Guns SHOT 2022: Daniel Defense Advances to RIS III Forrest Cooper January 19, 2022 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. Daniel Defense has built their reputation on building battle-worthy firearms, and the legacy of the RIS II Rail lives on with each MK18 that is born. However, the time of the quadrail has stretched on for more than a decade, and as M-LOK enjoys it's time on the world stage, Daniel Defense has been making improvements to their rifles. New for 2022, the MK18 RIII features their new RIS III rail, with a picatinny top, but M-LOK on the other facets. Still overly secured for mounting lights and lasers, the foundation is strong and the face is more modern. By transitioning from quadrail to M-LOK, we could physically feel how much lighter the new fore end was compared to the RIS II, even without putting a number on it. But more has come to pass than the rail. The new ambidextrous lower integrates a bolt catch and release on the right-hand side, and a magazine release on the left. What we've been able to play with feels tight enough to not worry about wobble, but mobile enough to avoid binding. Later this year the RIS III rail will be available at 9.5 inches for a 10.3 barrel, 10.5 for an 11.5 barrel, 12.5 for an M4 or M16 profile barrel with a low profile gas block, and a 13.0-inch rail that accommodates a front sight post. For clarity in distinction, the Daniel Defense RIS III refers to the rail, and the RIII refers to new Rifles. Stay tuned to Daniel Defense. They are taking orders now and prepping to ship likely within 90 days.For more, visit danieldefense.com Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
