accommodate larger-fingered users. The magazine release is ambidextrous for left-handed shooters, and the stock features an adjustable length of pull to ensure maximum comfort for the shooter.

The DD5 V4 features a 16” long barrel with a mid-length gas system, made from 4140 chromoly steel. It has a black nitride finish to protect against corrosion and makes for easy cleaning. The barrel twist rate is 1:7, making it suitable for a wide range of 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition.

Lastly, the DD5 V4 comes with an adjustable folding front and rear sight.

Performance & Reliability

The DD5 V4 California is an exceptionally reliable and durable long-range rifle with superb accuracy. On our test range, the rifle consistently achieved sub-MOA accuracy with both 5.56mm and .223 ammunition.

The rifle’s adjustable sights make it suitable for use in CQB and mid-range encounters, as well as reach-out-and-touch-someone long-range shooting. The adjustable LOP ensures a comfortable cheek weld for shooters of various sizes and preferences.

The M-LOK rail system allows for easy accessory attachment, allowing you to customize the rifle according to your needs. A variety of aftermarket parts and upgrades are available for the DD5 V4, giving it a truly custom feel.

Furthermore, the rifle’s monolithic upper receiver and mid-length gas system provide a smooth, consistent operation with minimal recoil and minimal fouling. The DD5’s full-thickness barrel is rugged and reliable, making it suitable for heavy use.

Conclusion

The Daniel Defense DD5 V4 California Compliant is a top-of-the-line semi-automatic rifle, offering a practical, robust design with impressive accuracy and reliability. Its monolithic upper receiver and mid-length gas system provide smooth and consistent operation with minimal recoil and fouling, while its adjustable folding sights make it suitable for use in both CQB and long-range engagements. The M-LOK® rail system allows for easy accessory attachment and customization, and its adjustable length of pull ensures maximum comfort and control. All in all, the DD5 V4 California Compliant is a reliable, well-performing semi-automatic rifle that is sure to serve shooters of all levels of experience well.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Accuracy: The Daniel Defense DD5 V4 California Compliant rifle is designed with a revolutionary gas-piston operating system, offering superior accuracy.

Non-Reciprocating Ambidextrous Charging Handle: The DD5 V4 features two non-reciprocating ambidextrous charging handles for increased control and ease of use.

Interchangeable Barrel System: The DD5 V4 also features an interchangeable barrel system allowing the shooter to quickly and easily swap out the barrel for maximum precision and accuracy.

Adjustable Gas System: The gas system is adjustable, allowing the shooter to customize the weapon’s operation for different loads and applications.

Highly Customizable: The DD5 V4 is highly customizable, and is available with a wide range of available options and accessories.

Cons:

Price: Like most AR-style weapons, the DD5 V4 has a relatively high price tag.

Heavy: This is a heavy rifle, weighing in excess of 8.4 lbs (without accessories).

Limited Available Options: Beyond standard caliber options, there aren't many aftermarket accessories available for the DD5 V4, limiting the rifle's customizability.

Who Should Buy

Who Should Buy:

The Daniel Defense DD5 V4 California Compliant is a high-quality AR-style rifle for those living in the state of California. This firearm is designed to meet the state’s restrictive regulations for “assault weapons,” making it a great choice for California residents who want a powerful AR for shooting games and sporting purposes.

Who Shouldn't Buy:

The Daniel Defense DD5 V4 California Compliant is designed specifically for the state of California and its regulations regarding “assault weapons," meaning that residents of other states will not be able to take full advantage of the rifle's features. Additionally, those not looking to purchase a semi-automatic rifle should look to other options.

Comparisons

Weight	Barrel Length	Hammer Fired	Key Mod
8 lbs, 7 oz	20"	No	No
5 lbs, 5.2 oz	16"	No	Yes
8 lbs, 13.6 oz	16"	No	Yes
6 lbs, 15.4 oz	16"	No	Yes
Weight	Barrel Length	Hammer Fired	Key Mod
8 lbs, 8.6 oz	20"	Yes	Yes
8 lbs, 7 oz	20"	No	No
5 lbs, 5.2 oz	16"	No	Yes
8 lbs, 13.6 oz	16"	No	Yes
6 lbs, 15.4 oz	16"	No	Yes

Features / Specs

Caliber: 300 Norma Magnum

Barrel: Hammer Forged, 18” CHF, Chrome Lined, 1:10 RH Twist

Length: 35 1/2”

Weight: 9.8 lbs

Adjustable Gas Block

Enhanced Bolt Release

Ambidextrous Controls

Magnetic Particle Inspected Bolt

6 position mil-spec A5 buffer tube

Extened A-frame with Enhanced Soft Touch Overmolding

4” DDM4 Rail with M-LOK Slots at 3,6,9 o clock

QD sling swivel attachment point on left and right hand side

California-Compliant Grip and Magazine Release

Popular Accessories

Magpul PMAG 20 round magazine

Magpul MOE Fixed Stock

Magpul MOE+ Grip

Magpul MOE M-Lok Handguard

Magpul MBUS Pro sights

Magpul QD Sling Mount

GripStop Modular Forend System

Strike Industries Flash Enhancer

Odin Works Extended Magazine Release

Gunfighter Mod 1 Charging Handle

Accuracy

The Daniel Defense DD5 V4 California Compliant model is a reliable and accurate rifle. It boasts a Very Low Drag accuracy with a midlength gas system that helps it retain subminute accuracy for shooters of any skill level. The 6.5mm Creedmoor chambering is designed for long-range precision and has the ability to be used in a number of environments with minor adjustments. The rifle itself is built with the highest construction standards, resulting in an out-of-the-box accuracy that packs a serious punch. Numerous tests have been conducted that demonstrate that the DD5 V4 California Compliant is a very capable precision rifle capable of delivering tight groups at long ranges, especially when coupled with a premium quality scope such as the Leupold Mark V. This rifle is not only accurate, but also very reliable in all different conditions and climates. These qualities make the DD5 V4 California Compliant the perfect choice for any shooter looking for plenty of accuracy and reliability.