View Full Version : Daniel Defense MK18 Build
As we know, Crane uses LMT 10.5 uppers for some of the MK18's. We also know that DD makes the MK18 rail for Crane. I was lucky enough to get a couple of these rails in stock and thought I would do some MK18 clones with them.
Here are some specs on the build:
LMT 10.5 Upper
DD MK18 Rail
DD Low Profile GB
PRI GB CH
FN contracted BCG
What is most interesting about the DD MK18 rail is the color. Crane required that the anodizing be type 3. Since it is basically impossible to get this type of anodizing in what we have come to know as "Flat Dark Earth" this is the color that Crane decided upon.
I call this color Coco meets Mud. :D
C4
http://www.gandrtactical.com/images/archive/Daniel%20Defense/LMT%20105%20MK18%20rail.jpg
http://www.gandrtactical.com/images/archive/Daniel%20Defense/MK%2018%20front%20view.jpg
http://www.gandrtactical.com/images/archive/Daniel%20Defense/MK%2018%20upper%20view.jpg
http://www.gandrtactical.com/images/archive/Daniel%20Defense/MK18%20rail%20side%20view.jpg
Looks good. I wasn't aware that DD makes MK18 rails. How much are those rails going for or are you using them only on builds?
Coco is a stripper. Do you mean Cocoa? :p
So now all Mk18s will be made with that rail? What type of sights etc.?
LMT?
N.Y.45 ACP
10-15-07, 21:45
Its not a bad color and I would imagine a matching upper and lower would look good.
Add a FDE stock and grip and I think it makes a nice package.
NinjaMedic
10-15-07, 22:14
Grant, can you take a couple pictures of that as a complete gun with a SOPMOD stock and post them pretty please?
Grant, can you take a couple pictures of that as a complete gun with a SOPMOD stock and post them pretty please?
I'll second that. :)
What type of irons are going on these new Mk18 builds?
What type of irons are going on these new Mk18 builds?
Cannot say for certain, but guess that they are either the LMT fixed or KAC.
C4
Robb Jensen
10-16-07, 14:06
Grant,
What gas block is the Navy using with that rail?
Grant,
What gas block is the Navy using with that rail?
From what I am told, they are using a low profile GB that is their own design. The GB is supposed to be similar the KAC.
C4
Robb Jensen
10-16-07, 14:21
From what I am told, they are using a low profile GB that is their own design. The GB is supposed to be similar the KAC.
C4
Cool. Do you know if they're pinned?
Cool. Do you know if they're pinned?
Yes they are.
C4
tiger seven
10-16-07, 14:44
That's a very cool looking upper. That rail is definitely an unusual color, but I like it. I take it those Mk18 rails are quite rare on the commercial market?
Derek
That's a very cool looking upper. That rail is definitely an unusual color, but I like it. I take it those Mk18 rails are quite rare on the commercial market?
Derek
Yes they are rare. I belive only 30 of them were let out.
C4
decodeddiesel
11-16-07, 14:12
I'll bump this thread with more begging for pics of a complete weapon! :D
+1
I want to see Pics of the finished weapon. :D
Wow - this is one cool upper. Since the rail is only one of somewhat 30 "let out" on the market this makes it into collectible upper ;)
We are turning into 1911 crowd folks :D
Are the DD Mk18 rails the same as the DD 9.0 Lite rails?
That's a lot of real-estate compared to the RIS. I'm not sure about the "combat vomit" colour through.
Rmplstlskn
12-03-07, 10:33
DD MK18 Rail
http://www.gandrtactical.com/images/archive/Daniel%20Defense/MK%2018%20front%20view.jpg
I'm assuming this is an extruded rail... if so, that is some BEEFY RAILS... I hope that they are not that thick throughout but just a cap portion... Any weights on the rail available?
My vote is that color is butt ugly... MK18 or not.
Rmpl
do you have any for sale? going through the paperwork for an SBR right now and looking for a 10.5 upper
Are the DD Mk18 rails the same as the DD 9.0 Lite rails?
No.
C4
do you have any for sale? going through the paperwork for an SBR right now and looking for a 10.5 upper
Yes we do.
C4
Grant
any of the rails or uppers left in stock? If so, how much?
Grant
any of the rails or uppers left in stock? If so, how much?
Yes and Yes. Check your PM for prices.
C4
andrew10736
12-23-07, 21:13
PM on its way Grant:D
I love that DD rail 10.5".
It looks outstanding.
