View Full Version : Larue 7.0 vs Daniel Defense 7.0
I know I know this is debatable but when it comes down to me purchasing the rail I am being torn apart. Looking at the Larue 7.0 vs the Daniel Defense Omega 7.0. I can't decide which to go for. Can you please provide some personal opinions and cons or pros of both. This is supriseingly difficult.
http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/v/vspfiles/photos/DD%20Omega%207-4.jpg
http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/catalog/P1011865.JPG
They're both great. If I were ordering a complete, assembled upper from a dealer, I'd get whichever they'd offer a better package deal on. If I were going to install it myself, I'd go DD Omega. Likewise if I thought I might want to remove it later at anytime.
Robb Jensen
07-19-08, 22:41
The Omega and LaRue is like comparing apples and oranges.
A better comparison would be either a DD M4 or a DD Lite Rail vs. a LaRue. That way you're comparing a 1pc rail to a 1pc rail both of which replace the factory barrel nut.
DD M4 rail.
http://www.danieldefense.com/img/product/d0b0cb18214dbbb42d2cc0c13d1afcf9.jpg
DD Lite Rail.
http://www.danieldefense.com/img/product/cb3918cefb41f32c5820931494807590.jpg
LaRue rail.
http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/catalog/P1011864small.JPG
I Guess the question would be then for the same price which would be the better option?
Jay Cunningham
07-19-08, 22:48
They are both excellent rail systems it's basically a coin toss.
Robb Jensen
07-19-08, 22:49
I Guess the question would be then for the same price which would be the better option?
I've used/owned/installed many of all three. They're all 3 excellent 1pc rails and the 2pc Omega is an excellent rail as well. It's really personal preference more than anything.
would the larue be better in that it uses a better barrel ring than the DD using the delta?
The DD Omega uses the barrel nut, not the delta ring.
The DD M4 rail uses an aluminum barrel nut, and is the lightest rail on the market. It is issued and used by the military (AMU), though AMU builds theirs using
The DD Lite rail uses a different style bolt up than either of the other two, and it is based on the DD RIS II rail series which won the military SOCOM RIS II rail trials. The RIS II series is the current Special Operations Command issue rail, though there are certainly a great deal of KAC rails in use still as well.
Is there advantage over the LaRue being a single peice and an DD Omega being a 2pc?
spamsammich
07-20-08, 04:17
On paper, the one piece FF rail would be stronger. In use, if you apply enough force to the Omega to damage it, there will probably be other stuff on the gun broken too. Once correctly installed, the Omega is very stout.
The question you should be asking yourself is, do you think you will be using the rail on a gun with a permanently attached flash hider or some other configuration that makes it necessary to disassemble the barrel to change the rail? If you do not want to make or cannot make ANY changes to the host gun, get the Omega. If you don't mind turning wrenches the one piece would work fine.
If your heart is set on a 2 piece, and don't want to modify the gun at all, Vltor also makes an interesting handguard in the CASV series. In my opinion, in use, either will be solid enough for my use. I prefer the Omegas because they are slightly cheaper and a breeze to install. I have a couple uppers that have pinned flash hiders.
GotM4 listed the only 4 options I'd consider when choosing a 7.0 FF rail; your two as well as the DD Lite and DD M4. Each has it's advantages.
Daniel Defense Omega (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=109)
This is a two-piece rail system that utilizes the stock barrel nut on your rifle and does not require the removal of the front sight base, delta ring, barrel, nut, etc. It has an integral QD pushbutton sling swivel with rotation limit on the rear port and starboard side of the rail. It is 2.43" tall (like all Daniel Defense rails) and 1.90" wide with an internal diameter of 1.10". It weighs 7.75 oz, but for comparison purposes to other rails that have their own barrel nut you have to add back in 2.5 oz for the stock handguard cap, delta ring, and barrel nut bringing the relative weight to 10.25 oz. The top rail is at the same height as the flat top upper and extends back over the delta ring to make a continuous rail with the upper receiver. It's also available in a "flat dark earth" (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=116) finish.
