Frequently Asked Questions
COUNTERFEITS
Airsoft Copies/ Knock Offs/ Policy Relative to Purchases of knock-off products?
Unfortunately, there are many companies, most overseas, that are producing substandard counterfeit parts and branding them as genuine Daniel Defense parts. Most counterfeit parts are being sold on eBay and other auction sites, and sometimes at gun shows. We recommend that you only purchase Daniel Defense products through a reputable dealer. If you feel that you have received a counterfeit part, please contact us so that we can attempt to validate its authenticity. If it is deemed to be a fake, please provide us with the seller’s information so that we can contact them directly.
DEALERS
I am an FFL dealer. I would like to carry Daniel Defense products. How can I sign up to be a dealer?
At this time Daniel Defense does not have the capacity to accept new direct dealers of our products. Daniel Defense products are available from many nationwide distributors such as Lipsey’s, RSR Group, Sports South, Bangers, Bill Hicks, Zanders, and Shooting Sports Wholesale. NFA items are available from, RSR Group, Lipsey’s, Bangers, and Sports South.
Where can I find a Daniel Defense Dealer near my location?
Please utilize our Dealer Locator tool located on our website by clicking HERE. Please note many retailers also carry our products sourced from distribution channels. Those dealers most likely will not be on the dealer locator.
What is an FFL and why must I have my gun sent to a Dealer with an FFL?
A Federal Firearms License (also referred to as FFL) is required by anyone engaging in the sale or transfer of firearms in the United States. The FFL entitles the dealer to receive and transfer firearms in accord with the laws set forth by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). Therefore, to receive your firearm, it must first be transferred to a licensed dealer where the appropriate transfer paperwork can be processed.
LE/MILITARY DISCOUNT
What does Daniel Defense require to be qualified for a LE/MIL Discount?
We are honored to provide discounted pricing to all active duty, veteran, and retired military and law enforcement personnel. To become eligible the first thing you need to do is register an account on our website. Once that has been completed, send an email with a copy of your credentials to [email protected] for a member of the MIL/LE team to verify eligibility and update the account to the discounted pricing. If you email us from a non-government email address we will reply with a request for proof of service. This can be a copy of an ID card, a DD-214, or any other document that shows your military or law enforcement service. We will then update your account online and notify you via email.
Once approved for the discount, will I be refunded for any previous purchases?
The MIL/LE discount will not be applied retroactively to orders placed before having your MILE account established.
MILITARY CONTRACTS
Does Daniel Defense hold any Government Contracts?
Daniel Defense is the sole source provider of RIS II Rail Systems for US Special Operations Command. This is an IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contract that was awarded in 2005. To Date, Daniel Defense has delivered approximately 30,000 units to USSOCOM.
We are also the sole source provider of the L85 Rail Platform to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense. This is also an IDIQ contract that was awarded in 2008. To date, Daniel Defense has delivered approximately 110,000 units to the UK MOD.
MRF Access
Where can I access Daniel Defense MRFs?
This link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.
OWNER'S MANUAL
Do you have a downloadable version of the Daniel Defense rifle manual?
The owner’s manual for your Daniel Defense Rifle, as well as instructions for other products, can be found by clicking HERE!
PURCHASING / ORDERS
I am interested in ordering a firearm or upper receiver group. How can I order?
There are multiple avenues in which to acquire Daniel Defense firearms, upper receiver groups, parts, and accessories. You can purchase from many Daniel Defense dealers, as well as directly through Daniel Defense. Please utilize our dealer locator tool on our website by clicking HERE. Please note that just because a specific dealer isn’t listed on our dealer locator does not mean that they cannot obtain our products. Daniel Defense has a nationwide distributor network in which many dealers receive products.
Daniel Defense does sell firearms and all of its products (with the exception of NFA firearms and suppressors) on DanielDefense.com.
If I place an order in advance for a rifle or URG, and use a credit card, when will it be charged?
Daniel Defense products must be paid for in full at the time of order to ensure there aren’t complications when it comes time to ship.
I purchased a new firearm. What is included with my purchase?
In the box you should find the firearm, a Daniel Defense owner’s manual, and one magazine (where state law permits), as well as any other components for the specific firearm being purchased. This will be included inside a Daniel Defense hard plastic case with foam lining.