Great looking SBR I love DD rails they are tough. I am doing a Noveske build now and looking at the 13.7 infidel bbl. with a Noveske pig FH. But I cant find a DD rail in 13.5. Looking at yours makes me want to go SBR route. Great snatch on the Mk-18 rail!!
decodeddiesel
01-03-08, 18:25
Grant, what sort of flip-up front sight did Crane decide on? You should really slap that thing onto a MK18'ish lower.
Grant, what sort of flip-up front sight did Crane decide on? You should really slap that thing onto a MK18'ish lower.
They use KAC.
C4
decodeddiesel
01-04-08, 18:02
hmm...well that figures :p
Thanks!
Mk18s are pretty much decided by the upper, not the lower...
You're basically just asking to see a pic of a full rifle, right?
Me too! :D
Have been pondering a Mk18 build if I decide to save for and invest in a M16 lower. I guess I would be correct in assuming that the KAC RIS/RAS has recently been replaced by the DD Mk18 rail in FDE with a KAC front sight and low pro gas block? What else has been altered to the weapon's platform recently or is this it?
Mk18s are pretty much decided by the upper, not the lower...
You're basically just asking to see a pic of a full rifle, right?
Me too! :D
Me three!
Have been pondering a Mk18 build if I decide to save for and invest in a M16 lower. I guess I would be correct in assuming that the KAC RIS/RAS has recently been replaced by the DD Mk18 rail in FDE with a KAC front sight and low pro gas block? What else has been altered to the weapon's platform recently or is this it?
I believe the answers that you seek are located here...
http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006smallarms/taylor.pdf#search=%22sopmod%22
The information on that slide show is for the SOPMOD M4, not the MK18.
decodeddiesel
01-06-08, 11:26
Yeah thats true, the MK18 is dictated by the upper...still I would love to see that upper slapped on a RR (perhaps a colt or LMT lower would be OK) with all the SOPMOD goodies with an NT4 hanging off of the front of it!
decodeddiesel
01-06-08, 11:34
I believe the answers that you seek are located here...
http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006smallarms/taylor.pdf#search=%22sopmod%22
Thanks for the link! There's some great data there, however it seems to focus on the M4A1 SOPMOD program. I am very familiar with this program having been lucky enough to see trickle-down from it in the 101st ABN. Gotta love NSN'd items :D
ETA: sorry for the split posts
Anyone know the measurement of the width of the rail? It looks like it's a tad wider than a standard Lite rail.
Also, has anyone tried a crossbolt Vltor low-profile block with this rail system? It doesn't work with the Lite rail which is why I ask (you have to use a set screw version with the Lite rail). It looks like DD added a relief cuts on the bottom rail so the screw heads will clear.
One more question, if one were to build a upper using a mid-length gas system with this rail, where would the gas block end up? Inside rail or outside? It looks like it might be JUST inside (I'm talking about a "short" low profile gas block ala MK12mod1) which wouldn't work because it looks like the "ring" around the front face of the rail would hit the gas block.
http://www.gandrtactical.com/images/archive/Daniel%20Defense/MK%2018%20front%20view.jpg
2.2 inches wide, from the DD website...
http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=111
The DD Lite rail is 2.060 inches wide.
Reference this picture...
http://www.danieldefense.com/img/raildimscomp.gif
2.2 inches wide, from the DD website...
http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=111
I had originally checked that but it didn't seem right (since that would make the rail "round" in profile). I emailed DD and they said it was the same width as the Lite rail so this is why I wanted an actual measurement from someone who has one.
2.2 inches wide, from the DD website...
http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=111
Frogman,
Did you ever end up with one of these?
I'm still waiting on a barrel, but this style build is high on my list.
Frogman,
Did you ever end up with one of these?
I'm still waiting on a barrel, but this style build is high on my list.
Unfortunately, No.
You and me both. I need to decide which lower to SBR.
I had originally checked that but it didn't seem right (since that would make the rail "round" in profile). I emailed DD and they said it was the same width as the Lite rail so this is why I wanted an actual measurement from someone who has one.
I'm not sure with whom you conversed, but that information is inaccurate. The RIS II models are wider than the Lite Rail. The RIS II is 2.23" wide.
SilentButDeadly
03-24-08, 23:00
Any new information or pics available on the new Mk18s?
I think the newest information would be the price drop on the MK18 and M4 RIS II rails. I'm trying to get some additional pictures shot.