The advantage of this rail system is in the installation. If you don't want to, or can't, or aren't allowed to remove your barrel or front sight base, this rail still allows you to have a free float system. Examples of this may include a lack of skills, tools, or confidence, administrative rules on a department or agency owned firearm, or a barrel with a permanently attached muzzle device that prevents the removal of the front sight base. There are other manufacturers out there that do similar but they all weigh more than the Omega.
The limitation of this rail system is that it's a two-piece (more joints means more failure points, it's just a fact of life), it's the heaviest of the Daniel Defense rails (but still lighter than a Larue, even with the 2.5 oz adjustment). The internal diameter is also one of the smallest on the market which, on a typical 7.0 application where the front sight base remains is not much of an issue, but buyers should still be aware of it.
Daniel Defense M4 Rail 7.0 (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=18)
This is a one-piece rail system that comes with it's own barrel nut attachment such that the stock handguard cap, delta ring, and barrel nut are discarded and installation requires the removal of the barrel in order to remove these parts. It does not have any provision for sling attachment an as such if the user wants to attach a sling to the rail you have to add one (Daniel Defense makes several (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/browse&category=slingmounts_railattachedslingmounts)). It is the typical Daniel Defense 2.43" tall, is slightly wider than the Omega at 1.94" but has an internal diameter of 1.45". It weighs in at 8.5 oz, but the pushbutton sling swivel adds one oz if you choose to use it. This rail system is almost a direct 1:1 for weight replacement when it replaces a stock set of double-heat-shield M4 handguards, barrel nut, delta ring, handguard cap, and sling swivel. The top rail is at the same height as the flat top upper but does not extend back to make a continuous rail. The threaded portion at the rear of the rail is attached to the rail itself via 4 spot welds. Like the Omega, it is available in a "flat dark earth" (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=110) variant.
The advantage of this system is the light weight and the one-piece construction (alright, it's really multiple pieces, but the rail itself is made up of only one). The fact that it is a 1:1 weight replacement for stock parts is a very nice feature. It also has the largest internal diameter of any of the 4 listed here. Again, this may not be an issue for your application.
The limitations of this rail system include no sling-mount and the lack of a continuous top rail. Some also consider the lack of a locking handguard/barrel nut at the rear to be a liability and cite the possibility that torque on the rail could loosen the barrel (although I've never seen it happen personally). Others point to the spot welds at the rear as being potentially weaker than other attachment methods and/or think they are "ugly" (obviously a very subjective matter, and frankly entirely pointless).
Daniel Defense AR 15 Lite Rail 7.0 (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=60)
This is a one-piece rail system that comes with it's own barrel nut attachment such that the stock handguard cap, delta ring, and barrel nut are discarded and installation requires the removal of the barrel in order to remove these parts. Again, this rail is 2.43" tall like the other Daniel Defense offerings, but is 2.06" wide with a 1.23" internal diameter. This makes it the "fattest" of all 4 rail systems but it has an internal diameter second only to the M4 rail. It also weighs in at 8.5 oz with an added one oz for a bolt-on sling attachment if you desire it. The top rail is at the same height as the flat top upper and extends back to make a continuous rail. The bolt-up portion at the rear of the rail is attached to the rail itself via welds.
The advantages of this rail include the light weight of the M4, the continuous rail of the Omega, plus a locking ring mounting method that prevents the possibility of torquing the barrel loose.
The limitations of this system used to be the higher price, but according to the Daniel Defense website it now goes for the same price as the M4 rail. Be careful when shopping, however, as some retailers are still listing it at $50 more than the M4 rail. Again, some may point to the welded construction as a negative but that is theoretical at best. Also, the lack of a sling swivel is viewed by some as a negative.