I live in Canada and would like to find Daniel Defense parts & accessories. Who carries your product?
Daniel Defense parts & accessories are available from Wolverine Supplies in Canada exclusively (http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/).
I ordered a DDM4 from a dealer. The dealer said they have not received it. Can you tell me when you are sending guns to that specific dealer?
Information regarding a certain dealer's order can only be communicated to that dealer. Please contact them if you require more information.
What is the status of my order?
When you place your order, you will be provided with a “Build Date” or “Delivery Date” at the time of your order. This date will also appear on your Order Confirmation. This Date is the Monday of the week your order will be fulfilled. If you place an order online, the product is IN STOCK and will ship in 3-4 Business Days. NOTE: Firearm orders must pass stringent compliance checks, and typically ship in 7-10 business days once the order is processed. Non-firearm orders typically ship in 3-5 business days once processed.
When ordering online, you will notice your order status as “Pending”, “Processed”, or “Cancelled.” Brief explanations are as follows:
Pending: Your order has been placed, but a representative has not reviewed the order for processing.
Processed: Your order has been reviewed and entered into our system. It is our policy to ship orders in 2-3 business days. When your order is shipped, you will receive an e-mail with your tracking information included.
What are Daniel Defense’s Payment Terms?
Orders for products purchased on DanielDanielDefense.com will be charged at the time of purchase. Daniel Defense does offer financing options. For more information click HERE.
Does Daniel Defense accept backorders?
Daniel Defense does not accept backorders.
I would like to purchase a Daniel Defense stripped or complete LRG (Lower Receiver Group) but I can’t seem to find any. Are they available to order?
At this time, they are not. Daniel Defense does not offer complete nor stripped lower receivers.
When will firearms for Colorado and Vermont be shipped?
Daniel Defense is 100% compliant, 100% of the time. As such, laws vary state-by-state. To remain compliant, customers in Colorado and Vermont will not be shipped a magazine with their firearm purchase, which requires us to maintain state-compliant SKUs. As we do not keep these SKUs in inventory, instead, orders from these states are placed on the first available build date, which is typically 21 to 28 days from the original purchase date.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
How do I obtain replacement parts for my firearm?
Daniel Defense offers an assortment of replacement parts at DanielDefense.com including critical component kits for DDM4 and DD5 firearms. If you're unable to locate a specific part on our website and need to obtain replacement parts, please click on the following link, complete the form, and submit it.
RESTRICTIONS / NFA ITEMS
What is legal for me to own in my state?
First and foremost, it is of the utmost importance for every firearm owner to research their state laws on firearms that may affect or restrict their ability to purchase a Daniel Defense firearm, upper receiver, and/or parts and accessories. Generally, our carbines can be shipped unmodified to all states, excluding CA, CT, DE, DC, IL, NJ, NY, MA, MD, and WA, due to state restrictions. The only state-compliant AR15 firearm we manufacture at this time is California, which comes complete with an AR Mag Lock and a 10-round magazine. Due to state restrictions, standard model URGs can be shipped unmodified to most states, excluding CT, DE, IL, NY, NJ, MA, and WA. Due to high-capacity magazine restrictions in these states, firearms being shipped to CO, HI, RI, and VT will be shipped without a magazine.
I live in an AWB state. Do you offer an AWB Compliant Firearm?
We do not offer an AWB Compliant firearm direct from Daniel Defense.
What is an NFA Firearm, and how does the process to purchase one work?
An NFA Firearm is a weapon that has been categorized by the National Firearms Act of 1934. These weapons include Short Barrel Rifles (SBR’s), Short Barrel Shotguns (SBS’s) Machineguns, Silencers, and Any Other Weapon (AOW) which meet limited other characteristics. The BATFE collects a $200 Tax associated with these types of weapons. Daniel Defense does not sell NFA firearms or Suppressors directly to consumers. Please contact your local Class 3 Dealer for additional information on purchasing one of these firearms.
RETURNS
How do I return a product to you?
