EMG Daniel Defense MK18 RIII CGS GBBR; Lightning Series

If sleek style is your desire, there aren't many better examples than this! The EMG Daniel Defense MK18 RIII CGS GBBR; Lightning Series features a perfect replica of the latest M-LOK handguard from Daniel Defense up front, allowing for agile handling while maintaining accessibility to a plethora of attachments or rail sections.

Like other Daniel Defense examples from EMG, this rifle comes equipped with a full complement of licensed Daniel Defense parts, including the "Grip-N-Rip" charging handle, "Tornado" pistol grip and DD collapsible buttstock. The receiver is adorned with a mix of crisply engraved trademarks and white laser-engraved calibre and model markings, completing the authentic Daniel Defense external build.

Based on the Tokyo Marui ZET system internally, but enhanced by CYMA, this GBBR features a lightweight aluminium bolt carrier, reinforced trigger parts, and an optimised buffer to improve rate of fire without compromising its immersive and realistic recoil.

Starting at the tip of the outer barrel, we can find the M4 standard birdcage type flash hider pre-installed on the barrel’s 14mm CCW male threading. This flash hider matches the design of the rifle, but if you prefer a suppressor or tracer for your skirmish excursions, it will simply twist off. Just make sure to undo the grub screw first.

The handguard replicates the latest and greatest MK18-style handguard from Daniel Defense, known as the RIS III. This handguard keeps the military applicable aspects of the original MK18 handguard, specifically the ability to remove the lower section and mount an M203 grenade launcher, but boasts a slimmer profile and reduced weight thanks to its use of M-LOK negative space attachment slots instead of 20mm Picatinny rails.

M-LOK slots are present at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions with additional slots at the offset angles in the ideal position to mount a tactical flashlight to keep it tight to the platform to reduce snagging. The slots allow M-LOK accessories to be directly mounted but you can also make use of 20mm Picatinny rail sections if you have a preferred 20mm foregrip, flashlight or laser aiming module.

Like the previous iteration, the MK18 RIS II, the RIS III handguard features a 20mm Picatinny rail on its upper surface, which runs back to meet the receiver rail seamlessly, allowing for long optical setups to be mounted. Also present on the handguard are a pair of QD sling sockets, allowing for QD sling swivels to be mounted and paired with either the rear sling plate, QD sockets or footman loops on the stock to allow for a two-point sling.

On the top rail, we are treated to a set of preinstalled flip-up aperture iron sights which can be deployed by pressing the button on the left side of each sight. The sights are fully adjustable for both windage and elevation and protected on each side with protective wings to keep the sights set properly and protected from any mid-battle bumps and scrapes.

Next up, we find the receiver, which displays a stunning showcase of licensed Daniel Defense trademarks, flawlessly engraved and perfectly positioned to match the real steel Daniel Defense rifles. The left side of the upper receiver also includes a 5.56mm calibre marking in high-vis white laser engraving and a stylised M4A1 RIII logo at the rear. The dust cover, found on the right side, also features DD markings and is constructed from high-density polymer to match modern weight-reduced dust covers found on high-end rifles.

The charging handle is located at the top rear of the receiver, and as we might expect, is a licensed Daniel Defense design. Known as the "Grip-N-Rip", the charging handle is ambidextrous, with enlarged latches on either side allowing for flawless functionality whether you wear gloves or not.

The bolt catch is right where we would expect; on the left side of the receiver, smack bang in the centre. On a GBBR, the bolt catch works exactly like the real thing, allowing you to quickly return the bolt carrier to battery after a reload and avoid using the charging handle. As with most of the hard-wearing parts on the DDMK18, the bolt catch is constructed from steel, ensuring reliable bolt locking in the long term.

The HOP-up unit of the EMG/CGS DDMK18 is located inside the upper receiver, following the Tokyo Marui ZET system format. Taking the form of a small screw inside the front of the upper receiver, the HOP-up adjustment dial is accessible through the magazine well using a small flathead screwdriver. This is slightly different from the TM ZET System, using a screw instead of the gear inside the TM.

The screw system actually makes the HOP-up easier to adjust and avoids the need to remove the charging handle and bolt carrier to access the adjuster easily. The easiest way we found to set the HOP-up is by locking the bolt to the rear and adjusting through the magwell. The HOP-up allows you to tune the DDMK18 for different ammo weights and extend your range, looking for the flattest possible trajectory.

The fire selector switch is located on the left side of the receiver, just above the pistol grip and is a standard M4A1 mil-spec design with a textured surface for optimal traction in wet weather. The selector provides 3 modes of fire: safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic, with a 90-degree throw between each mode. The selector switch is one of the best aspects of the M4 design, easily accessible and fast to use, with enough distance between modes that it isn't easy to knock out of position inadvertently.

The magazine release button is over on the right side of the magazine well, a standard M4/AR-15 push button release, but compatible with aftermarket ambidextrous alternatives. The button is surrounded by a raised protrusion in the receiver, known as the "magazine release fence" and designed to prevent the mag release from accidentally being pressed as the DDM4 PDW rubs against your gear. Another great aspect of the AR-15 design, the magazine release is easily accessible from a firing grip, making for scorching fast reloads as long as you practice!

At the base of the buffer tube is an ambidextrous sling QD point. A sling point is ideal for a single-point bungee sling, but can also be used with a two-point sling with the addition of a rail-mounted front sling point.

Rear of the sling plate, we find the stock of the Daniel Defense M4A1, which is the usual M4/AR-15 format of a 6-position buffer tube with an adjustable sliding stock. The buffer tube is compatible with any M4/AR-15 AEG stock you choose to mount, but the pre-installed stock is pretty effective and stylish, so swapping it may not be necessary!

