Daniel Defense

Frequent range days are crucial for keeping your skills sharp and progressing as a gun owner. Instead of shooting your M4A1 Block 2 edition from the same standing position as usual, consider mixing it up with a long-range shot from a bench or shooting from behind a barricade. By incorporating these training scenarios into your routine, you’ll become a better, more well-rounded shooter. Long-Range Shooting Have you tried hitting a target at 100 yards? While it might work best with a longer AR platform like an MK12 rifle , with enough skill, it’s possible with any rifle-caliber AR platform. It helps to have the right setup and accessories. A table with a bench rest is ideal for beginners because it provides a steady, stable platform to fire from, taking away a few variables that could easily cause you to miss at range. An upgraded optic is also essential. Even if you aren’t the most accurate from long range, this will give you a new challenge and goal to work toward. Prone Shooting ...

Replacing just one or two parts on your rifle can make a considerable difference. A Block 2 M4 with an upgraded stock will sit against your shoulder differently, while a cold hammer forged barrel can improve your rifle’s durability and accuracy. You might be looking to reduce your rifle's weight, upgrade its functionality, enhance its accuracy, or something else. Here are a few ways switching parts can transform your rifle. The Barrel From the length of the barrel to the production method, a new barrel can make a significant difference. Longer barrels mean greater effective range and improved accuracy. Swapping a 14.5-inch barrel for an 18-inch barrel will drastically affect how far out you can accurately hit a target. Meanwhile, an MK12 rifle with a cold hammer forged barrel is more durable and more accurate than a typical rifle barrel. This is an extensive upgrade and requires some gunsmithing skill, but it can be worthwhile. The Handguard Different handguards have pros and...

Ready to see why shooters are choosing Daniel Defense® firearms? Whether it’s a striker fired 1911 or an M4A1, if it’s time for a new gun or upgrade, it’s time to turn to Daniel Defense®. You can build your own gun using Daniel Defense® parts or get a gun that is ready to go to the range or a competition straight out of the box. Here are a few options to consider. See the full lineup of Daniel Defense® firearms at https://danieldefense.com/ Contact Daniel Defense® at 1-866-554-4867 A Striker Fired 1911 When you want to add a handgun to your gun safe, try a Daniel Defense® striker fired 1911 . The Daniel™H9® combines all of the benefits of a classic 1911 but swaps out the traditional hammer for a striker-fired mechanism. That means the recoil impulse goes back instead of up, keeping the gun firmly in your hand and making follow-up shots much easier. It’s undergone revisions since it was first introduced, showing Daniel Defense® never stops innovating and values feedback...

Sometimes you just can’t get out to the range, but you still want to set aside some time to improve your firearm skills. Whether your go-to rifle is a Block 2 M4 or something else, there are a few dry-fire exercises that will improve your skills and make a difference the next time you hit the range. From practicing reloading to target acquisition, here are a few to consider. Reloading One of the easiest skills you can practice at home is reloading. You can even do it on carpet, letting you freely drop mags without fear of damaging them. If you have an AR-platform gun like a 9MM PCC with ambidextrous controls, you can practice reloading from both strong and off hands. Drop the mag, grab a new one, and slam it home. Even if your reloads are already fluid and quick, it doesn’t hurt to practice, so try this drill whenever you have a few moments to spare. Just make sure the magazines are 100% empty. Dry Firing If you’re already practicing reloading your M4 carbine , you ...

Are your drills at the range starting to feel too easy? Have you gotten used to shooting your Block 2 M4 and want to increase the intensity of your drills to make you a better overall shooter? Whether you’re competing soon or just trying to improve your skills, there are a few ways you can modify your drills to make them more challenging. Add In Reloads Instead of using a full mag and finishing the drill, you want to introduce interruptions. The easiest way to do that is to add in reloads. Purposefully load in only a couple of rounds to force yourself to reload. This also helps train your muscle memory so you can reload faster. Many drills focus on these reloads, but introducing them to other drills with a new focus can force you to adapt. If you really want to add a challenge, have someone else load the rounds, so you won’t know how many rounds are in the mag before you need to reload. PCC 9MM Use Your Off-Hand Many newer firearms come standard with ambidextrous contro...