Returns/Exchanges/Refunds
We have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on all of our products and want our customers to be completely satisfied with any purchase they make from us. If for any reason you are not happy with our product, simply return the product in as new condition with a copy of your invoice and we will offer you a replacement, exchange, or full refund for the initial purchase price (minus shipping costs). If you are returning due to a manufacturer error/defect, contact customer support to receive an RMA (Returns Material Authorization) as well as a UPS shipping label for return on us.
Requirements
- Please contact our warranty department to create an RMA before shipping items to ensure they are processed in a timely fashion. CLICK HERE
- Merchandise must be in new condition with original packaging.
- Merchandise must be return shipped in a protective box.
- Full refund including shipping if the return resulted from our error.
- Otherwise, we will deduct the shipping costs from your refund.
- Refunds for items purchased directly from Daniel Defense will be returned to the original purchase method.
- Refunds for items purchased through our Financing Partner, Expert Voice, or other special programs, will be credited to those partners who will refund customers directly (processing times may vary).
- Any other refunds will be issued via Check delivered by USPS.
- Please provide a copy of the receipt or sales order number to expedite the process.
- The customer will receive a refund within 10 business days of our receiving your return.
Faulty Products
If the product has been used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions but is faulty, defective, unfit for purpose, or does not match the sample/description please contact our Customer Service team to obtain an RMA (Returns Material Authorization) as well as UPS shipping label for return. Where the product is determined faulty or unfit for purpose we will repair/replace or provide you with a refund or exchange.
Firearm Service and Repair
- Should your firearm require adjustment or repair, make sure it is NOT LOADED then call Daniel Defense Customer Service at (912)851-4656 or submit a Warranty/Missing Parts contact form to obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) as well as a UPS shipping label for return.
- Please remove any accessories before shipping and do not include any explosives.
- If you are returning an item for any reason and do not have a Returns Materials Authorization or have not spoken with a Customer Service Representative do not return an item to Daniel Defense.
SALES TAX
Does Daniel Defense charge sales tax for items purchased on DanielDefense.com?
Daniel Defense calculates, collects, and remits tax on sales on DanielDefense.com. The tax rate applied to your order will be the combined state and local rates of the address where your order is delivered to.
SHIPPING
I ordered a product from Daniel Defense. How will it be shipped?
Your product will be shipped via FedEx-Home Delivery. Even if you order a rifle from us shipping to your FFL, it will be listed as FedEx-Home Delivery. This does not mean it is being shipped to your home. It’s simply another name for FedEx Ground. However, small parts and accessories are shipped USPS, UPS Ground, or FedEx, depending on the order.
If you purchase accessories or anything else along with a firearm, please note that ALL items will ship to the dealer you selected during checkout. Your order may be shipped in multiple shipments, as firearms and accessories are stored in different inventory locations and may be processed separately.
How will I know when it has been shipped?
When your order is shipped, you will receive an e-mail with your tracking information included.
TECHNICAL
What profile barrels does Daniel Defense offer?
We offer 5 barrel profiles for our AR line currently: Lightweight (LW), M4, Government, Strength 2 Weight (S2W®), and MK12. The Lightweight profile is our lightest barrel profile and is available in 14.5” and 16” Lengths in both carbine and mid-length gas systems. The M4 profile incorporates the cut for the M203 in the barrel and is available in 14.5” and 16” lengths only. Government Profile barrels lack the M203 cuts and are available in lengths ranging from 10.3” to 16”. The S2W profile is a heavier profile and is only available in a mid-length gas system in 16” and 18” lengths. The MK12 barrel is an 18" stainless barrel that's DLC finished. Our DD5 line of firearms uses a Strength 2 Weight profile barrel and is available in 16” and 18” lengths. Our DELTA 5 and DELTA 5 PRO bolt-action rifles offer Heavy Palma as well as Varmint profiles and are available in 20” (.308), and 24” (6.5 Creedmoor), and 26" (6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor).
Does Daniel Defense Offer custom gunsmithing?
Daniel Defense currently does not offer custom gunsmithing. We ask that you seek the expertise of a local gunsmith for all gunsmithing services to include rail system installation, barrel installation, etc. If you do not have a gunsmith in your area who can perform the work that you are seeking, please contact us so that we can try to point you in the right direction. Depending on the circumstances, we may agree to perform the work should no other means be available to you. This will only be offered on a case-by-case basis and fees will vary.