LaRue Tactical 7.0" Handguard LT15-7 (http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=46)
This is a one-piece rail system that comes with it's own barrel nut attachment such that the stock handguard cap, delta ring, and barrel nut are discarded and installation requires the removal of the barrel in order to remove these parts. The Larue rail is 2.22" tall, 2.00" wide, and has an internal diameter of 1.20". It weighs in at 11.87 oz making it the heaviest of the 4 rail systems here. It includes a QD pushbutton sling swivel at the rear port and starboard sides of the rail, and this swivel does have the built-in rotation limit. The top rail is at the same height as the flat top upper but does not extend back to make a continuous rail. The threaded portion at the rear of the rail is attached to the rail itself via "glue", but be aware that calling the attachment method "glue" or "epoxy" disregards and downplays the strength of the attachment. The mounting method also includes a rotation-limiting system to keep the rail and barrel nut from turning.
The advantages of this rail system include the integral sling swivels, the locking mounting system, and the short overall height. The height is made up at the bottom of the rail which allows the shooter to get their grip higher and closer to the barrel itself. It is also the least expensive of the 4 rails listed here.
The main limitation is the weight. Also, the small internal diameter may be an issue for some. The "epoxy" attachment method between nut and rail also has it's detractors just like the Daniel Defense welds have their detractors.
Summary
To sum up:
I would choose the DD Omega if I was not allowed to, or was unable to, remove the stock parts required for installation of the other rails.
I would choose the DD M4 rail if weight, simplicity, width, and internal diameter were critical for me.
I would choose the DD Lite rail if weight and a continuous top rail were critical for me.
I would choose the LT rail if price, overall height and an integral sling swivel were critical for me.
link (http://tacticalyellowvisor.net/8343/41127.html)
http://tacticalyellowvisor.net/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_41327/M4$20RAIL$20CHART.jpg
One other thing to consider when comparing rails is that the DD rails come with 3 Magpul Ladders. These are worth $35.85.
C4
The other question is would the LaRue be more secure than the DD? Simply do to the fact the DD is connect to the barrel ring which is spring loaded to pull back and be able to pull in and out handguards. LaRue seems a little bit more permanent in that the whole barrel nut is removed. I also am putting this on my 16" Bushmaster Carbine. Everything can be removed.
1) You're misunderstanding how the Omega works. Perhaps reading the installation instructions here (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65) will help you to understand how and what it attaches to.
2) Are you fixated on just the Omega and Larue because of cost? The difference in MSRP between a DD M4 or Lite and the Larue is $30, which is, as Grant points out, offset by over $30 worth of rail covers included with the DD. Either way, I would NOT base my decision simply on a matter of $30, but YMMV.
3) Since you are willing and/or able to remove the parts necessary, I would not opt for the Omega. There is no reason to use a two-piece rail when a one-piece is an option. But, other than #2 above, you seem to be overlooking two very good options in the DD Lite and M4.
4) Are you sure you don't already have your mind made up on the Larue and are just looking for validation? That seems to be the case more often than not with threads like this.
5) In your case, I would be trying to decide between the DD Lite and the Larue. If you want a continuous top rail, a lighter weight, included rail covers, and a larger ID then go with the DD. If you want an integral sling mount, smaller overall profile, and are swayed by a $30 difference, then go with the LT. FWIW, you can get the DD Lite from G&R Tactical (http://www.gandrtactical.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=7.0L-DD) for $18 more than the LT, further narrowing the gap.
I've also noticed the LaRue mounts remove the hand guard guide the circular piece behind the FS. Looks cleaner. Does this piece serve a purpose for the DD Omega rail? Looks like it sits up next to it.
uncle.
:cool:
?? not following.
I've also noticed the LaRue mounts remove the hand guard guide the circular piece behind the FS. Looks cleaner. Does this piece serve a purpose for the DD Omega rail? Looks like it sits up next to it.
The purpose of the Omega rail is to provide a tight and sturdy free float rail for those who cannot or will not disassemble their guns. So that piece stays on since you cannot get it off without taking things apart or using a dremel
Chad
Does anybody have experience with both???
Robb Jensen
07-20-08, 14:05
uncle.
