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Daniel Defense

Daniel Defense M4A1 RIII Upper Receiver Group 14.5"

Premium 14.5" 5.56 NATO URG with RIS III M-LOK handguard, pinned and welded to 16" OAL.

Quick Specs

Price
$1,612
Weight
4 lb
Brand
Daniel Defense
Category
upper

Features

  • 5.56 NATO
  • 14.5" CHF barrel (16" P&W)
  • Mid-length gas
  • RIS III 12.5" M-LOK
  • BCG & GRIP-N-RIP CH included

Capability Boosts

Reliability+2
Modularity+1
Long Range+1

Recommended For

Duty/Patrol+3
Outdoor Defense+3
Home Defense+2
Competition
Range Training

Compatibility Tags

family: ar-patterninterface: picatinny-tophandguard: mlokbarrel: standard

Overview

The M4A1 RIII Upper Receiver Group is Daniel Defense's flagship 14.5" offering, combining their proven M4A1 barrel profile with the new RIS III M-LOK handguard system. The 14.5" cold hammer forged barrel features a pinned and welded extended flash suppressor to achieve 16" overall barrel length for non-NFA compliance, making this an ideal choice for rifle builds without SBR registration.

The mid-length gas system provides smooth, reliable cycling with reduced felt recoil compared to carbine-length systems, while also extending component life. The RIS III 12.5" handguard offers generous rail real estate for lights, lasers, and accessories through its M-LOK attachment points, while the full-length Picatinny top rail accommodates any optic mounting solution.

This complete upper receiver group includes Daniel Defense's M16 profile bolt carrier group (MPI tested with properly staked gas key) and the GRIP-N-RIP ambidextrous charging handle. Every component meets Daniel Defense's exacting quality standards, backed by their lifetime warranty.

Key Features

  • Cold hammer forged 14.5" barrel (16" with P&W flash suppressor)
  • M4 Government barrel profile, chrome lined, HP/MPI tested
  • RIS III 12.5" M-LOK handguard with 6-bolt mounting system
  • Mid-length gas system for smooth cycling
  • M16 profile BCG, MPI tested with properly staked gas key
  • GRIP-N-RIP ambidextrous charging handle
  • Daniel Defense extended flash suppressor, pinned and welded

Pros

  • +Non-NFA compliant 16" OAL with pinned flash suppressor
  • +Mid-length gas provides smooth operation and extended part life
  • +Complete package with BCG and ambidextrous charging handle
  • +RIS III M-LOK offers modern mounting with weight savings
  • +Daniel Defense quality and lifetime warranty
  • +Chrome lined barrel for durability and easy cleaning

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Pinned flash suppressor cannot be easily changed
  • Not compatible with suppressors without suppressor-height mount
  • Heavier than lightweight-focused alternatives

Detailed Specifications

caliber
5.56x45mm NATO
barrelLength
14.5" (16" with P&W muzzle device)
barrelProfile
M4 Government
barrelMaterial
Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel, Cold Hammer Forged
barrelFinish
Chrome Lined, Mil-Spec Heavy Phosphate
twist
1:7
gasSystem
Mid-Length, Direct Impingement
gasBlock
Pinned Low Profile, 4140 Steel, Phosphate
handguard
RIS III 12.5", 6061-T6 Aluminum, M-LOK
upperReceiver
7075-T6 Aluminum, Type III Hard Coat Anodized
bcg
M16 Profile, MPI Tested, Chrome Lined
chargingHandle
GRIP-N-RIP, 7075-T6 Aluminum, Ambidextrous
muzzleDevice
DD Extended Flash Suppressor, Pinned & Welded
threadPitch
1/2x28
madeIn
USA

Compatible Platforms

+54 more

Pairs Well With

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