The stock replicates the real steel Daniel Defense Buttstock, a precisely manufactured stock designed to eliminate lateral wobble and add ergonomic enhancements for a more comfortable shooting experience. The sides of the stock are sloped, similar to a crane stock, but feature rubberised pads on the surface for a positively luxurious cheek weld.

A QD sling socket is present on either side, ready for QD sling swivels, and the stock also includes conventional "footman loops", aka sling slots for standard rifle slings. The butt plate is also serrated for extra grip and shaped to allow for a high hold and a more intuitive head position when shooting.

On the inside, this CGS rifle is based on the Tokyo Marui ZET System used in its MWS M4A1. This is already a flex, as the TM system is known to be far superior to other GBBR systems and has the widest aftermarket for upgrades. Speaking of upgrades, CYMA/CGS has sorted many of the known weak points in the TM design by using reinforced trigger parts, giving you a longer-lasting GBBR platform and saving you a wad of cash when it comes to upgrading down the line.

The Lightning series enhances these benefits with an aluminium bolt instead of the traditional CGS steel bolt. This means it is just as durable and reliable as previous CGS models, but now, it is much lighter in weight. This benefits the cycling rate and consistency dramatically, giving it the ability of up to 18 rounds per second and a more consistent cycling rate in colder temperatures.

If you love your real steel style with a realistic operation, the EMG Daniel Defense MK18 RIII CGS GBBR; Lightning Series should be right up your street. With licensed trademarks, a flawless full metal build, a tightbore inner barrel and lightweight, reinforced internals, this MK18 is practically perfect for any skirmisher seeking the oh-so-rewarding yet challenging GBBR playstyle!

Features

• Full metal construction
• Gas Blowback Rifle - Recoil, realistic handling, low-cap mags - A rifle for the pros!
• 6.03mm Tightbore inner barrel - Great accuracy potential
• 14mm CCW Male threaded outer barrel - Tracer/suppressor ready
• Daniel Defense RIS III 9.5" M-LOK handguard - M-LOK slots at 3, 6, & 9 o'clock, 20mm up top
• 20mm Picatinny railed receiver - Ready for a red dot sight or scope, plenty of rail despite the short length
• Flip-up aperture iron sights pre-installed - Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
• Gorgeous Daniel Defense trademarks engraved on the receiver - Includes calibre markings
• Ergonomic Daniel Defense "Tornado®" pistol grip - Comfortable design with rubberised backstrap for extra grip
• Ambidextrous DD "Grip-N-Rip®" charging handle - Easy HOP-up access for left or right-handed shooters
• Daniel Defense marked polymer dust cover - Ultra-modern dust cover design with DD markings
• 3 Position M4/AR-15 fire selector - SAFE - SEMI - AUTO with a 90-degree throw between each mode
• 6-Position M4/AR-15 buffer tube - Adjust the stock to suit your body type and loadout
• Daniel Defense DD Buttstock - Modern stock with rubberised cheek pieces and QD sling sockets
• Gear adjustable HOP-up - Inside the upper receiver, accessible through the magwell, requires a flathead screwdriver
• Full steel trigger group - Saves you precious money on upgrades; these will probably last forever
• Steel bolt catch - Another high-wear part made from steel!
• Short-stroked bolt carrier - Higher rate of fire and faster response than other GBBRs
• Tokyo Marui ZET system-based internals - Compatible with TM ZET system aftermarket upgrades
• Lightning Series - Aluminium bolt and optimised buffer, faster cycling, better RPS
• Is this your first GBBR? If so, see the "Special Instructions" section below or our GBBR Guide

Package Includes

• EMG Daniel Defense MK18 RIII CGS GBBR; Lightning Series
• 30rnd Green Gas Magazine

Special Instructions

The HOP-up on this product arrives set to its lowest setting. If you find BBs roll out of the barrel when you attempt to shoot, we suggest adjusting the HOP-up to ensure reliable feeding.

This is a Gas Blowback Rifle. GBBRs require maintenance and careful handling, and we do not recommend them for new skirmishers. Things to watch out for if this is your first GBBR:

• The rifle cannot be put into "Safe" mode without first being cocked. Generally, the best way to store a GBBR is with the magazine removed, the rifle un-cocked, and the fire selector set to "semi". Do not force the selector into "Safe" when the rifle isn't cocked; this will damage the trigger group parts.
• The HOP-up adjuster for this TM ZET system GBBR is inside the upper receiver and is accessible through the magazine well using a flathead screwdriver when the bolt is locked open.
• GBBRs need to be cocked before the first shot, just like a GBB pistol. You mustn't double-load a GBBR, as this can break the nozzle. We recommend clearing the chamber of BBs with a cleaning rod if you finish firing mid-magazine and the bolt does not lock back and show an empty chamber.
• GBBRs generally use higher-pressure gas than GBB pistols due to the extra weight of the bolt. We recommend Green Gas (NUPROL 2.0, VORSK V6, ASG Ultrair) for general use and Red Gas (NUPROL 3.0, VORSK V8) for cold weather use.
• The faster you shoot a GBBR, the less accurate it will be. This is due to pressure variance as the gas reservoir cools down. Full auto is basically for fun, and these rifles run far better when used in semi-auto mode.
• Like a GBB pistol, GBBR magazines require maintenance. We recommend leaving a small amount of gas inside the magazine when stored, and not storing the magazines in a cold or damp environment. Magazine seals and valves will need lubrication and to be kept clear of dust and debris.