Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol 5.56
$2,380.00
The Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol pairs a 10.3″ Cold Hammer Forged barrel with the RIS II quad rail Daniel Defense supplies to USSOCOM, delivering a genuinely mission-proven CQB platform in a non-NFA pistol format. It ships with an SB Tactical SBA3 brace, one 32-round DD Magazine, and a hard case — ready to run out of the box.
Out of stock
Description
Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol 5.56
The Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol is built for the shooter who wants the same CQB-proven platform trusted by Special Operations, without the NFA paperwork. Because it ships with a 10.3″ Cold Hammer Forged barrel and the RIS II quad rail Daniel Defense currently supplies to USSOCOM, this pistol delivers a genuinely mission-tested package rather than a civilian reinterpretation of one. The SB Tactical SBA3 brace offers five adjustable positions. Since the barrel is chrome-lined and HP/MPI tested, and the bolt carrier group is chrome-lined and properly staked, the internals are built to the same durability standard as Daniel Defense’s duty-rated rifles.
Additionally, the RIS II handguard uses Daniel Defense’s patented 6-bolt Bolt-Up System, so the rail stays rigid and free-floated even under hard use. The ambidextrous GRIP-N-RIP charging handle and ambidextrous safety selector mean the MK18 Pistol runs equally well for right- and left-handed shooters, while the flared magwell speeds up reloads under pressure. As a result, this is a platform that performs the same whether it’s running a suppressor for a home-defense setup or feeding a range session with cheap ball ammo.
Key Features — Daniel Defense MK18 Pistol
- 10.3″ Cold Hammer Forged barrel, Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, 1:7 twist, Government profile, chrome-lined, HP/MPI tested
- Daniel Defense RIS II MK18 quad rail with patented 6-bolt Bolt-Up System
- SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace with 5 positions of adjustability and ambidextrous QD swivel point
- Ambidextrous GRIP-N-RIP charging handle, engineered to redirect gas away from the shooter’s face
- Ambidextrous 2-position safety selector
- Daniel Defense Flash Suppressor, 17-4 PH stainless steel, salt bath nitride finish
- Mil-Spec 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers, Type III hard coat anodized
- Enhanced flared magazine well for faster, more secure reloads
- Daniel Defense Pistol Grip with integral trigger guard and soft-touch overmolding
- Ships with one DD Magazine (32-round) and a Daniel Defense Full-Latch Impact Plastic Case
- Made in the USA
Why This Product Stands Out
Daniel Defense didn’t scale down a rifle to make this pistol — they built it around the same 10.3″ barrel length and RIS II rail that USSOCOM runs, which is why the MK18 name carries actual weight instead of just marketing history. Because the barrel is government profile and cold hammer forged, it holds up to sustained strings of fire better than the thinner profiles found on many other AR pistols in this size class.
The SBA3 brace and ambidextrous controls make this a genuinely two-handed-friendly gun, not just a rifle with an asterisk. For that reason, it works equally well as a compact home-defense platform staged in a case at the nightstand or as a suppressor host for range days — Daniel Defense engineered the carbine-length gas system and low-profile gas block with suppressed fire in mind. Given the reputation Daniel Defense has built on quality control and USSOCOM contracts, this is a pistol buyers can trust to run exactly the way the spec sheet says it will.
Ideal Use Cases
- Home defense in a compact, maneuverable footprint
- Suppressor host for CQB-style range training
- Truck gun or vehicle-carry platform
- Law enforcement and duty-adjacent applications
- Collectors building out a USSOCOM-inspired lineup
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Daniel Defense |
| Model | MK18 Pistol (DDM4 MK18) |
| SKU / MPN | 02-088-01202 |
| UPC | 815604016742 |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Direct Impingement |
| Type | AR-15 Pistol |
| Caliber | 5.56mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 10.3″ |
| Barrel Profile | Government |
| Barrel Construction | Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel, Cold Hammer Forged, 1:7 Twist, Chrome Lined, HP/MPI Tested |
| Muzzle Thread | 1/2×28 TPI |
| Muzzle Device | Daniel Defense Flash Suppressor, 17-4 PH Stainless Steel |
| Gas System | Carbine Length, Direct Impingement, Low Profile Gas Block |
| Handguard | Daniel Defense RIS II MK18, 6061-T6 Aluminum, 6-Bolt Bolt-Up System |
| Receiver Material | 7075-T6 Aluminum, Mil-Spec |
| Finish | Black, Type III Hard Coat Anodized |
| Brace | SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace |
| Pistol Grip | Daniel Defense Pistol Grip, Glass Filled Polymer, Soft Touch Overmolding |
| Charging Handle | GRIP-N-RIP, Ambidextrous |
| Safety | Ambidextrous 2-Position Lever |
| Capacity | 32 Rounds |
| Overall Length | 28 5/8″ (with muzzle device) |
| Weight | 5.85 lbs |
| Included Accessories | 1x DD Magazine (32-Round), Daniel Defense Full-Latch Impact Plastic Case |
Compatibility Information
Magazine Compatibility: Ships with a Daniel Defense DD Magazine (32-round). Standard AR-15 5.56 NATO magazines are compatible with the magwell; confirm capacity restrictions in your state before purchase.
Optic Compatibility: The RIS II quad rail accepts any standard Picatinny-mount optic or mount. Daniel Defense’s own 30mm Optics Mount (single ring) is a verified direct fit for this rail.
Suppressor Compatibility: The 1/2×28 TPI muzzle thread accepts any suppressor or muzzle device built to that thread pitch and rated for 5.56 NATO.
Accessory Rail Compatibility: Full-length Picatinny quad rail accepts any Picatinny-mount light, laser, foregrip, or offset accessory. TX Arms has confirmed Daniel Defense’s own Rail Panels and Rail Mount QD Swivel Attachment Point as direct fits.
TX Arms Lifetime Warranty
This firearm is covered under our TX Arms Lifetime Warranty
Manufacturer: Daniel Defense | Model: MK18 Pistol | Type: AR Pistol | Caliber: 5.56mm NATO | UPC: 815604016742 | SKU: 02-088-01202
THIS FIREARM REQUIRES TRANSFER THROUGH A LICENSED FFL DEALER. ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS APPLY.