Daniel Defense is a well-known rifle maker located in the great state of Georgia. They have been designing and building AR-pattern rifles since 2002 and are very, very good at it.
They have many customers in uniform, including the British government, United States SOCOM among many others. Now, however, they’ve departed from the semi-automatic norm by releasing an innovative new rifle aimed at hunting: the DELTA 5 precision bolt gun.
The Delta 5 is extremely well thought out. I say that having handled dozens and dozens of guns for many days at SHOT and now that I’m back in Michigan under a few feet of snow, I can confidently say that the new DELTA 5 was among the best new bolt actions I put to my shoulder.
I had the chance to talk with the parties directly responsible for the development of the DELTA 5 at Daniel Defense. From the company’s website:
Designed with the user in mind. Daniel Defense has taken the modularity of the AR platform and integrated it into a one-of-a-kind bolt action rifle. From an interchangeable cold hammer forged barrel to a user-configurable stock, the DELTA 5 features out-of-the-box customization that would normally require professional gunsmithing. Designed for the user that expects more from their rifle, the DELTA 5 provides the ultimate long range shooting experience from the day its purchased. No custom wait time required.
The introductory model of the DELTA 5 is available in three chamberings: .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 7mm-08 Rem. MSRP is $2,199.00. While that may seem steep, it really isn’t considering the rifle’s features and the quality you get from Daniel Defense.
The main feature that makes this rifle worth having is that user-serviceable threaded barrel. You can easily and quickly change your barrel out on your own. And you’ll be able to buy other caliber barrels from DD. That makes this gun ideal for wildcatters and hunters who want one rifle and optic to go from chasing varmints with the little 6.5 Creedmoor or taking on that trophy elk with a 200gr .308 Win.
Each rifle will include one 5-round PMAG.
As far as my initial impressions of the rifle go, I was impressed. The rifle takes the best features of target-style tactical competition guns and blends them with those most desired by hunters. The shape of the adjustable stock is part military, part old-school and it is comfortable on the shoulder.
The action on the models at SHOT at the Daniel Defense booth displayed slick operation and an easy bolt throw. I feel that the bolt handle is a bit large, but I wasn’t out in the field with wet, gloved hands as many end users will be.
Keep your eye out for a more detailed review of the DELTA 5 in the weeks to come.
I here Liberal/DNC gun control activists crying that no one (especially a McD’s Burger flipper, or Grocery store clerk…Or a crossing guard…DON’T need to own “Powerful, Long Range Military Sniper Rifles…”)
I hear a moron who can’t even use the right homonym.
You “here” that, huh
Well at least next time their CEO spouts some anti-ar anti-gun bullshit we’ll know why.
Completely off topic, but anyone else find TTAG’s Shot Show coverage lackluster this year? Perhaps it is the new ownership.
thefirearmblog dominated and even its coverage wasn’t all that great.
A bit, yes. Also, with respect to this article, adjust your exposure up 2 stops please.
Touche!
Uh, is there much of a difference between a little (but mighty) 6.5 Creedmoor and a trophy elk slaying 200-grain .308?
And please, tell us what’s so innovative about this rifle. Hopefully it’s more than just a Savage pattern action in a tacticool stock.
The 6.5 will achieve it’s performance with a 140g bullet which will be much easier on the shoulder than a 200g .308.
I found the DD bolt gun to be a big disappointment. Felt like a $600 rifle being sold for $2000
Tacticool. Another bolt action rifle.
Is the bolt a 90° lift or less?
Lmao. Thanks TTAG, this is a good joke.
I’m normally not critical of gun companies doing weird things, but this, this made me think it was April 1st.
It’s a bolt gun with an interchangeable barrel? Much innovation.
Adjust stock chassis system?
Much innovation.
Tiggers.
Innovation!
1(one) Five round pmag! Woooah! Hold you’re horses DD!! I can’t take all this innovation. Be still my beating heart.. for ‘only’ 2000 dollars!
:/
It’s pretty clear bolt guns are the new AR now that the Carbine market is saturated.
Funny you mention this. I am not spending any more on on a new AR, PCC, CCW handgun, just ammo for them. I’m looking to buy my first Long Range Precision Bolt Rifle. On the fence between 308 and 6.5CM. So many good choices for under $1k!
I mean , nothing innovative here, but it looks like a nice rifle. We’ll see how reviews and street price jive in the months ahead.
A firearm that comes from the factory with all the bells and whistles takes away the fun of doing it yourself. It’s the “this is my rifle” even though yours may have the exact same thing, this one is mine.
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