SHOT 2022: Daniel Defense Advances to RIS III

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

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