Whether it’s for tactical operations or self-defense, the AR is the first choice for many shooters. Smaller calibers like the 5.56mm work for most, but not all. Sometimes the mission requires a larger, more powerful round. Here the 7.62mm NATO is generally the first choice, and it’s popular around the world. Other specialty calibers certainly perform some tasks well, but none are as versatile and widely supported as the 7.62mm. In fact, suitable ammunition is available for every conceivable application, from CQB operations to long-range precision.
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Most NATO countries fielding larger calibers utilize the 7.62x51mm, making it available for contractors or those working overseas. Hunters also benefit from the 7.62mm’s abundance, as there are loads designed for controlled expansion, deep penetration and long-range accuracy. Many 7.62mm ARs have proven accurate and reliable with barrel lengths ranging from 13 to 20 inches, with 16-inch barrels being the most common. This barrel length offers usable ballistics out to 800 meters without making the rifle too heavy or unbalanced for easy handling.
More and more professionals are clamoring for 7.62mm ARs, and entry-level models and custom builds are cropping up all over the place. While there are great piston-driven rifles available, they can be heavy and costly, with some using proprietary magazines or other parts. There are some great rifles with interchangeable barrels and other enhancements, but they aren’t necessary for most needs. Law enforcement agencies and their armorers prefer simple direct-impingement rifles from companies with a proven track record of dependability, customer support and longevity. They need a rifle that can go to work right out of the box. One of the masters in this arena is Daniel Defense, and its new DD5V1, chambered in 7.62mm NATO, upholds the company’s reputation for producing accurate, reliable and ultra-durable rifles.
Upping The Ante
The DD5V1 starts with forged 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers that are designed for increased strength while remaining lightweight. The upper features a 16-inch, chrome-lined barrel that has been cold-hammer forged from chrome-moly-vanadium steel. It has Daniel Defense’s strength-to-weight (S2W) profile along with four-groove, 1-in-11-inch twist rifling for optimum accuracy over a broad range of ammunition. The barrel also has a longer extension that works with M4-style feed ramps for enhanced reliability. Finally, the barrel comes capped with Daniel Defense’s Superior Suppression Device (SSD), which helps reduce both muzzle flash and recoil.
Surrounding the barrel and mid-length gas system is a 15-inch, free-floating handguard with a full-length Picatinny top rail and KeyMod slots along the sides and bottom. Daniel Defense designed the DD5V1 so that the barrel and handguard attach to the upper receiver via an innovative four-bolt system that does away with a barrel nut. This increases accuracy without requiring any special tools.
The ambidextrous charging handle is modular—users can equip it with two different-sized latches—and it operates an improved bolt carrier group with enhanced extractor geometry, dual ejectors, an oversized cam pin and a proprietary low- friction coating.
The DD5V1’s forged lower receiver includes a flared magazine well, an integral, enlarged triggerguard and ambidextrous controls. The magazine release, safety and bolt release are easy to access from either side. A Geissele two-stage SSA trigger is installed, providing a crisp, clean, 4.5-pound break, which is perfect for duty applications. The trigger’s 2-pound second stage provides for precision when necessary and speed when required.
The Daniel Defense pistol grip shares the grip angle of a 1911 pistol while offering Soft Touch overmolding for extra comfort and control. It pairs nicely with Daniel Defense’s collapsible buttstock, which locks solidly in place, comes with two interchangeable buttpads and features the same Soft Touch overmolding. All together, the complete DD5V1 package comes in a hard case with a 20-round PMAG.
Big-Bore Enforcer
Removing my test DD5V1 from its case, my fist thought was that it was just about perfect for a patrol rifle. The handguard is narrow and flat at the bottom, allowing for a firm grip and solid use on barricades or other obstacles. I added a set of Daniel Defense fixed sights along with Trijicon’s new Miniature Rifle Optic (MRO) in a high mount. I also installed A BCM KeyMod QD sling mount along with a ZeroBravo KeyMod Reversible Hand Stop (RHS). There are flush cups on either side of the stock and at the back of the receiver, facilitating both single- and two-point slings. For group testing and some long-distance shooting, I used a U.S. Optics 1-8X SR-8C scope with a Horus H50 reticle.
With the U.S. Optics scope mounted, the DD5V1 was extremely accurate, with groups at or under an inch, and the best five-shot group (using Desert Tech’s 175-grain match ammo) measured 0.67 inches. With its 1-in-11-inch twist rate, the rifle was consistent over a broad range of bullet weights from 155 to 175 grains. Although it wasn’t the most accurate load during testing, the Hornady 155-grain TAP would be just about perfect for deployments—it’s soft shooting and consistent. Out to 300 yards, this load produced a 1.75-inch group, only a bit larger than the Desert Tech ammo. The A-MAX is a proven performer with consistent expansion and penetration, making it well suited to duty or self-defense applications.
The rifle worked just as well shooting groups at 50 yards with the MRO attached, with a few groups in the 0.5-inch range. Shooting from an unsupported prone, the rifle was flat-out accurate. From a kneeling position, and using the Hornady 155-grain TAP, it was very easy to keep all of my shots within a 3-inch circle. Moving back to 75 and then 100 yards, all my hits were centered on a 6-inch steel target. With just the MRO, the DD5V1 was dead-on accurate at 200 and even 300 yards.
The DD5V1 was very handy around barricades, obstacles and my FJ Cruiser. The handguard rested nicely on my Mystery Ranch pack for some field-expedient shooting. It was easy to maneuver around, off of and then back to cover. Some 7.62mm ARs can be barrel heavy, making one-handed operation difficult in confined spaces, but this rifle had no such issues.
Daniel Defense’s SSD muzzle device is moderately loud, suppresses flash well and directs the blast away from the shooter. It worked well in my range’s shoothouse, and this is a good compromise if you’re looking for a muzzle brake/flash suppressor. In such close quarters, I used the fixed sights to good effect. Normally at this close a range I just index the front sight; a rear sight is optional for me in these situations.
Proven Performance
I did not experience any malfunctions over a pretty broad spectrum of ammunition. Loading 20 rounds comprised of 10 different loads, the rifle never missed a beat. The ejection was also very consistent; the DD5V1 ejected every empty case with authority at about 3 o’clock. During rapid-fire strings, the pattern changed little, indicating that the spring and buffer weight were well tuned. No matter how fast the trigger was pulled, the DD5V1 rifle just kept ejecting spent brass in pretty much the same spot.
You’re always going to feel the recoil of 7.62mm ARs. That’s just the laws of physics. Piston-driven rifles tend to shoot softer but add a bit of weight. Given this rifle’s slim rail, light weight and excellent balance, it is a fair trade for me. In my experience, direct-impingement rifles in this chambering tend to be more consistently accurate with more types of ammo, and the DD5V1 was no exception.
The DD5V1 performed as expected. It’s an excellent rifle that is commensurate with Daniel Defense’s track record and proven reliability. Considering that this is the company’s first 7.62mm/.308, it sets a high bar in terms of accuracy, reliability and balance. Daniel Defense produces some of the most trusted rifles for professional use, and this new 7.62mm lives up to that reputation easily. If you’re in the market for this type of rifle, make sure you check out the DD5V1.
For more on the Daniel Defense DD5V1, call 866-554-4867 or visit danieldefense.com.
Specifications
- CALIBER: 7.62mm NATO
- BARREL: 16 inches
- OA LENGTH: 33.38-37 inches
- WEIGHT: 8.3 pounds (empty)
- STOCK: Collapsible
- SIGHTS: None
- ACTION: Direct impingement semi-auto
- FINISH: Matte black
- CAPACITY: 20+1
- MSRP: $2,899
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