Reviewing DD's Limited Hunting Series: 50 Shades of FDE M4

The Daniel Defense Limited Series turns out some incredible rifle builds. If you haven’t been tracking, Daniel Defense periodically builds specialty rifles themed and featuring some serious component upgrades. The latest, dubbed the 50 Shades of FDE, will no doubt spark a fire of interest.

Daniel Defense Limited Series 50 Shades of FDE

The 12th build in the series, the 50 Shades of FDE starts as an M4A1 RIII FSP. It marks the first DD including an RIS III FST upper featuring an F-Marked front sight, MBUS Pro LR adjustable rear sight and RIS III Rail with M-LOK. The build includes a Trijicon TA31F ACOG 4×32 BAC as well.

A Modlite 18350 Weapon-Mounted Light brings serious utility. A Geissele SSA Trigger and B5 Aluminum Trigger Guard, B45 Sopmod stock and Type 23 Pistol Grip enhance the build. Finally, the varying FDE and Coyote Brown finishes present a unique package.

For more info, visit danieldefense.com.

50 Shades of FDE Specs

Mounting System: M-LOK
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Muzzle Thread: 1 ⁄ 2 × 28 TPI (Threads Per Inch)
Gas System: Mid-length
Barrel Length: 14.5 inches
Barrel Profile: M4
Product Weight: 6.39 pounds
Magazine: DD Magazine (32 Round)
Case: Daniel Defense Full-Latch Impact Plastic Case
MSRP: $5,500

On November 14, 2023, Ballistic reported:

Daniel Defense Limited Series rifles bring serious top-end features and big interest from shooters. The latest creation goes after the hunting market. The new Limited Series Basecamp takes the DD5 V3, chambered in 7.62 (.308), and produces an extremely high-end hunting machine.

Daniel Defense Limited Series Basecamp

The Basecamp utilizes an adjustable gas block to dial in performance both unsuppressed and suppressed. A suppressor-ready Dead Air KeyMo muzzle brake helps facilitate that attachment. It attaches to a 16-inch, cold hammer-forged barrel. A Geissele SSA trigger delivers on accuracy potential.

It all rides in a custom B5 Systems Precision Stock, with an included Pistol Grip as well. A 15-inch DD5 Rail provides ample M-LOK attachment. Major metal parts come coated in Origin Raptor Highland Hydrodip camouflage. Finally, the package includes an EOTech Vudu 1-10x riflescope with SR5 reticle.

The rifle comes with even more cool gear as well. A Half Face Blades Skinner Jr. knife features a matching Cerakote finish. A Blue Force Gear Padded Vickers Sling with QD swivels, B5 Systems Grip Plug for storage, and Condition 1 rifle case make this edition travel and hunt ready. A Certificate of Authenticity from Daniel Defense sets this rifle package apart.

Daniel Defense Limited Series Basecamp Features

LOWER RECEIVER: Enhanced Flared Magazine Well and Rear Receiver QD Swivel Attachment Point. CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum, Type III Hard Coat Anodized
UPPER RECEIVER: CNC Machined of 7075-T6 Aluminum, Type III Hard Coat Anodized
BARREL: DD Proprietary Steel, Cold Hammer Forged, 1:10” Twist, 16″ S2W Profile, Intermediate Gas System, Chrome Lined, Mil-Spec Heavy Phosphate Coated
GAS SYSTEM: User-Adjustable Gas Block CNC Machined of 4140 Hardened Steel and Mil-Spec Heavy Phosphate Coating, Intermediate, Direct Impingement
HANDGUARD: Daniel Defense DD5 Rail 15.0, CNC Machined of 6061-T6 Aluminum, M-LOK Attachment, Type III Hard Coat Anodized
OPTIC: Eotech Vudu 1-10 VDU1-100FFSR5 Scope (Black)
TRIGGER: Geissele SSA Trigger
BUTTSTOCK: Custom B5 Precision Stock (ODG, FDE, and Black)
PISTOL GRIP: B5 Type 22 Grip (ODG) & Grip Plug (FDE) designed for storage
MUZZLE DEVICE: Dead Air KeyMo Suppressor-Ready Muzzle Brake
RECEIVER EXTENSION: 7 Position 7075-T6 Aluminum
BUTTSTOCK: B5 Systems Precision Stock
MAGAZINES: Magpul PMAG 20-Round; accepts All SR-25 Magazines

The Limited Edition Basecamp retails for $6,499. For more info, visit danieldefense.com.

On January 26, Athlon Outdoors reported:

The Daniel Defense MK12 Alpine Predator.

Let this story both provide you some news, as we also shed a tear. As we found out about this one as we collected the press release ourselves. The new Daniel Defense Limited Series builds launched with a striking Mk12 Alpine Predator recently. And it sold out in 30 minutes flat! So while we’re extremely bummed we missed out on this one, we wanted to make sure we put it on everyone’s radar for the future. ‘Cause this one looks like it might have some legs.

Daniel Defense Limited Series MK12 Alpine Predator

Daniel Defense just announced an exciting new program to develop new products, dubbed the Limited Series. The Daniel Defense Limited Series initiative pairs DD with industry-leading manufacturers to build small-batch, limited offerings. The Limited Series begins with the MK12 Alpine Predator, featuring an impressive blend of aftermarket components and upgrades.

The MK12 Alpine comes with a striking Multicam Alpine finish. The rifle also sports a Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44mm riflescope. A flat-front MFR Rail provides M-LOK attachment points, while a Magpul adjustable bipod provides even more utility. A full package of accessories make this one attractive rifle kit. But this one is already out of stock.

A Truly Limited Series …

“Our first Limited offering was very well received and confirms our customers’ appetite for distinctive packages that are attractive, well equipped, and at a great value,” said Marty Daniel, President and CEO, Daniel Defense.

Daniel Defense Limited Series builds sell first-come, first served. Future builds promise to come equipped with optics, slings, custom finishes and more, according to Daniel Defense. But once they’re gone, they’re gone forever! So this should be fun to chronicle these unique DD builds.

Each configuration will pair a Daniel Defense premium firearm with a selective assortment of optics, accessories, and custom finishes from reputable brands like Vortex – as featured in this first release. “Our new Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 is the perfect complement to this Limited Series Rifle,” said Sawyer Briel, Marketing Communications Manager of Vortex Optics. “Just like the Daniel Defense MK12, it features a rock-solid build to ensure accuracy, reliability, and repeatable performance.”