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Daniel Defense

Daniel Defense MK12 Upper Receiver Group 18"

Precision 18" stainless steel URG with MK12 barrel profile and rifle-length gas system.

Quick Specs

Price
$1,632
Weight
5 lb 3.7 oz
Brand
Daniel Defense
Category
upper

Features

  • 5.56 NATO
  • 18" stainless steel CHF barrel
  • Rifle-length gas
  • DDM4 Rail 12.0 quad rail
  • BCG & GRIP-N-RIP CH included

Capability Boosts

Long Range+3
Reliability+2

Recommended For

Outdoor Defense+5
Range Training+3
Home Defense+2
Duty/Patrol+2

Compatibility Tags

family: ar-patterninterface: picatinny-topbarrel: long

Overview

The Daniel Defense MK12 Upper Receiver Group is purpose-built for precision applications, featuring an 18" stainless steel barrel with the MK12 profile that made the original SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) famous. The barrel is cold hammer forged with the chamber created during the forging process, ensuring the most precise alignment of chamber to bore possible. A DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) finish provides unprecedented accuracy and durability.

The MK12 barrel is engineered with a rifle-length direct impingement gas system, providing the smoothest possible cycling with reduced bolt carrier velocity and extended component life. The MK12 gas block is built to Crane Specifications for USSOCOM, precision CNC machined from 416 stainless steel with black oxide coating.

The upper is equipped with a free-floating DDM4 Rail 12.0 quad rail handguard, providing full Picatinny coverage for optics, bipods, and accessories essential for precision shooting. Every MK12 ships complete with Daniel Defense's M16 profile bolt carrier group (MPI tested, chrome lined) and the GRIP-N-RIP ambidextrous charging handle with anti-gas features.

Key Features

  • 18" stainless steel barrel, cold hammer forged, DLC finished
  • MK12 barrel profile for precision applications
  • Rifle-length gas system for smooth cycling
  • MK12 gas block built to Crane/USSOCOM specifications
  • DDM4 Rail 12.0 free-float quad rail handguard
  • M16 profile BCG, MPI tested with properly staked gas key
  • GRIP-N-RIP ambidextrous charging handle with anti-gas features
  • Daniel Defense flash suppressor included

Pros

  • +Stainless steel barrel delivers exceptional accuracy
  • +DLC finish extends barrel life significantly
  • +Rifle-length gas is smoothest cycling option
  • +MK12 profile optimized for precision shooting
  • +Crane-spec gas block matches military SPR builds
  • +Complete package with BCG and charging handle

Cons

  • Premium pricing for precision configuration
  • 18" barrel adds length and weight (5.23 lbs)
  • Quad rail heavier than M-LOK alternatives
  • Stainless barrel may not be ideal for high round count
  • Not suppressor-optimized like shorter gas systems

Detailed Specifications

caliber
5.56x45mm NATO
barrelLength
18"
barrelProfile
MK12
barrelMaterial
Proprietary Stainless Steel Blend, Cold Hammer Forged
barrelFinish
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)
twist
1:7
gasSystem
Rifle Length, Direct Impingement
gasBlock
MK12 Low Profile, 416 SS, Black Oxide (Crane Spec)
handguard
DDM4 Rail 12.0, Quad Rail, Free-Float
upperReceiver
7075-T6 Aluminum, Type III Hard Coat Anodized
bcg
M16 Profile, MPI Tested, Chrome Lined
chargingHandle
GRIP-N-RIP, Ambidextrous, Anti-Gas
muzzleDevice
DD Flash Suppressor, 17-4 PH SS, Salt Bath Nitride
threadPitch
1/2x28
weight
5.23 lbs
madeIn
USA

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