When you see that iconic "DD" logo on a rail or a receiver, it’s easy to assume some faceless conglomerate like Vista Outdoor or a massive private equity group is pulling the strings behind the scenes. That’s usually how the story goes in the firearms world. A small shop gets big, a big company buys them, and suddenly the "soul" of the brand starts feeling a bit like a spreadsheet.
But if you’re wondering who makes Daniel Defense, the answer is actually a lot more "Main Street" than "Wall Street."
Daniel Defense is a privately held, family-owned company. It isn't a subsidiary of a multi-national defense contractor. Everything—and I mean everything from the initial design to the final Cerakote finish—happens under the watchful eye of the Daniel family and their hand-picked leadership team in Black Creek, Georgia.
Honestly, it’s one of the last true "garage-to-glory" stories still operating at this scale in the United States.
The Man in the Garage: Marty Daniel
To understand the company, you have to look at Marty Daniel. Back in the early 2000s, Marty wasn't some defense industry titan. He was an entrepreneur running a garage door and fireplace business. He liked shooting, but he wasn't happy with the accessories available for his M16.
So, he did what any obsessed tinkerer does: he made his own.
What started as a "Big Hole" upper and a few sling loops eventually turned into a 300,000-square-foot manufacturing powerhouse. Even today, as of early 2026, Marty remains the Founder and Chairman of the Board. While he stepped back from the day-to-day CEO duties in 2023, he and his wife Cindy are still the owners. They aren't just names on a masthead; they are actively involved in the strategic vision and the company’s heavy involvement in Second Amendment advocacy.
Who Runs the Show Now?
While the Daniels own the place, the guy actually steering the ship day-to-day is Rod Reasen, who took over as CEO in February 2023.
Reasen wasn't a "gun guy" hire in the traditional sense; he’s an entrepreneur who spent years in the tech and business optimization world. Marty brought him in because the company had grown too big for a single person to micromanage every bolt and screw while also dealing with the massive political and legal landscape that comes with being a top-tier AR-15 manufacturer.
More recently, in March 2025, they brought on James Baltzegar as Chief Operating Officer. Baltzegar is a "Lean Six Sigma" guy—which is fancy business-speak for "someone who makes sure the factory floor runs perfectly."
This transition in leadership is why you see the company expanding into things like the DANIEL H9 (their first real foray into handguns) and more advanced suppressor tech. They are trying to prove they aren't just "the guys who make the MK18 rail" anymore.
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Made in Black Creek, Not Outsourced
There is a common misconception that high-end rifle brands just "assemble" parts made by other shops. You’ve probably heard people say, "Oh, all AR barrels come from the same three factories."
That is flat-out wrong when it comes to Daniel Defense.
They are obsessed with vertical integration. They produce their own cold hammer forged (CHF) barrels in-house. If you walk through their facility in Black Creek, Georgia, you’ll see massive machines beating steel into submission to create those barrels. They don't buy "blanks" and just drill holes in them. They control the metallurgy and the process from start to finish.
This "do it yourself" attitude extends to:
- Rail Systems: They own the patents on the RIS II and RIS III systems used by SOCOM.
- Furniture: Those grippy stocks and pistol grips? Designed and molded by them.
- Suppressed Uppers: They even have their own 3D-printing capabilities for advanced suppressor designs.
The "Family Owned" Difference in 2026
Why does it matter who makes Daniel Defense? In 2026, the firearms industry is under immense pressure. Many brands have sold out to holding companies to shield themselves from liability or just to cash out.
Because the Daniels still own the company, they can take risks that a public company wouldn't. For example, Marty Daniel has been incredibly vocal in political spheres, even testifying before Congress and working with state legislators in West Virginia to pass laws protecting manufacturers from "debanking" and frivolous lawsuits.
A board of directors at a public company would probably have fired a founder for being that "loud" or controversial. But since Marty is the boss, the company’s identity is tied directly to his personal beliefs. You're buying into a specific culture, not just a serial number.
Summary of the Daniel Defense Power Structure
- Ownership: Marty and Cindy Daniel (100% Private/Family Owned).
- Location: Black Creek, Georgia (All manufacturing is U.S.-based).
- CEO: Rod Reasen (Driving the move into new markets like handguns).
- COO: James Baltzegar (Focused on manufacturing efficiency and quality control).
If you’re looking to get involved with the brand beyond just buying a rifle, your best bet is to look into the Double D Foundation, which is the non-profit arm Cindy Daniel runs to support competitive shooting and 2A education.
Next Steps for You:
Check the "CAGE Code" (3E3E2) on your components if you’re looking at older or military-surplus Daniel Defense parts. This confirms they were manufactured at their Georgia facilities for government contracts. If you're looking to buy, verify the "RIII" or "V7" designations on the handguard to ensure you're getting their latest in-house rail generations.