You’ve been shooting your Block 2 M4 at the range for a while, and like to think you’re a pretty good shot. But are you really ready for a competition? Whether it’s a single-gun competition, like focusing on your pistol skills, or it’s more tactical, like a 3-gun competition, here are a few ways to know if you’re ready for competitive shooting. 9MM PCC You’re Proficient in Most Tactical Drills Practicing tactical drills with your 9MM PCC is essential. If you’ve been practicing drills that include plenty of movement and transitioning quickly from one target to the next, you’re ready. If not, it’s time to start running more drills. Go a step further by simulating a competition as closely as possible while training. Use a shot timer, and the exact targets the competition uses, so there aren’t any surprises on competition day. 9MM PCC Firearm Handling Is Second Nature to You Handling your M4 carbine should be second nature. From using the controls on a given firearm to cl...

The AR15 platform has existed for decades and has been adjusted and refined over the years. Today, it’s a highly respected and sought-after platform with several options from several manufacturers. There are also a lot of practical reasons to have an AR15 in your gun safe. A Block 2 M4 , for example, is an exceptionally versatile rifle. On versatility alone, it can be a worthwhile addition to any collection. Of course, versatility is just one of the many reasons to consider an AR15. The ammunition, typically 5.56mm NATO or .223 Remington, is widely available. You won’t have to search high and low or order from specialty shops to pick up ammo for your next range trip. Here are a few more reasons to consider adding an AR15 to your gun safe.  The AR15 Is a Highly Adaptable Platform To call the AR15 a versatile platform might be an understatement. The platform is highly adaptable. Whether you buy an AR15 from the manufacturer or build one yourself, you get a gun you can ea...

Which forward grip is right for your AR15? Do you go with a vertical grip, or do you use Santoprene panels to cover the quad rail of your Block 2 M4 and just hold the hand rail? There are a few differences between the available forward grips, and which one you use might depend on what you need from your grip. Vertical Grip Vertical grips have been around for a long time. Just think of the 1941 Thompson, where the vertical forward grip was widely popular. They are a mainstay of the AR15 world, as well, with many issued for the M16A4 and the M4 carbine .  Vertical grips offer better control when firing quickly and require better control at closer distances. This makes them ideal for the range or during a competition, where maneuvering and controlling recoil while quickly placing shots is paramount. The key is finding the right length of a vertical grip to fit your hand. A grip that is too long is unwieldy, while a short grip won’t provide many benefits. Angled Grip ...

The AR rifle platform has come a long way. The Block 2 M4 , for example, featured major improvements that shooters still enjoy today, from a new handguard to better modularity. The modern AR platform offers functionality that early versions, like the M16, could only dream of. Here are some of those advantages and features. Versatility The AR platform is incredibly versatile. You can use it for target practice at the range, tactical drills, and high-stakes competitions. Or you could use it for long-range target shooting. You can even use the larger caliber AR10 for hunting, giving you easier follow-up shots than a bolt action rifle. The AR platform performs in a variety of applications, but can also be purpose-built for specific scenarios. Keep it in your safe and bring it out when you head to the range, or keep it in your truck as you ride around your farm to help protect your livestock from predators. Whatever the task, the AR is up for the challenge. There Are Plenty ...

  As a gun owner, from time to time, you’ll likely come across a firearm that “speaks” to you. You can’t quite describe the feeling, but you just know you need it in your collection. You might run across one of these guns at a show or expo, at your favorite gun shop, or online. We all have different firearms that speak to us like this. For some, it might be a classic with modern features, like a striker fired 1911. For others, they’re all about a 9MM PCC . Variety is the spice of life, and having an assortment of different firearms can keep your range days more exciting while allowing you to hone all of your skills, becoming a more well-rounded shooter. 9MM PCC If you’re looking for that next gun that “speaks” to you and adds more interest to your gun safe, here are a few to consider. The Versatile AR15-Inspired 9MM PCC Let’s start with something a lot of people are talking about this year, the PCC. The pistol-caliber carbine isn’t anything new necessarily, but many shooters...

Whether you’re new to firearms or just looking for tips to better clean your Block 2 M4 , cleaning your rifle is something you should do regularly. While weekend plinkers might not need to clean their rifles as often as competitive shooters, it’s still vital to ensure your rifle performs at its best. Here are a few tips to know. Use the Right Tools First, you need the right tools. You can build your own cleaning set or buy a pre-made kit, but make sure it’s for your caliber. While a 9MM PCC and an M4 might look very similar, they require different tools like bore snakes and rods to properly clean them. Before any cleaning session, prep the area, put down a gun-cleaning mat, and get your tools in order. Gloves are recommended, as you will be dealing with chemicals, some of which are toxic. Finally, remove any ammo from the table and, preferably, from the room to make sure the gun is 100% safe. AR15 Upper Receiver Separate the Upper and Lower With the area prepped, the first step, e...

