Reputation graces Daniel Defense rifles, and for all good reasons. The company simply knows how to make a reliable, precise range-buddy that shoots down hearts and targets like a pro. Rifles like the DDM4V7 and the DDM4V11 are what helped set this reputation in the first place!
Both are powerful rifles that happen to be almost exactly alike, aside from the handguard. The DDM4V7 has the M-LOK system, while the DDM4V11 features the quad-rail-like KeyMod system. The following read will help you decide which one of these beauties is for you!
Some Major Differences between the V7 and V11
The major difference you’ll find, as mentioned above, is in the handguard. The DDM4V7 is for those who prefer the SLiM Rail 15.0 with KeyMod attachment points (slots with key-hole profile) whereas the DDM4V11 has the MFR 15.0 system with M-LOK attachment points.
Both have an uninterrupted 1913 picatinny rail on top, but for the former rifle, there are 7 positions for attachments while the latter has attachment points at 3,6 and 9 o’ clock positions. You get plenty of space to add accessories and deck up your rifle on either of them.
Do the Differences Really Matter?
You might also want to consider the availability of said accessories. Generally, both types of accessories are readily available as companies produce plenty for both. However, if you already have certain accessories that you want to dress your gun with, you can choose accordingly.
The market trend now seems to be shifting towards the M-LOK system. How practical is this market shift? Well, quite a bit if you consider the results of tests like the one conducted in 2016 by USSOCOM.
M-LOK overthrew the KeyMod system in the Repeatability test (least MOA shift upon removal and reattachment of an M-LOK with laser sights) and the Drop test (held the attachments fixed in all drops).
But that doesn’t mean an exceptional KeyMod as that of Daniel Defense isn’t durable. The thing is strong as a rock. I suggest you try both the guns and see which one feels better in your hands. This might be the best way to resolve this dilemma, in fact. The majority opinion definitely favors the way M-LOK feels, and so do I.
How Similar are the DDM4V7 and the DDM4V11?
The two rifles are part of the M4 lineup and chambered in 5.56mm NATO. Both feature a 16-inch barrel, made through the cold-hammer-forged technique of Daniel Defense with the mid-length gas system.
The barrel has a government profile, with a twist of 1:7. Neither of the two come with sights unfortunately, but they do come with well-engineered buttstocks and pistol grips. Both weigh around 6.2 LBS and have a similar length of 32 1/4″ – 35 ⅞”.
Flared magazine wells enable safe and swift reloads. The safety selector is ambidextrous and so is the Grip-N-Rip charging handle. Both rifles have a free float rail system, one propelled by the proprietary 4 or 6 bolt attachment to the upper receiver.
Price and Value for Money
The DDM4V11 has been discontinued by Daniel Defense so you’re going to have a hard time finding the rifle itself. The rifle is available neither at Guns.com nor at Brownells.com.
You may find it at one of your local gun stores, but chances are low as its availability is limited as compared to the DDM4V7, which is available at Guns.com for a reasonable price and has a perfect 5 star rating. You can catch it in a slick aluminum finish with a .223 caliber or a nice black one chambered in 5.56X45 mm.
Both guns provide solid value for money, no doubt about that. They are beasts of longevity, accuracy and durability. However, it’s true they don’t exactly leave a good impression on your wallet. Overall, it’s a buy once, cry once case.
Conclusion
Stuck between the DDM4V11 and the DDM4V7? This is a close choice, because both rifles perform almost the same. From their size and weight to their lack of scope, and most of the ergonomic furniture, everything is the same.
The deciding factor would be the handguard. If you prefer KeyMod over M-LOK, go with DDM4V11 and vice versa. The DDM4V7 is also easier to come by, considering availability. It’s easily available at the largest online gun store in the U.S., Guns.com, and here’s the link for your convenience. I would go with the V7, but if the KeyMod feels better in your hands, then you do you.
If you want to see how the V7 stacks up against its bigger brother, the DDM4V7 Pro, we suggest you head to our article titled “Daniel Defense DDM4V7 Vs. DDM4V7 Pro“. We have also compared the DDM4V7 to the original DDM4V1 and you can read that comparison by clicking here.
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