:cool:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/smilies/z7shysterical.gif
Does anybody have experience with both???
You mean DD Omega?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/gunpics/Glock19011.jpg
DD Lite Rail and the similar RIS II MK18 rail?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/ADM%20mounts/ADM019.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/sbr.jpg
LaRue rail?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/scopemountpics005.jpg?t=1216569671http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/46ce7437.jpg
That would be an affirmative.
spamsammich
07-20-08, 14:12
Does this guy have rob s on ignore?
Does anybody have experience with both???
Me and you are probably the only ones in this thread that don't have experience with both (I have had a Larue but not owned an Omega).
Every possible bit of info about the two (and the other options) is spelled out in this thread. What's tripping you up about making a decision?
Robb Jensen
07-20-08, 14:19
Does this guy have rob s on ignore?
I think it's just the whole horse to water thing..........
Well I know I want to go with an LT or Omega. Omega has top connector and is lighter and has a easy 2 piece install. The LaRue is benefited by being a single piece a little heavier and gets rid of the hand guard holder/cap which is a good thing and replaces the barrel nut. I'm just not sure which would be better for me to go with. They both look like great pieces to add but I can't afford to pick both.
Me and you are probably the only ones in this thread that don't have experience with both (I have had a Larue but not owned an Omega).
Every possible bit of info about the two (and the other options) is spelled out in this thread. What's tripping you up about making a decision?
The info given is being ignored.
ballsout - Just go buy the LT.
Does anybody have experience with both???
Yes, I have experience with both. I am probably the second or third person in the country to run LT rails. I am most likely one of the first 10 people to get and run the Omega rails.
What would you like to know?
C4
Yes, I have experience with both. I am probably the second or third person in the country to run LT rails. I am most likely one of the first 10 people to get and run the Omega rails.
What would you like to know?
C4
Which would you prefer and why? Or which one would you recommend if somebody was looking at these two.
Which would you prefer and why? Or which one would you recommend if somebody was looking at these two.
Hmm, well like a lot of this stuff, it comes down to personal preference (as both items are high quality).
If you look at price and what you get, the DD easily wins with the $35 dollars worth of black ladders. We also include either a Magpul PMAG or Lancer mag with the DD rails we sell. So if you add that onto it you are getting into a $50-$55 price difference. This is clearly the better deal IMHO.
C4
Hmm, well like a lot of this stuff, it comes down to personal preference (as both items are high quality).
If you look at price and what you get, the DD easily wins with the $35 dollars worth of black ladders. We also include either a Magpul PMAG or Lancer mag with the DD rails we sell. So if you add that onto it you are getting into a $50-$55 price difference. This is clearly the better deal IMHO.
C4
All deals aside would you still say the Omega is a better rail system?
All deals aside would you still say the Omega is a better rail system?
This again depends on what is more important to you. If you like the monolithic look, then the Omega wins. If you like that you do not have to remove the FSB to install a rail, the Omega wins. If neither of this matters to you, then the LT wins. If you have small hands and do NOT run a VG, the Omeg wins.
You get the idea.
C4
Ballsout,
If you can do the work yourself,and you have all of the needed proper tools get the Larue. If you do not have the tools or the mechanical ability go with the Omega. You will not be disappointed either way. Plus when you get your next carbine you can get the same one or have one of each.
By the way, you made Rob_s Tap out in under 3 pages; first time I ever saw it.
:)
Jack
sweet sweet.... i'm kind of new to this forum, so whats the deal with rob s?
Rob_S is a friend and he is GOOD PEOPLE. He shares what he knows, and is not afrid to ask when he does not know.
He was giving you everything you needed. I don't think you were geting the answer you wanted to hear. No biggie, you guys were transmitting and receiving on different frequencies.
I was just having fun busting his chops. :) :)
That's what friends are for, well that and splitting up your gear if you get dead.
Jack
sweet sweet.... i'm kind of new to this forum, so whats the deal with rob s?
