Rail ladders on top rail?

jdc. · #1 03-22-12, 18:35

So I have a question, on my DDM4, I have taken it out shooting a couple times, I got the three rail ladders on the sides of my quad rail, and bottom, but I noticed the uncovered top rail getting minor damage.

I bought two Troy Rail covers to replace those on the sides today.

But My question is, with it being a true quad rail, free float, with a low profile gas block, If I mount a rail ladder (as pictured below) on the Top rail, Would this melt? or will it withstand the heat over the gas block and gas tube?

What would be the best option to protect the top rail?

Here is the DD description on the ladders:

"Daniel Defense low profile rail ladders are made from Santoprene which can handle heat up to 300° F. The ladders provide a rubbery grip surface while protecting your rail system. They are easily shortened by cutting to length and fit onto any picatinny rail configuration."

kevN · #2 03-22-12, 18:40

Definitely won't melt.

The biggest reason people put ladders on the top is that its a bit more comfortable than the sharp edges when you put your thumb on the top rail. Also helps handling when the gun heats up a bit.

Hunter Rose · #3 03-22-12, 18:42

They will be fine and will not melt.

ETA KevN beat me to it.

JohnnyC · #4 03-22-12, 18:42

I have a small section where my thumb crosses over the top rail. Works great and I can't see it hurting anything. I remember seeing Trey or KevinB saying they don't recommend the full KAC rail covers on top because of heat dissipation or something.

fixit69 · #5 03-22-12, 18:45

I've melted them(softened then, out of shape, but not running through the rail melt), but it was right around the lo pro gas block. Cut it back an inch or so from the block and should be ok.

I have to ask, if your covering up the rails, why did you buy a railed freefloat?

ETA:melt was in f/a mag dumping.

jdc. · #6 03-22-12, 18:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by fixit69

I've melted them(softened then, out of shape, but not running through the rail melt), but it was right around the lo pro gas block. Cut it back an inch or so from the block and should be ok.

I have to ask, if your covering up the rails, why did you buy a railed freefloat?

Covering for Now, I spent so much money on the rifle, I don't have the cash at the moment for all the accessories that I want.

Rail covers are cheap fix right now.

But Thanks Everyone! I'll try them cautiously.

Tennesseevolz · #7 03-31-12, 14:21

I was using troys on the bottom and sides do my 4 rail free float, and put a short knights section on top to use as a thumb rest/ keep the heat off me- works great

DOA · #8 03-31-12, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by fixit69

I've melted them(softened then, out of shape, but not running through the rail melt), but it was right around the lo pro gas block. Cut it back an inch or so from the block and should be ok.

I have to ask, if your covering up the rails, why did you buy a railed freefloat?

ETA:melt was in f/a mag dumping.

Do you use all your rail space? Other than the occasional VFG and 3x magnifier most people dont need nearly that much rail space but it is built in so why not protect them?

fixit69 · #9 03-31-12, 16:01

No, I don't use all my rail space. I just never have ran into the issue of having to protect a rail. I use covers for comfort on the 3 and 9 position. Some of mine have no ladders. What are you doing to ding a rail to the point where you can't use it? Mine have fallen on every surface imaginable, dragged through whatever, and they are relatively unscathed.