Daniel Defense

If you’re new to the AR rifle platform, you may be wondering which barrel length is right for your needs. Whether you want the classic M4 carbine or a long-barreled 308 for hunting, there are a few different barrel lengths available. Here are a few standard barrel lengths, along with their respective strengths and common applications, to help you narrow down the right option for your needs. 14.5 Inches The classic M4 carbine has a 14.5-inch barrel, which is under the minimum requirement of 16 inches to be classified as a rifle. Because of this, you will usually see a muzzle device pinned and welded to bring the full length of the barrel and device up to 16 inches. This is typically referred to as carbine length, and carbines are shorter, lighter versions of rifles. They are one of the most popular AR platforms as they are easy to shoot and maneuver, making them great all-around rifles. 16 Inches Next comes the 16-inch barrel. These are ideal for 9MM carbine rifle barrels. PC...

A rail system is a great thing to have on a firearm. Rail systems allow you to easily add accessories and are a standard feature on the AR15 platform. Rifles with a free-floating rail system, like the M4 carbine , are exceptionally versatile right out of the box.  You can also find rail systems integrated into AR10 rifles and variations of the pistol caliber carbine (PCC). If you have a gun with a rail system, have you taken full advantage of it? Here are a few tips to help you get more out of your rifle’s rail. Be Sure to Use Compatible Mounts  There are different mounting systems on the market, including Picatinny rails and proprietary systems. When buying mounts and rail accessories, you want to ensure you get compatible gear. Incompatible mounts may require constant adjusting or overtightening to work properly, which can damage the rail, the mount, or both. There’s a lot of cross-compatibility, but you want to keep this in mind as you add third-party mounts or a...

Winter is on its way. As temperatures fall, you take steps to get ready. You may have already unpacked your winter gear for the season or doing essential winterization tasks around the house. It’s also a good time to consider peppering your firearms for the season. The cold can impact the performance of your M4 carbine or any other firearm. Just as you take care of them after a trip to the range, it’s crucial to take care of them as cold weather sets in. Here are a few quick tips for getting your guns ready for the cold so you can depend on them all winter long. Bring Your Firearms Indoors After a hunting trip or day at the range, you might leave your firearms in your vehicle or garage. The firearms may be cased and locked, but during the cold weather months, a case might not be enough—especially if a firearm is left in the cold overnight. You may intend to use the firearm again the next day, but performance can degrade over time with continued cold exposure. Most notably, cold tem...

Whether you bought a new M4 carbine or are just tired of carrying your rifle by hand, it might be time to get a sling. Slings help you go hands-free when carrying your rifle and can also be used to give you a bump in accuracy. They are an essential accessory for AR-style rifles, whether at the range or in a competition. Here’s what you need to know about finding the right sling for your rifle. What Are the Different Types of Slings? There are three major types of slings: The one-point, two-point, and, you guessed it, the three-point sling. The first is little more than a loop and an attachment point. The second sling offers attachment points on either end of the rifle. The three-point sling is fairly uncommon, as one- and two-point slings are much more popular. It attaches to three different points on the rifle, which allows the rifle to fall towards your support side when you drop it. Which Sling Is Best? Which sling should you put on your M4A1 ? As mentioned earlier,...