Daniel Defense GL/SSC Short-Barreled Rifle - 5.56 NATO 12.5"
Overview
The Daniel Defense GL/SSC (Grenade Launcher / Sound Suppressor Capable) is the civilian reissue of a legendary SOCOM platform. Developed at the request of U.S. Special Operations Command around 2007-2008 and produced in only 125 historical units (100 delivered to military forces, and only 25 to the civilian market), the GL/SSC is now available again to the general public in a configuration faithful to the original.
Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, it pairs a 12.5" Cold Hammer Forged government-profile barrel, chrome lined, with a carbine-length gas system, and above all the exclusive GL/SSC RIS II free-float rail — the only interface system that natively integrates every M203 grenade launcher mounting component without additional parts or tools, while remaining suppressor compatible. A piece of tactical history, once again built at Daniel Defense's Black Creek, Georgia facility for a new generation of operators and collectors.
Technical Specifications
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
- Action: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
- Barrel: 12.5" (318 mm), Cold Hammer Forged, government profile, Chrome Moly Vanadium steel, chrome lined, Mil-Spec heavy phosphate coated
- Twist rate: 1:7"
- Gas system: Carbine length
- Rail / handguard: Free-Floating GL/SSC RIS II — exclusive interface system with integrated hanger, M203-ready without tools, free-float, suppressor compatible
- Muzzle device: Daniel Defense A2 Flash Hider
- Muzzle thread: 1/2x28 TPI
- Receivers: Mil-Spec aluminum (per DD product line standard, ⚠️ not detailed on manufacturer page)
- Magazine included: Daniel Defense
- Overall length: 737 – 819 mm (29" – 32.25", stock collapsed / extended)
- Weight: 2.81 kg (6.2 lb) unloaded
- Finish: FDE (Flat Dark Earth)
- Made in USA — Black Creek, Georgia
Key Benefits
- Historic platform reissued: a faithful reproduction of one of the rarest platforms in modern SOCOM history — only 25 original units ever reached the civilian market.
- Exclusive GL/SSC RIS II rail: the only free-float system worldwide that natively integrates M203 grenade launcher mounting components without disassembly or tools, while maintaining suppressor compatibility.
- 12.5" government-profile Cold Hammer Forged barrel: optimal maneuverability-to-rigidity balance in a compact envelope, chrome lined for exceptional service life.
- Ultra-maneuverable format: 737 mm stock collapsed, 2.81 kg — one of the most compact AR-15 carbines in the catalog.
- Native suppressor host: designed from inception for suppressed use, standard 1/2x28 thread.
- FDE finish: premium tactical aesthetics faithful to original SOCOM configurations.
- Made in USA: built by Daniel Defense — military-grade demand in a civilian shooter's hands.
Use Cases & Context
- Historic collection: reference piece for tactical AR-15 collectors of SOCOM inspiration — the GL/SSC is among the rarest and most sought-after platforms of the GWOT era (2005–2010).
- Dynamic / CQB shooting: short-barrel format ideal for close stages, multi-target engagements, and indoor ranges rated accordingly.
- Sport shooting: lightweight, fast platform for dynamic disciplines.
- Suppressor host: native configuration for suppressed shooting — one of the platform's historic hallmarks.
- Small game and predator hunting: authorized for fox and corvids (⚠️ 5.56 NATO is prohibited for big-game hunting in Switzerland).
What's Included
- 1 Daniel Defense GL/SSC 12.5" 5.56 NATO rifle
- 1 Daniel Defense magazine (32 rds)
- 1 Daniel Defense Full-Latch Impact Plastic Case
- Owner's manual, manufacturer warranty card
