I recently purchased a DDM4 and something about the safety selector has me puzzled. The selector has a audible and distinct “click” when moved from safe to fire. That seems perfectly normal, BUT, it also “clicks” into a postion between safe and fire (10 or 11 o’clock). Also, if the bolt is locked to the rear, either by the mag or bolt catch, the safety selector will not move from safe to fire (or fire to safe) until the bolt is returned forward. Is that normal? The selector otherwise is perfroming correctly. My previous experience with AR configured rifles is limited to DPMS, Stag, Bushmaster, and RRA but I never recall this occuring. I’m hooked on the DDM4 and it’s by far the highest quality carbine I’ve had I am just curious if the selectors operation is normal or something that needs attention. Thanks, any info would be appreciated.
Depending on how your trigger and selector fit, it may be possible to click into a 11 o’clock position before the selector hits the rear portion of the trigger. This is NOT an intentional setting, merely an artifact of tolerance stack. Different rifles exhibit this behave to different extents and is normal in my experience. You cannot engage the safety until your bcg travels far enough to the rear for the hammer to engage the disconnector. You should be able to engage the safety with the bcg pulled all the way to the rear.
It’s a tolerance stack issue. It occurred in some of the early guns. DD is aware of it and has taken steps to prevent it. Contact DD and I’m sure they will take care of you.
I dont know why but my DD would not take a ambi selector. I had three try to go in 2 LMT and 1 Stag but they would not “snap” from one position to the other. Sent DD a email and they sent me a return label to ship it to them the same week.
Mine was very tight fitting, but it works great now. On some carbines I don’t have to remove the hammer and trigger. On both of my DD’s I had to remove the FCG to install the ambi safeties. On one I had to take a stone and take off some slag or something on the contact point of the safety.
Sapper, did you have to send them the entire carbine or just the lower receiver? My serial number is in the mid 500 range so I would imagine it’s one of the earlier guns Joe R. mentioned. Guys, thanks so much for the info. I will send DD an e-mail in reference to the matter.
Those of you who have sent in your rifle, lower, etc.,… what kind of return time frame did you experience? I sent mine 4 weeks ago and I’ve been unable to get any response from DD via telephone or e-mail since. Delivery was confirmed via UPS. I’ve only sent 2 e-mails and 1 voicemail because I’m sure they are probably busy and I don’t want to be a pest but I’m getting a little concerned. I want this rifle back as it is intended to be a patrol rifle. Any info would be appreciated, even it’s just to tell me to chill!
4 weeks seems a little long but given the holiday earlier this month and lots of vacations planned during July, that isn’t entirely surprising. You should ping them to see how long you’ll have to wait. It is always best to consult the manufacturer directly rather than in a round about way like on a forum.
I sent my lower in. It took about a month to get it back. The selector is better than it was but its still not very crisp like most rifles. Hopefully it will work in after a few thousand more rounds. If not I will “give” it to my son:D
10-4, I hadn’t thought about the holiday/vacation time of the year and I wouldn’t doubt that’s why communication has been difficult. Everybody deserves a vacation! I meant no disrespect to DD. I agree with you that contacting DD directly is the best course of action I was just curious as to the turn around times others have experienced with DD. They responded quickly and positively when I originally contacted them about the issue. I’ll try to give them a ring tomorrow. Thanks.
yeah, I work with a lot of european distributors/customers and it is like pulling teeth to communicate with them during July/August/September because of the vacation leave schedules. So I look at it as a given that biz slows in the summer. But thinking more about DD’s situation, with the release of a new rifle and ramping up of their facilities and hammer forge line, I’m betting they’re all busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest. Either way, a little patience goes a long way. You’re doing the right thing.
My experience has been the same after the fix (which thankfully only took a week including shipping) and I will probably just put in a LMT Safety. It didn’t get any better after 3000 rounds and multiple classes. I also noticed the DD safety would not allow my Geiselle SSAs to function…
I had to edit my last post. To be clear the safety is NOT as crisp or snappy as my other rifles. The LMT ambi works, but its not like it works in my LMT rifle or the Colts at work.
Shadco, Are you having the same problem with your DDM4?
When I talked to the guy at DD, he said they hadn’t heard of many of these.
My Colt will operate the saftey with the bolt locked back.
Not that I can even think of a need to perform a weapon safe with an open bolt, but at this price point I think everthing should operate as designed.
Up until this I have really liked my DD, and bragged on it quite a bit.
I’ll feel kind of foolish telling the fellows I had to send it back to the factory.
I think it’s just a fitting issue, but if i had known about it ahead of time I would have bought another Colt and not had to do without my weapon for a week to a month or more.
Me too. I noticed this also, but the DDM4 is my first AR so I wasn’t sure if that was normal. Now I see it’s not. I better go check the serial numbers.