He often takes time out of his day to provide incredibly detailed explanations to answer people's questions, even when they repeatedly ignore the answers he's providing.
He often takes time out of his day to provide incredibly detailed explanations to answer people's questions, even when they repeatedly ignore the answers he's providing.
Phew, thank GOD that didn't happen in this thread.
C4
mrosamilia
07-20-08, 21:01
Phew, thank GOD that didn't happen in this thread.
C4 Grant I plan on ordering either the Omega 7 in dark earth this week from you or the SOCOM RIS. Could you tell me if you have to shave the front sight base for the SOCOM RIS?
Grant I plan on ordering either the Omega 7 in dark earth this week from you or the SOCOM RIS. Could you tell me if you have to shave the front sight base for the SOCOM RIS?
Really depends on your setup (gas system, what FSB you have, etc).
C4
mrosamilia
07-20-08, 21:34
Really depends on your setup (gas system, what FSB you have, etc).
C4
Sorry I guess I didn't mention it. It would be for a NIB never fired 6920.
this thread is only two pages long at this point, but from me, is getting the award for the most obnoxious thread i have read today.
Robb Jensen
07-21-08, 05:41
A DD M4A1 RIS II and a DD MK18 RIS II would each need you to 'shave' the FSB down pretty small or to use an aftermarket low-profile gas block to allow either to fit a 6920 (or anything with a carbine length gas system).
I shaved my FSB to fit under the 9.5" DD MK18 RIS II rail.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/125DPMSfrontofrail.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/125DPMSfrontbottomshavedFSB.jpg
mrosamilia
07-21-08, 07:24
Thanks GotM4 that is the exact pic and info I needed. Sorry if I offended anyone, it was unintentional.
Battl3fr0nt
07-21-08, 07:45
The DD Omgea Rail will not be Rock soild, that is the only difference really.. I went with a Troy FF rail and it is the best user install rail you can get besides the easyer to install Omega rail but it seems the easyer it is the less soild it is.. For my next build im going with the DD lite rail. I really think that is the best of them all..
The DD Omgea Rail will not be Rock soild,
Really?
Did you contact DD when you had this problem with yours? Did they get it worked out for you or offer a solution?
Robb Jensen
07-21-08, 08:00
The DD Omgea Rail will not be Rock soild, that is the only difference really.. I went with a Troy FF rail and it is the best user install rail you can get besides the easyer to install Omega rail but it seems the easyer it is the less soild it is.. For my next build im going with the DD lite rail. I really think that is the best of them all..
If the DD Omega isn't locking up solid on on your gun you either installed it incorrectly or have a problem with your barrel nut. I've installed about 20 Omegas and all locked up solidly.
theJanitor
07-21-08, 18:04
mine is rock solid and so are the other two that i have installed. actually, it's more like boulder solid than rock solid. there must be a problem with yours if it's loose.
Um...my DD Omega is rock solid as well. I went with the DD, for my 6920, because I don't have the tools or confidence in installing the other rails myself. However, I couldn't be happier with the Omega.
Well I think I'm going with the LaRue 7.0. Only problem is the one special wrench to get the barrel nut off. I feel more confident with a single piece rail. Any idea where to get a hold of a barrel nut wrench? Doesn't seem like you need anything special other than that.
Robb Jensen
07-21-08, 22:11
Well I think I'm going with the LaRue 7.0. Only problem is the one special wrench to get the barrel nut off. I feel more confident with a single piece rail. Any idea where to get a hold of a barrel nut wrench? Doesn't seem like you need anything special other than that.
PRI makes the 5 pin one I use...............https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=7463
Oh yeah I wrote that post...doh!
LettersFromEarth
07-22-08, 10:43
(ballsout) I know I know this is debatable but when it comes down to me purchasing the rail I am being torn apart. Looking at the Larue 7.0 vs the Daniel Defense Omega 7.0. I can't decide which to go for. Can you please provide some personal opinions and cons or pros of both. This is supriseingly difficult.