Does Daniel Defense Require a Break-in Procedure for your barrel?
Because we Cold Hammer Forge our barrels, they do not require a break-in procedure as a cut-rifled barrel would.
What ammunition is recommended for use in Daniel Defense rifles?
We only recommend the use of factory-loaded, brass-cased ammunition. We urge all of our customers to stay away from steel-cased ammo and reloads. In regards to our 5.56 carbines, all are chambered and function tested with 5.56 ammunition. It is safe to shoot .223 Rem but not all will perform on the same level. Find some ammo that works, and stick with it.
What twist rates does Daniel Defense produce?
While we have offered several variations in the past, the current twist rates are as follows:
- 5.56NATO- 1:7
- 6.8SPC II- 1:11
- 300BLK- 1:8
- 7.62x51mm (.308)- 1:11
- .260 Remington- 1:7
- .308 (DELTA 5/DELTA 5 PRO)- 1:10
- 6.5 Creedmoor (DELTA 5/DELTA 5 PRO)- 1:8
- 6mm Creedmoor (DELTA 5 PRO)- 1:7.5
What calibers does Daniel Defense offer?
We currently offer AR-style rifles and pistols chambered in 5.56, 6.8 SPC, 300 AAC Blackout as well as 7.62x51mm. Our DELTA 5 bolt-action rifle has three options: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 7mm-08 Rem.
What are the differences between Carbine, Mid-Length, and Pistol Length gas systems?
Historically, the M4 Carbine was designed with a carbine length gas system; therefore, most commercially available M4 carbines that are on the market today are built with this in mind. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a carbine-length gas system on a 16” barreled M4, but it does produce more gas pressure than necessary to make the gun operate.
The Mid-Length Gas System was developed solely around a 16” barrel. The gas port is a couple of inches closer to the muzzle, thus reducing dwell time, gas pressures, and overall perceived felt recoil.
Pistol Length Gas Systems are only prominent on barrels shorter than or equal to 10.3”. Currently, Daniel Defense manufactures two rifles with this gas system length. These rifles are the 300 Blackout SBR and the ISR in 300 Blackout.
What can I expect in regards to accuracy out of a Daniel Defense Rifle?
Accuracy is a very subjective topic and a lot of variables come into play such as ammo, optic, shooter, and weather conditions. Each rifle is going to perform a little differently so we recommend trying a few different types of ammunition to find what shoots best. At a very minimum, you should be able to cover a 5-shot group at 100 yards with your fist.
In regards to our 5.56 rifles with 1:7 twist ratios, you will achieve the best accuracy with bullets that weigh 62 grains and heavier.
Does the DELTA 5 Bolt-Action Rifle offer an accuracy guarantee?
All DELTA 5 rifles are guaranteed to shoot .75 MOA or less at 100 yards when used with quality factory match-grade ammunition.
All DELTA 5 PRO rifles are guaranteed to shoot .50 MOA or less at 100 yards when used with quality factory match-grade ammunition.
WARRANTY
What warranty do you offer?
Warranty Policy/Warranty Claims
We offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on all manufacturer defects. Guarantees are transferable. If any item we manufacture is faulty, defective, or broken due to manufacturing, we will repair/replace it at no additional cost to you. Daniel Defense DOES NOT require the firearm to be registered for warranty repair.
At Daniel Defense, we work to redefine the benchmarks of quality and service. We have invested in our employees, our equipment, and our relationships to ensure we continue to provide our customers with on-time deliveries of defect-free products at competitive prices. In both manufacturing and administration, Daniel Defense is creating a culture of precision that will continuously improve as we continue to become a top defense manufacturer. You will be satisfied with our products and service. I guarantee it.Marty Daniel, Founder & Executive Chairman
Warranty Claims
If you experience any issues with our products due to manufacturer defects, contact a Customer Service Representative to obtain an RMA (Returns Material Authorization) as well as a UPS shipping label for return. Once receiving the item, we will repair/replace it to ensure your issues are resolved or offer a refund/exchange if necessary.
Contact our Warranty Department
Please submit any requests at Warranty/Missing Parts