A while back I decided that I needed a basic AR15 carbine in 5.56. I have a very nice bull barrel gun, and a couple of other calibers, but wanted something lighter, but still with an emphasis on accuracy, in a 5.56. I've been pleased so far with a Daniel M4 V5 in .300 Blackout - accurate, with flawless function.
Daniel's Mk12 caught my eye. I don't get interested much in the tacticool aspects of the rifle or its designation. I was more interested in how it works, and how it shoots.
https://danieldefense.com/firearms/rifle-length/daniel-defense-mk12.htmlThe barrel is an 18" medium weight design, cold hammer forged, stainless, and nitrided. Twist is 1 in 7". The gas system is of rifle length, and DD's 12" rail is installed - one of the more ergonomic, slim quad rails I have handled. A Geissele SSA trigger is standard, and the rest of the rifle features mil-spec quality components.
I tried two handloads, the 60gr Nosler Partition and the 64gr Nosler Bonded, both over 24.5gr of TAC. The brass for the handloads was a commercially prepped, mixed lot "ready to load" but I found case weight varied a lot, so I sorted the brass by weight, to � 1gr. Although trimmed to length it was barely deburred, and I suspect that hurt accuracy a little. I only shot at 50 yards with it, as I was also working with a couple of iron-sighted rifles. For a scope I had a Leupold VX-R 1.25-4 with the thick "PigPlex" reticle. An okay scope for woods hunting, not so great for precision target shooting. I also tried the Federal Fusion 62gr factory load.
When I did my part, the rifle kept shots touching at 50 yards, with an occasional flyer that was more than likely my fault. All of the loads functioned perfectly, and shot well. My take is the gun is worthy of a better scope, and more care in the handload development. DD's proprietary buttstock feels nice, but was awkward to use with a rear rest.
Although I received a decent discount off list, one could very possibly build a rifle of equal function and accuracy at lower cost - though I don't know who might be selling component barrels that are forged stainless, with nitriding. It is an appealing package, and I look forward to working with it in the future. If one is looking at a Noveske, a LaRue, or a similar higher-end AR, Daniel's Mk12 is worth a look as well.
Be fairly hard to fry it, even on hot days.