Daniel Defense 5.56 14.5" Government Barrel 1:7 Cold Hammer Forged
Daniel Defense
$357.69
(No reviews yet)
Write a Review
Daniel Defense
Daniel Defense 5.56 14.5" Government Barrel 1:7 Cold Hammer Forged
The Daniel Defense 5.56 14.5" Government Barrel delivers military-grade precision and durability for serious AR-15 builders, featuring cold hammer forged construction from Daniel Defense's own Black Creek, Georgia manufacturing facility.
- Cold hammer forged from bar stock for maximum accuracy and barrel longevity
- 1:7 twist rate stabilizes 62–77 grain projectiles including M855 and Mk262
- 14.5" government profile balances weight savings with front-end rigidity
- Defect-free bore and consistent chamber from hydraulic mandrel forging process
- Chambered in 5.56 NATO — fully compatible with .223 Remington ammunition
- Made entirely in-house at Daniel Defense's state-of-the-art Georgia facility
Who This Is For
This barrel is ideal for AR-15 enthusiasts building a duty-grade or mil-spec rifle, competition shooters who demand consistent accuracy, and SBR builders seeking a battle-proven government profile. It's also an excellent upgrade for anyone replacing a worn or entry-level barrel with something built to a higher standard of quality and longevity.
Specifications
| Brand | Daniel Defense |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington |
| Barrel Length | 14.5 inches |
| Profile | Government |
| Twist Rate | 1:7 RH |
| Construction | Cold Hammer Forged |
| Material | Mil-Spec Steel |
| Gas System | Carbine Length |
| Muzzle Thread | 1/2×28 |
| Made In | Black Creek, Georgia, USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
What ammunition works best with the 1:7 twist rate on this barrel?
The 1:7 right-hand twist rate is optimized to stabilize heavier 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington projectiles in the 62–77 grain range, including M855 green tip, Mk262 Mod 1, and 77-grain OTM match loads. It will also handle standard 55-grain FMJ ammunition reliably, though a 1:9 twist is traditionally preferred for lighter bullets. For a versatile duty or precision build, pairing this barrel with 62–75 grain loads will yield the best accuracy results.
Does this 14.5" barrel require an NFA stamp or any special registration?
Yes — a 14.5" barrel installed on a rifle with a stock results in a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) under the National Firearms Act, which requires a $200 tax stamp and ATF Form 1 or Form 4 approval. However, if you permanently attach a muzzle device that brings the overall barrel length to 16" or more (such as a pinned and welded compensator or flash hider), the firearm is no longer classified as an SBR and no NFA registration is required. Many builders choose to pin and weld a compatible muzzle device to this 14.5" barrel for a legal, compact rifle configuration.
How does cold hammer forging improve barrel performance compared to button-rifled barrels?
Cold hammer forging uses carbide steel hammers applying intense hydraulic pressure around a precision mandrel to simultaneously form the chamber, lands, and grooves. This process aligns the steel's grain structure along the bore, resulting in a harder, more wear-resistant surface, a defect-free bore, and highly consistent chamber dimensions from barrel to barrel. In practical terms, cold hammer forged barrels like this Daniel Defense model typically last significantly longer under sustained fire and maintain tighter accuracy over the barrel's service life compared to most button-rifled alternatives.
