Daniel Defense M4 rails vs AR15 Lite Rails

[.cheese.]

I spoke to Daniel Defense. They tried to explain to me that the primary difference is the thread ring mounting system versus the Bolt Up system.

I was told that the thread ring system may require over tightening to get it to line up right whereas the Bolt Up system would not.

Should I go with the AR15 Lite Rail system?

Also, I can't decide between the 7.0, 9.5 FSP and 12.0 FSP. I think they would all fit on my 16" barrel LMT ARs.

 

[Walkalong]

Did they say either was was as strong as the other, or was one stronger/better.

You do have to tighten the one piece until it lines up, but I dought it would require tightening too much. Maybe some with experience will chime in.

 

[.cheese.]

I think the only difference is weight.

the AR15 Lite rails have a steel barrel nut, wheras the M4 rails have an aluminum barrel nut.

 

[ryoushi]

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. The Litle Rail bolts up real nice with a flat top upper. Gives a virtual continuous top rail. Now, it looks like some vendors have lowered the price down to the same level as the M4 rails so price is no longer a factor.

 

[.cheese.]

Bravo Company is exactly where I was planning to buy it from too.

What size is that? Did you replace your FSP with something?

 

[ryoushi]

I wish that was my rifle! It looks to be a 12" DD Lite Rail with a Troy folding front sight. The gas block is hidden underneath the FF handguard.

 

[Coronach]

I bought my yet-to-be-installed DD Lite rail from Bravo Company. Outstanding service.

Mike

 

[.cheese.]

which one did you go with Coronach?

 

[Coronach]

DD lite rail 9.0, for a midlength carbine with fixed front sight base. It looks like a nice piece of kit. The only (minor) complaint that I have is that the welds, where they attach the rail to the barrel nut (or the piece the nut screws into, not sure of the terminology), are a little rough. Nothing bad, they're sanded smooth and parkerized over, you can just see them if you look. One would think that they could have spared the time to build up the welds and sanded them flush with the rest of the material, but apparently not.

Again, that is a very small complaint, and is not something that affects function one iota.

Mike

 

[.cheese.]

yeah, I saw that yesterday when I saw a DD M4 7.0 up close. It didn't bother me though.

 

[.cheese.]

DOH! Bravo company doesn't have the DD Lite Rail 9.5 FSP.

Where else should I look. The 9.0 won't work with my carbine length gas tube, nor will the 12. The 7.0 is too short for my liking. The 10 Extended is for a low profile gas block. I'm dealing with a FSP with gas block and carbine length gas tube.

The 9.5 FSP seems perfect. The 12 FSP also would work, but I personally like the 9.5 better. Neither seem to be sold by Bravo Company though.

 

[Coronach]

The 9.5 FSP will work but the 9.0 won't? Maybe I'm misremembering, but I believe the 9.5 is a midlength rail with extended rails at the 3,6,9 positions. That shouldn't work with a carbine-length gas system and fixed FSB, either.

Mike

 

[.cheese.]

9.0 is for midlength. 9.5 FSP is for carbine. The difference is that the 9.5 FSP has a cut out for the FSP with rails going to the sides and under the FSP, adding 2.5 inches to what would otherwise be a 7.0 rail. The 9.0 on the other hand is meant for the midlength gas tube and doesn't have a cutout like the 9.5 FSP.

From the DD site:

The Daniel Defense AR15 Lite Rail utilizes the Patent Pending Bolt Up SystemTM which allows the upper receiver to have a continuous uninterrupted upper rail platform.

The Daniel Defense 9.5 FSP Free Float Rail System features a cut in the front of the top rail to accommodate the front sight post and gas block of a carbine length AR15 gas system, while at the same time, providing much needed additional rail space along the sides and bottom rails.

More rail space means enhanced capability for modern rifle accessories.

Every rail is available with either ladders or panels which are made from cantoprene, which can handle heat up to 350.

 

[Coronach]

AH! I had it backwards. Gotcha.

Mike

 

[.cheese.]

I've been trying to get Bravo Company on the phone for the last 2 days to ask them if they plan to get any of the 9.5 FSPs in. Nobody there seems to answer though. I just get the answering machine, which doesn't allow me to leave a message. I'm going to email them now.

Any other places online I could look for the 9.5 FSP that has good prices? The local store wants $350 for it. They're always overpriced though, so it's no surprise.

 

[.cheese.]

Daniel defense wants $325.

There has to be another place like Bravo Company that sells at a discount. I can't find it though. I scanned my gun rags looking.

 

[.cheese.]

I just ordered the Daniel Defense Lite Rail 9.5 FSP.

I want to get one first to make sure it is exactly what I want, and if it is, I'll get a second for my other AR.

Anybody have one of these? I'd love to see a pic of one mounted on an AR.