Dude, you are making this more difficult than it should/needs to be. I and others have given you ideas and opinions here and in other threads, bro and your still on the fence? Pull the trigger for jebus sakes!!! :-) Why not the MI rail like you said in another thread?
BTW--LaRue is great a great product with great C/S. but...the DD Omega might be my my next rail system if and when they come out with a rifle length version.
I appreciated Rob_S' explanation of how the four rails are mounted and the advantages and disadvantages of each. My own rail installation experience is towards the shallow end of the 'do it yourself' pool, starting with the old, non free float Surefire M73 and ending up with the Troy MRF-C being the most complex rail I've mounted. Though I've found the Troy a solid rail, I think the DD Omega would've been my choice had it been available at the time considering the ease of installation, light weight, integral sling swivel and the ability to return the carbine to stock configuration.
However, I'm now interested in a one piece rail and I was wondering about two of the brands offered in Noveske builds - the SWS rail and the Viking Tactics. How does the installation of these rails compare with the DD and LaRue offerings?
AllAmerican
07-23-08, 18:53
[QUOTE=rob_s;194189]1) You're misunderstanding how the Omega works. Perhaps reading the installation instructions here (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65) will help you to understand how and what it attaches to.
That is what I did, for one thing I cannot hardly see up close, so I messed up the little set screws and could never tighten up the Omega rails. So here is where I got experience with DD. I called them and tried to explain what I was trying to do. Jay finally said just send us the upper. Long story short, they reinstalled in right and sent it back, No Charge! It is still tight as a drum! I don't have any experience with LaRue but I can say that Daniel Defense customer service is Great!!!
IMHO
GotM4 listed the only 4 options I'd consider when choosing a 7.0 FF rail; your two as well as the DD Lite and DD M4. Each has it's advantages.
Daniel Defense Omega (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=109)
This is a two-piece rail system that utilizes the stock barrel nut on your rifle and does not require the removal of the front sight base, delta ring, barrel, nut, etc. It has an integral QD pushbutton sling swivel with rotation limit on the rear port and starboard side of the rail. It is 2.43" tall (like all Daniel Defense rails) and 1.90" wide with an internal diameter of 1.10". It weighs 7.75 oz, but for comparison purposes to other rails that have their own barrel nut you have to add back in 2.5 oz for the stock handguard cap, delta ring, and barrel nut bringing the relative weight to 10.25 oz. The top rail is at the same height as the flat top upper and extends back over the delta ring to make a continuous rail with the upper receiver. It's also available in a "flat dark earth" (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=116) finish.
The advantage of this rail system is in the installation. If you don't want to, or can't, or aren't allowed to remove your barrel or front sight base, this rail still allows you to have a free float system. Examples of this may include a lack of skills, tools, or confidence, administrative rules on a department or agency owned firearm, or a barrel with a permanently attached muzzle device that prevents the removal of the front sight base. There are other manufacturers out there that do similar but they all weigh more than the Omega.
The limitation of this rail system is that it's a two-piece (more joints means more failure points, it's just a fact of life), it's the heaviest of the Daniel Defense rails (but still lighter than a Larue, even with the 2.5 oz adjustment). The internal diameter is also one of the smallest on the market which, on a typical 7.0 application where the front sight base remains is not much of an issue, but buyers should still be aware of it.
Daniel Defense M4 Rail 7.0 (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=18)
This is a one-piece rail system that comes with it's own barrel nut attachment such that the stock handguard cap, delta ring, and barrel nut are discarded and installation requires the removal of the barrel in order to remove these parts. It does not have any provision for sling attachment an as such if the user wants to attach a sling to the rail you have to add one (Daniel Defense makes several (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/browse&category=slingmounts_railattachedslingmounts)). It is the typical Daniel Defense 2.43" tall, is slightly wider than the Omega at 1.94" but has an internal diameter of 1.45". It weighs in at 8.5 oz, but the pushbutton sling swivel adds one oz if you choose to use it. This rail system is almost a direct 1:1 for weight replacement when it replaces a stock set of double-heat-shield M4 handguards, barrel nut, delta ring, handguard cap, and sling swivel. The top rail is at the same height as the flat top upper but does not extend back to make a continuous rail. The threaded portion at the rear of the rail is attached to the rail itself via 4 spot welds. Like the Omega, it is available in a "flat dark earth" (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=110) variant.
