The Daniel Defense 5.56 NATO Mid-Length Lightweight Barrel (Daniel Defense part no. 07-078-09136-018) brings genuine mil-spec accuracy and durability to an AR15 build without the extra weight of a government profile. Cut to 16 inches with a mid-length gas system and a 1-in-7 twist rate, it’s built to run the full spectrum of 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington loads, including heavier, longer-range bullets. Daniel Defense cold hammer forges every barrel in this line, a process that uses carbide hammers and a mandrel to create the chamber, lands, and grooves in a single defect-free operation for a longer-lasting, more consistent bore. It’s a strong choice for shooters building a lightweight home-defense, range, or duty carbine who don’t want to compromise on barrel quality.

Key Specifications

• Chambered in .223 Remington/5.56 NATO, giving it compatibility with the widest range of factory ammunition on the market.
• Cut to a 16-inch length, meeting the federal minimum rifle barrel length while keeping the carbine maneuverable.
• Rifled with a 1-in-7 twist rate that stabilizes heavier, longer 5.56 bullets for improved long-range performance.
• Built on a mid-length gas system for smoother cycling and reduced bolt carrier velocity compared to a carbine-length setup.
• Machined to a lightweight contour that trims weight off the front of the rifle without sacrificing rigidity.
• Cold hammer forged using carbide hammers and a mandrel, the same process Daniel Defense uses across its barrel line for accuracy and longevity.
• Forging the barrel around a mandrel produces a defect-free bore and a highly consistent chamber shot to shot.
• Classified by Daniel Defense as an All Purpose profile, suited to range, home-defense, and general-purpose carbine use.
• Compatible with mil-spec AR15/M4 upper receivers, dropping into most factory and aftermarket builds using standard barrel nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gas system length does this barrel use? It’s built on a mid-length system, which runs smoother and puts less stress on the bolt carrier than a carbine-length gas system at this barrel length.

What twist rate does it have? A 1-in-7 twist, which stabilizes the full range of 5.56 NATO bullet weights, including heavier 69- to 77-grain match loads.

Why does cold hammer forging matter for barrel quality? The process compresses the barrel around a mandrel under extreme pressure, producing a defect-free bore and a more consistent chamber than button- or cut-rifled barrels typically achieve.

Buy the Daniel Defense 5.56 NATO Mid-Length Lightweight Barrel

Order this Daniel Defense barrel from our AR barrels selection and build a lighter, more accurate carbine on a proven mil-spec platform. Ships fast from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop with fully insured delivery.