You’ve bought your Block 2 M4 , ammo, and spare mags, but how will you keep everything you need close by at the range? For many shooters, a chest rig is the answer. A chest rig can hold spare mags, tools, and other items, providing plenty of extra utility. As you shop around, here are a few things to consider. A Chest Placard That Fits The chest placard is one of the most important parts of any chest rig. It’s the panel of fabric that everything else attaches to. It’s usually made with MOLLE webbing or sewn-on pouches. When comparing options, choose a placard with enough space for your 9mm PCC mags and other pouches without weighing it down too much. It should sit around your sternum, allowing you to move around freely. Different Harness Types There are three major types of chest rigs: the H, X, and Y harness. The right one for you depends on your specific needs and comfort preferences. The H-harness forms an “H” shape with a connector between the shoulder straps. You need to...

The AR rifle is one of the most popular rifle platforms in the world. From the civilian AR15 to the Block 2 M4 , it’s been a staple of U.S. military forces since the original M16. It’s a versatile rifle, easy to use, and can be changed and modded for just about any need. Whether you’re hunting or competing, there are plenty of uses for an AR. Here are a few reasons why it’s so popular. ARs Are Easy to Use and Shoot The first and most important reason ARs are so popular is usability. All of the controls, from the mag release button to the safety, are the same regardless of whether you have a 308 AR or a classic M16. Despite being chambered in many calibers and coming in various sizes, every AR has the same basic features. You can pick one up and know immediately how to use it if you have ever used another AR-style rifle. Though some accessories add different functionality, such as the BAD lever, it’s still easy to understand how the AR works. ARs Are Modular and Easy to ...

When shopping for a new firearm, you should consider the type of ammunition and caliber used by that firearm. There are plenty of choices on the market, and some forms of ammo are more readily available while others can be harder to come by and costlier. If you intend to use your new firearm on the range and for plinking, you may want a firearm equipped to chamber a more accessible form of ammo. As we all know, ammo costs can add up!  This is one of many reasons more people are adding AR15-style rifles to their gun safes. It can come down to the caliber of the ammo: 5.56 x 45mm NATO. Many AR15-style rifles are designed for 5.56mm NATO right out of the box, including the sought-after Block 2 M4 AR15-style rifle. Here are three advantages of 5.56 NATO ammo over other calibers. 5.56 NATO Is in High Supply When demand is high and the supply chain can keep up, consumers win big. This includes consumers who buy and use ammo. 5.56mm NATO ammo is a common enough caliber (in the U.S. and...

Have you been thinking about assembling an AR-style rifle? It allows you to create the rifle of your dreams, building your own Block 2 M4 clone or other style of rifle with the specific features and parts that feel best to you. By assembling your own, you can easily customize it to your needs. However, not all parts are created equal, and you shouldn’t skimp in some areas. As you start the planning process, here are the six most important components worth a premium. AR15 Upper Receiver Lower Receiver Legally, the lower receiver is the actual gun. It’s where the magazine and trigger live, and it’s also where you start determining the caliber. This will continue with the barrel and upper receiver, but if you are going to make a 308 AR , it starts with accommodating the right magazine. The lower is also where you will install the handle of your choice, as well as the buffer tube and spring. Upper Receiver An AR15 upper receiver group often includes the barrel, handguard, and actual ...

Have you ever gotten hung up on two different firearms? You might be looking at a versatile 6.5/260/ 308 AR 10-style rifle. You might also be looking at an M4A1 AR15-style rifle. You appreciate both, but you’re only looking to acquire one at the moment. While there are a lot of options under both the AR10 and AR15 umbrellas, each style can have its advantages over the other. Each style can also serve distinct purposes. When you’re making this kind of choice, the primary purpose of a firearm can ultimately help you decide which one to get. To make things a little easier, here’s a closer look at some of the advantages of both firearm styles and what sets the AR10-style rifle apart from the AR15-style rifle. AR10: Advantages and Purpose From a historical perspective, the AR10-style rifle is the older design of the two. It debuted in 1953, while the AR15-style rifle debuted in 1957. Both have been put through their paces by several militaries worldwide, the U.S. Armed Force...