Introduced in 2009, the sweet DDM4V1 is Daniel Defense’s first build, or as the name suggests, the version 1. DDM4V7 came later in 2016, but soon rose to be the most popular rifle configuration they had.
The differences are subtle and the difference often comes down to the choice of the rail systems.
Size and Appearance
| DDM4V1 | DDM4V7 | |
| Barrel Length | 16″ | 16″ |
| Barrel Profile | M4 | Government |
| Weight | 6.70 LBS | 6.2 LBS |
| Length | 32 1/4″ – 35 7/8” | 32 1/4″ – 35 7/8” |
The two rifles have similar dimensions. However, there’s a slight difference in their weights. The DDM4V1 is heavier than the latter. Depending upon your preference, it can either weigh you down or add stability.
Then comes the barrel profile; M4 on the DDM4V1 and Government on the DDM4V7. There’s not much of a distinction between these two, except that the M4 has a cut ahead of the gas block.
The “M4 cut” is used to mount the M203 grenade launcher. Made without this cut, the Government profile is heavier but the difference is almost indistinguishable. So do you need to be cautious about this choice? Yes, if you are going to be hurling grenades at your target I suppose.
Draw and Handling
None of these rifles can be carried in concealment and neither of them can be drawn easily either. However, both are powerful home-defense rifles, and fare almost the same in hunting and competitive shooting.
For the DDM4V1, you’ll need some build adjustments because they don’t exactly come out of the factory as good competitive rifles. Also as mentioned previously, the DDM4V1 is heavier and with it comes greater difficulty in carrying the rifle (for example, for hunting purposes).
Specifications
Gas system
The DDM4V1 has the carbine-length system while the DDM4V7 has the mid-length gas system. Civilian M4 rifles always end up with 16″ barrel for legal reasons like our DDM4V1 here and a carbine system for… well, tradition.
But for rifles greater than 14.5″ (below that the difference is basically invisible), you’re always better off with a mid-length.
It all comes down to dwell time. You should want it longer and with a 16″ barrel having a carbine-length system, the rifle is always going to be over-pressurised. While this may not directly eat away at the inner parts (with time, it can and will), the cycling and headaches will be worse.
Handguard
DDM4V1 has the older, popular handguard, a 12-inch Picatinny quad rail. They’re good, they’re reliable, but they are also heavy. Well, the whole thing is made from a ton of metal (with plenty of space for customisation as a plus).
But most people don’t really need that much space so it’s dead weight for them. For those using that space with shining eyes, they’d end up tackling a huge increase in the pounds too.
Also, these rails happen to be rough on the hands (the infamous cheese graters) which made companies like Daniel Defense make covers for the rails not in use.
The DDM4V7 was the first in the company to be reintroduced with the M-LOK rail system in 2016, which is much lighter and more comfortable. You get the same customizability, at a reduced weight and cost.
But many still opt for quad rails, largely because they have been in town for a longer time and have a greater variety of compatible accessories, compared to the M-LOK with fewer options.
Rumors have it that Picatinny quad rails are durable, while M-LOK systems can’t take a lot of stress. Well if you go cheap, none of these two would be durable. But since it’s Daniel Defense we are talking about, the M-LOK system is one of the best around.
Sights
The DDM4V1 comes equipped with A1.5 fixed rear sight. For the DDM4V7, however, you will need to buy sights separately; in fact the DDM4V1 is the only rifle in the DDM4 line-up that comes with iron sights.
The iron sights on the DDM4V1 are top-tier too, especially if you’re going to base your shooting off of them only. Plus looking at the cost of good, functional sights these days, you save almost a hundred dollars with them.
Important Similarities
Both, the DDM4V1 and the DDM4V7, are chambered in 5.56mm NATO, and support a 16″ cold hammer forged barrel, with a barrel twist rate of 1:7. The material and construction of most of the parts like the upper and lower receiver remains the same too.
Also, there’s the ambi-directional Grip-N-Rip charging handle, pistol grip, Buttstock and receiver extension (6 position mil-spec).
Price and Value for Money
The DDM4V1 is more expensive than the DDM4V7. The DDM4V1 can not be found at Brownells but you can get it at a reasonable price at Guns.com. You can find the Daniel Defense DDM4V1 at Guns.com for its usual market price.
On the other hand, the Daniel Defense DDM4V7 is available at a tempting price (because mostly, this rifle refuses to land anywhere other than the $2000 range, give or take a $100). It is available at both Guns.com and Brownells but it’s way cheaper at Guns.com.
Nonetheless, here are the links to both retailers for you to check the updated price as well as compare it between the two of them:
- Daniel Defense DDM4V7 (Guns.com)
- Daniel Defense DDM4V7 (Brownells)
Both rifles offer good value for money in terms of reliability and precision, and are overall similar do-it-all rifles. Now you might be thinking about the iron sights we will need to buy for the DDM4V7?
Well truthfully, iron sights should come with a rifle priced like that. But even if you do buy a separate one for something close to $100, the DDM4V7 still provides a better value for the money, in my opinion.
Conclusion
The two rifles are incredibly similar in function and neither is more accurate than the other. But the DDM4V7 is lighter and more comfortable to an extent. Thus, I would prefer it. You can click here to buy it from Guns.com for around $400-500 cheaper than other retailers.
The mid-length gas system makes it more favorable for rapid shooting sessions than the DDM4V1. A relatively modern system, the M-LOK is favored by many for being lightweight and easy to use.
Also, I won’t say it is affordable (neither of these two care about your bank), but it’s comparatively cheaper. I am team DDM4V7 all the way. But if you believe the quad rail can’t be compromised upon, then the DDM4V1 is for you.
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