When it comes to AR-15 rifles, the market is flooded with options ranging from budget-friendly models to high-end, premium choices. While budget AR-15s might get the job done, there’s something to be said for investing in a high-end rifle. Today, we are looking at the LWRC M6 and Daniel Defense DDM4 RIII, both of which are high-end rifles.
Selecting a high-end AR isn’t any easier than a budget-friendly model. There may be fewer choices, but still plenty enough to give you a headache. When someone is looking at spending between $1,600-$2,000, it’s not uncommon for their list to include an LWRC and Daniel Defense.
I’m afraid I won’t be able to tell you which one is better because I love both of these ARs. However, we can definitely look at some of the differences between them, and maybe it will help you along your journey of selecting your next high-end AR-15.
I’ve put some ammo down range with both of these rifles, and they are two of the closest-matched rifles I’ve seen. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
LWRC M6 (Direct Impingement)
The LWRC M6 Direct Impingement (DI) is a workhorse of a rifle. For an off-the-shelve quality gun, everything feels custom on this AR. The first M6 model was a piston-driven AR, with the DI system being released afterward. I won’t get into the piston version today because we are comparing the DI models in both the LWRC and Daniel Defense.
We will discuss the materials used in both rifles, but let’s face it: We also care about looks. No matter how well a gun is made, if we are going to spend our hard-earned money, we also want it to look pretty, right?
One feature on the LWRC M6 that stands out above other rifles is the spiral-floured barrel. Besides looking really cool, it also reduces weight and improves heat dissipation. The barrel is made from cold hammer-forged steel, ensuring longevity and consistent accuracy. The M6 upper receiver is a proprietary upper that flares out to connect to the handguard. This design extends the length of the rail on the upper receiver, which is a benefit for those wanting to mount optics further down on the rail. It’s best to avoid crossing onto the handguard rail with an optic, so this is a great feature.
Another cool thing LWRC does is machine the barrel nut and upper receiver out of one piece of high-grade aluminum. The shape of the receiver connecting to the handguard is part of what makes the M6 rifles stand out. LWRC uses a NiCorr-treated bolt carrier group, which enhances its durability and provides smooth operation for the rifle.
Ambidextrous Controls and Gunfighter-Style Stock
The M6 has fully ambidextrous controls, which isn’t just a benefit for left-handed shooters. I like to use the left-side safety selector to turn the safety back on with my index finger, which reduces the amount of movement from the grip on the rifle.
The rifle comes with LWRC’s proprietary enhanced fire control group, which is a great nickel boron trigger—just what you would expect from a high-end rifle. My trigger gauge shows an average trigger pull of 5.5 pounds.
The M6 stock is narrow and somewhat reminds me of the BCM Gunfighter stock. Like most others, it is adjustable. QD attachments make it easy to attach a sling to either side of the stock.
Overall, the LWRC M6 is a solid rifle platform.
Daniel Defense DDM4 RIII
The Daniel Defense DDM4 A1 RIII is another top contender in the world of premium AR-15 rifles. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and superior engineering, Daniel Defense has built a reputation for producing some of the best rifles available. I must say the DDM4 RIII is one of my all-time favorites and has several features that also make it a great choice for a high-end AR-15.
One of the most notable aspects of the DDM4 RIII is its cold hammer-forged barrel. Made from Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, it is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear. This ensures the rifle remains accurate and reliable over time. The barrel also features a heavy phosphate coating and a chrome-lined bore, making it even more durable.
The DDM4 RIII’s receivers are CNC machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, providing a solid and lightweight platform. The handguard is Daniel Defense’s RIS III, a 12.5-inch, which is CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum to maximize strength without forfeiting its lighter weight. It’s also Type 3 Hard Coat Anodized for added durability.
You can also spot the DDM4 by the RIII handguard, which is a proprietary bolt attachment from Daniel Defense. Bolts run through the back of the barrel nut into the handguard, giving it a unique look and making it extremely durable. Daniel Defense used an M16 profile bolt carrier group, which is chrome-lined, phosphate-coated, and MP-tested. This ensures smooth operation and ease of maintenance.
The rifle also comes with an enhanced trigger that offers a crisp and consistent pull, which I found worked very well. However, I decided to upgrade the trigger to a Ballistic Engineering adjustable flat trigger.
Ambi controls and slim grip on the DDM4
The pistol grip on DDM4 is attached to the trigger guard, which is an interesting design. While I like the look of the DD grip, it’s a bit too slim for me. Because it’s attached to the trigger guard, you must also replace it in order to swap out the grip. This isn’t a huge deal, but something to keep in mind if you want to change out the grip.
The rifle is fully ambidextrous, including an ambidextrous safety selector, bolt, release, mag release, and charging handle. Daniel Defense also uses its own adjustable stock, which is somewhat square-looking and has grey texturing to match the grip. I like the length of the buttplate on the back of the stock, which provides a great platform for your shoulder to rest against.
How different are they?
When comparing the LWRC M6 and the Daniel Defense DDM4 RIII, there are several similarities and some smaller differences. I haven’t found anything negative about either rifle. I prefer the grip on the LWRC to the thinner Daniel Defense grip, but I like the Daniel Defense stock more than the slimmer LWRC stock.
Both rifles have smooth triggers, but I lean more towards LWRC’s trigger. There is nothing wrong with the Daniel Defense trigger, but the LWRC was a tad smoother when firing. A lot of people want to install a custom trigger, so this may not matter to some.
The handguards on these rifles also show distinct differences. Both handguards are lightweight and have room to mount M-LOK-compatible accessories. However, each one mounts in a unique way, giving it a unique look. It’s hard to pick a favorite between them.
Ambidextrous controls are present on both rifles, but their implementation varies slightly. Both are easy to use, but if I had to pick, I would say I like the Daneil Defense controls a little more. They fill just a bit larger to me and are easier to hit when I’m in a hurry.
In terms of barrel design, both rifles feature cold hammer-forged barrels, but the LWRC spiral barrel is kind of cool-looking. When you get past the looks, it is made from 41V45 steel with a NiCorr-treated conversion. This is supposed to be more durable for surface wear and more heat resistant than a hard chrome-lining barrel.
I’m not as familiar with this type of barrel as it compares to a chrome lining barrel, so I’ll do some additional research before I make a determination on which barrel I prefer.
Which one takes the cake?
Choosing between the LWRC M6 and the Daniel Defense DDM4 RIII ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Both rifles are exceptional in their own right, offering high-quality materials, advanced features, and reliable performance.
The LWRC M6 is a great choice for those who value a robust yet lightweight design, with features like the spiral fluted barrel and NiCorr-treated bolt carrier group enhancing its appeal. It’s a well-rounded rifle that excels in both durability and performance, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios.
On the other hand, the Daniel Defense DDM4 RIII stands out as well. It has one of the best reputations in the industry for its durability. They are well known for their well-made barrels, and the RIII rail system appears to be built like a tank.
Both rifles have their unique strengths, and either would be a worthy addition to any firearm collection. I don’t think I can say I like one rifle over the other, but both ARs make me want to head to the range for some fun.
So, which one is your favorite? You can’t go wrong with either of these high-end choices. The next time you’re on the hunt for a new rifle, give these two contenders a look.
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