Voodoochild
03-25-08, 20:54
What size rail can you use with a 10.5" barrel with the FSB still attached. I like having the FSB opposed to a flip up sight. Maybe it's just me but I like it looking at the DD Lite rail I like them.
What size rail can you use with a 10.5" barrel with the FSB still attached. I like having the FSB opposed to a flip up sight. Maybe it's just me but I like it looking at the DD Lite rail I like them.
7" rail, or one of the rails with a cutout for the FSB.
The below picture is an 11.5" barrel, but it should give you a rough idea. You can see that a pretty good amount of rail space is picked up with the DD MK18 rail.
http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Projects/Daniel%20Defense%20Lite%20Rail%20Project/IMG_1805%20Stick.jpg
http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Daniel%20Defense%2C%20Inc./IMG_9965%20Stick.jpg
What size rail can you use with a 10.5" barrel with the FSB still attached. I like having the FSB opposed to a flip up sight. Maybe it's just me but I like it looking at the DD Lite rail I like them.
I was thinking about putting a 9.5 FSP on my 10.5
Voodoochild
03-26-08, 16:21
Stick do you by chance have any pics of a 7 DD Lite rail and a 10.5" barrel with the FSB attached?
Stick do you by chance have any pics of a 7 DD Lite rail and a 10.5" barrel with the FSB attached?
I only have them with an 11.5 barrel that I can find right now.
7" rail, or one of the rails with a cutout for the FSB.
The below picture is an 11.5" barrel, but it should give you a rough idea. You can see that a pretty good amount of rail space is picked up with the DD MK18 rail.
http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Projects/Daniel%20Defense%20Lite%20Rail%20Project/IMG_1805%20Stick.jpg
http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Daniel%20Defense%2C%20Inc./IMG_9965%20Stick.jpg
Very nice as usual STICK! :)
Do you know if a chopped gas block will fit in the Dainel Defense MK18 RIS II? The DD website states that the rail was designed to be used with a MK12 Low Profile Gas Block (or something similar), but I was hoping to use my old sight base. I don't think it will work due to space, the MK18 RIS looks like it is real close to the barrel. What do you'll think, no-go on the chopped gas block?
Edit: It can be done.
FrankRochester
11-25-08, 21:42
The color must have something to do with the Mil-spec hard coat anodize... The parts I'm making for a defense contractor end up hard coated that same color. They used to be black, and then they changed to that.
Army Chief
11-26-08, 00:23
Pricing, please (will check PM).
Chief
Quick picture, its not my upper, but its an update to the thread.
http://stickman.rainierarms.com/galleries/Daniel%20Defense%20II/IMG_1919%201028%20WEVO.jpg:)
VooDoo . 10.5" barrel, 9.5" Troy rail, not a MK18, but something for an idea.
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn282/308-holes/DSCN0828-1.jpg
flanntastic
12-29-08, 16:47
with a DD MK18 handguard, a Noveske 10.5 barrel, will a surefire fa556k, will there be enough room to lock the can down?
Grant,
Are these still available?
Brian-
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6999/dsci0009kl1.jpg
i would also like to know the status of these?
post tensioned
01-04-09, 19:23
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee295/hk53a3/010209_0031.jpg
Waiting on the stamp for the lower and the front KAC buis
Grant, or anybody can you tell what brand Gasblock is Crane using on this DD MK18 RIS II ?
Grant, or anybody can you tell what brand Gasblock is Crane using on this DD MK18 RIS II ?
I understand they use the DD block on some of them.
westcoastfrog
02-23-10, 23:24
i'm not sure who makes the front site but i do know that it sucks balls IMO of course. it doesn't positively lock in the up position so inevitably guys end up running around with a front site at 45 degrees. i wish they had either gone with troy's for a flip up set or diopeters for a fixed set (this is how i run my cqbr). Rear sights are a mixture of matech, knights armament or whatever else someone has layin around.
Grant to you have any of the DD MK18 RIS II rails in stock, if so could you PM me pricing. If not do you have any idea of when they may be available?
Thank you.
Grant to you have any of the DD MK18 RIS II rails in stock, if so could you PM me pricing. If not do you have any idea of when they may be available?
Thank you.
I think we are out. I might have an LMT 10.5 upper with them installed sitting around gathering dust though.
C4
I talked to a few Gentlemen from DD, and said they are a few weeks out on shipping. So I'm assuming in the upcomng spring months, dealers should be getting their orders. But this is purely my speculation, take it for what it's worth.
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