Daniel Defense 14.5” 5.56 NATO Cold Hammer Forged AR-15 Barrel

The Daniel Defense 14.5-inch 5.56 NATO barrel is built for shooters who demand durability, reliability, and consistent performance under hard use. Designed as a true duty-grade AR-15 barrel, it combines premium materials with Daniel Defense’s proven cold hammer forging process.

Manufactured from 4150 chrome moly vanadium (CMV) steel, this barrel is cold hammer forged and chrome lined for extended service life, corrosion resistance, and reliability during high-volume firing. The 5.56 NATO chamber safely supports both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, while the 1:7 twist rate is optimized for modern bullet weights, including heavier 62–77 grain loads.

At 14.5 inches, the barrel strikes an ideal balance between compact handling and effective velocity—especially when paired with a permanently pinned and welded muzzle device to meet 16” overall length requirements. Standard 1/2x28 muzzle threads allow compatibility with common muzzle devices and suppressor mounts.

Daniel Defense offers this barrel in multiple configurations, including government, lightweight, and M4 profiles, as well as mid-length or carbine gas systems, allowing builders to tailor recoil impulse, balance, and handling to their specific needs. A .750” gas block journal supports low-profile gas blocks or traditional front sight bases, making it suitable for a wide range of AR builds.

Finished with a mil-spec phosphate exterior, the Daniel Defense 14.5” barrel is engineered for duty rifles, defensive setups, and serious training carbines where longevity and reliability matter more than chasing lightweight compromises.

If you’re building a hard-use AR-15 with a compact profile and proven military-grade construction, this Daniel Defense barrel is one of the most trusted options available.