The advantage of this system is the light weight and the one-piece construction (alright, it's really multiple pieces, but the rail itself is made up of only one). The fact that it is a 1:1 weight replacement for stock parts is a very nice feature. It also has the largest internal diameter of any of the 4 listed here. Again, this may not be an issue for your application.
The limitations of this rail system include no sling-mount and the lack of a continuous top rail. Some also consider the lack of a locking handguard/barrel nut at the rear to be a liability and cite the possibility that torque on the rail could loosen the barrel (although I've never seen it happen personally). Others point to the spot welds at the rear as being potentially weaker than other attachment methods and/or think they are "ugly" (obviously a very subjective matter, and frankly entirely pointless).
Daniel Defense AR 15 Lite Rail 7.0 (http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=60)
This is a one-piece rail system that comes with it's own barrel nut attachment such that the stock handguard cap, delta ring, and barrel nut are discarded and installation requires the removal of the barrel in order to remove these parts. Again, this rail is 2.43" tall like the other Daniel Defense offerings, but is 2.06" wide with a 1.23" internal diameter. This makes it the "fattest" of all 4 rail systems but it has an internal diameter second only to the M4 rail. It also weighs in at 8.5 oz with an added one oz for a bolt-on sling attachment if you desire it. The top rail is at the same height as the flat top upper and extends back to make a continuous rail. The bolt-up portion at the rear of the rail is attached to the rail itself via welds.
The advantages of this rail include the light weight of the M4, the continuous rail of the Omega, plus a locking ring mounting method that prevents the possibility of torquing the barrel loose.
The limitations of this system used to be the higher price, but according to the Daniel Defense website it now goes for the same price as the M4 rail. Be careful when shopping, however, as some retailers are still listing it at $50 more than the M4 rail. Again, some may point to the welded construction as a negative but that is theoretical at best. Also, the lack of a sling swivel is viewed by some as a negative.
LaRue Tactical 7.0" Handguard LT15-7 (http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=46)
This is a one-piece rail system that comes with it's own barrel nut attachment such that the stock handguard cap, delta ring, and barrel nut are discarded and installation requires the removal of the barrel in order to remove these parts. The Larue rail is 2.22" tall, 2.00" wide, and has an internal diameter of 1.20". It weighs in at 11.87 oz making it the heaviest of the 4 rail systems here. It includes a QD pushbutton sling swivel at the rear port and starboard sides of the rail, and this swivel does have the built-in rotation limit. The top rail is at the same height as the flat top upper but does not extend back to make a continuous rail. The threaded portion at the rear of the rail is attached to the rail itself via "glue", but be aware that calling the attachment method "glue" or "epoxy" disregards and downplays the strength of the attachment. The mounting method also includes a rotation-limiting system to keep the rail and barrel nut from turning.
The advantages of this rail system include the integral sling swivels, the locking mounting system, and the short overall height. The height is made up at the bottom of the rail which allows the shooter to get their grip higher and closer to the barrel itself. It is also the least expensive of the 4 rails listed here.
The main limitation is the weight. Also, the small internal diameter may be an issue for some. The "epoxy" attachment method between nut and rail also has it's detractors just like the Daniel Defense welds have their detractors.
Summary
To sum up:
I would choose the DD Omega if I was not allowed to, or was unable to, remove the stock parts required for installation of the other rails.
I would choose the DD M4 rail if weight, simplicity, width, and internal diameter were critical for me.
I would choose the DD Lite rail if weight and a continuous top rail were critical for me.
I would choose the LT rail if price, overall height and an integral sling swivel were critical for me.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to simplify/explain this.!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank
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