Description

Daniel Defense MK18 SBR — 5.56 NATO 10.3" (Black / FDE Rail)

Name: Assault Rifle DANIEL DEFENSE MK18 SBR AR-15 - 5.56 NATO 10.3"
Brand: DANIEL DEFENSE
Price: 2685 CHF
Availability: InStock

The Daniel Defense MK18 SBR is the brand’s flagship rifle : the official configuration supplied to USSOCOM (United States Special Operations Command), with over 15,000 units in service among US special operations forces. Chambered in 5.56 x 45 NATO, built around a 10.3" Cold Hammer Forged barrel and the legendary RIS II Bolt-Up System handguard, it represents the absolute reference of modern tactical CQB. Available in full black or FDE anodized rail (upper/lower black) finish.

An operational legend

The MK18 is not just another short-barreled AR-15 : it is the reference CQB platform, born from a USSOCOM specification and forged through operator feedback from special forces units. Its 10.3" barrel is the length validated by CQB units for the perfect balance between maximum compactness, useful accuracy to 200 meters, and suppressor compatibility. The RIS II handguard with its Bolt-Up mounting system, rigorously tested prior to military fielding, delivers unmatched mechanical stability for mounting optics, lasers, lights and accessories.

Technical specifications

Caliber: 5.56 x 45 NATO (.223 Rem compatible)
Type: short-barreled semi-automatic AR-15 rifle (SBR) — USSOCOM configuration
Barrel length: 10.3" (262 mm)
Barrel profile: Government
Barrel material: Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, Cold Hammer Forged, chrome-lined
Barrel treatment: mil-spec heavy phosphate, HP/MPI tested
Twist rate: 1:7"
Muzzle thread: 1/2 x 28 TPI
Muzzle device: Daniel Defense Flash Suppressor (17-4 PH stainless steel, salt bath nitrided) — reduced flash signature vs A2 birdcage
Gas system: carbine-length, direct impingement
Gas block: pinned low profile, 4140 hardened steel, heavy phosphate
Upper & lower: CNC machined 7075-T6 aluminum, Type III hard-coat anodized black, ambidextrous safety selector
Lower: flared magwell, integrated rear QD point
Upper: M4 feed ramps, indexing marks
Handguard: Daniel Defense MK18 RIS II, Picatinny quad rail, Bolt-Up System mounting (validated by USSOCOM prior to military fielding), free-float, CNC 6061-T6
Handguard finish: Type III hard-coat anodized (Black) or FDE anodizing (FDE variant)
Rail ladders: 3 low-profile Santoprene ladders included (heat resistant to 300°F / 149°C)
BCG: M16 profile, chrome-lined, MP tested, properly staked gas key
Charging handle: independently ambidextrous GRIP-N-RIP, CNC 7075/6061
Buffer: H buffer, 6-position mil-spec 7075-T6 tube
Buttstock: Daniel Defense Buttstock, glass-filled polymer, soft-touch overmolding, non-slip cheek weld, interchangeable butt pads, integral QD point
Pistol grip: Daniel Defense Pistol Grip, glass-filled polymer, soft-touch overmolding, ergonomic wrist angle
Trigger: mil-spec Daniel Defense
Sights: not included (continuous 1913 Picatinny rail, ready for red dot / optic)
Overall length: 680 mm collapsed — 759 mm extended (26 3/4" – 29 7/8") with muzzle device
Weight: 2.67 kg (5.88 lb) without magazine
Available finishes: Black (all-black) / FDE (FDE-anodized RIS II rail, black upper/lower/furniture)
Made in: USA, Black Creek (Georgia)

Key benefits

USSOCOM heritage: over 15,000 units in service with US special forces — absolute operational validation.
10.3" Cold Hammer Forged barrel: the CQB reference length, military-grade accuracy and longevity.
RIS II Bolt-Up System handguard: mechanical stability tested by USSOCOM prior to fielding — the reference rail for modern SBRs.
Maximum compactness: the shortest of the DDM4/DD4 line-up — 680 mm collapsed.
Ambidextrous safety selector out of the box: complete ergonomics for strong or support hand.
Suppressor compatibility: 10.3" barrel engineered from the start for use with sound suppressors (operator standard configuration).
Reduced-signature flash suppressor: improved design vs A2 birdcage.
Iconic silhouette: globally recognized, the ultimate tactical collector piece.

Use cases

Tactical CQB training: the reference configuration for confined-space training and dynamic indoor work.
Service use: configuration adopted by special forces — regulated professional use.
Suppressor platform: the 10.3" barrel is optimal for suppressed use (balance, contained overall length).
Compact dynamic sport shooting: CQB-configuration 3-Gun, specialized SBR matches.
Premium tactical collection: the MK18 is the iconic piece for serious AR-15 collectors, rare in Switzerland.

About the "FDE" variant

The MK18 in FDE finish from Daniel Defense features Flat Dark Earth anodizing on the RIS II handguard only. The upper receiver, lower receiver, buttstock, pistol grip and flash suppressor remain in black finish. This two-tone configuration is intentional and signature — it matches historical lots deployed by special forces and is identifiable at a glance.