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Daniel Defense

Daniel Defense MK18 Upper Receiver Group

Iconic 10.3" 5.56 NATO URG with RIS II quad rail, the same configuration used by USSOCOM.

Quick Specs

Price
$1,517
Weight
3 lb 8 oz
Brand
Daniel Defense
Category
upper

Features

  • 5.56 NATO
  • 10.3" CHF barrel
  • Carbine gas
  • RIS II quad rail
  • BCG & GRIP-N-RIP CH included

Capability Boosts

Reliability+2
CQB+3

Recommended For

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

Compatibility Tags

family: ar-patterninterface: picatinny-topbarrel: ultra-compact

Overview

The Daniel Defense MK18 Upper Receiver Group is the commercial version of the upper receiver used by US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Built around a 10.3" cold hammer forged barrel, the MK18 configuration has been battle-proven in conflicts worldwide and remains the gold standard for close-quarters battle rifles.

The defining feature is the RIS II (Rail Interface System II) quad rail handguard, which has been rigorously tested by USSOCOM and adopted for the Block II SOPMOD program. The RIS II features Daniel Defense's bolt-up mounting system for rock-solid attachment, with Picatinny rails at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. Included Santoprene rail panels (heat-resistant to 300°F) provide grip and protection when rails are not in use.

Every MK18 URG ships complete with an M16 profile bolt carrier group (MPI tested, chrome lined) and the GRIP-N-RIP ambidextrous charging handle. The 1:7 twist barrel stabilizes both 55gr and 77gr projectiles, maximizing the versatility of the 5.56 NATO cartridge in a compact package.

Key Features

  • Cold hammer forged 10.3" barrel, chrome lined, HP/MPI tested
  • RIS II quad rail handguard (USSOCOM-tested bolt-up system)
  • Santoprene rail panels included (heat-resistant to 300°F)
  • M16 profile BCG, MPI tested with properly staked gas key
  • GRIP-N-RIP ambidextrous charging handle
  • 7075-T6 aluminum upper receiver with M4 feed ramps
  • Daniel Defense flash suppressor

Pros

  • +Battle-proven configuration used by USSOCOM
  • +RIS II provides maximum accessory mounting flexibility
  • +Compact 10.3" barrel ideal for CQB and vehicle operations
  • +Complete package with BCG and charging handle
  • +Rail panels protect hands and provide grip texture
  • +Daniel Defense lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Quad rail heavier than M-LOK alternatives
  • 10.3" barrel requires SBR registration or pistol build
  • Increased muzzle flash and blast in 5.56 NATO
  • Rail panels add bulk compared to M-LOK systems

Detailed Specifications

caliber
5.56mm NATO
barrelLength
10.3"
barrelProfile
Government
barrelMaterial
Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel, Cold Hammer Forged
barrelFinish
Chrome Lined, Mil-Spec Heavy Phosphate
twist
1:7
gasSystem
Carbine Length, Direct Impingement
gasBlock
Pinned Low Profile, 4140 Steel, Phosphate
handguard
RIS II MK18, 6061-T6 Aluminum, Quad Rail
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 Flash Suppressor, 17-4 PH SS, Salt Bath Nitride
threadPitch
1/2x28
weight
3.5 lbs
madeIn
USA

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