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Daniel Defense RIS III 12.5″ M-LOK Rail, FDE
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$582.00Original price was: $582.00.$542.00Current price is: $542.00.
Out of stock
🚚 Not on our shelf today — order now to reserve yours, or call (817) 393-4000 for a current lead time. Free local pickup in Roanoke, TX when it arrives.
The Daniel Defense RIS III 12.5″ M-LOK Rail in FDE is a 12.55″ free-float AR-15 handguard built on the six-bolt Bolt-Up System, with M-LOK attachment at seven positions along the handguard, integral QD swivel points on both sides and an uninterrupted Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny upper rail. Sold here as part number 01-004-03086-011, it weighs 16.61 oz, carries a 1.34″ inside diameter and is specified for a rifle gas system.
Lineage is the reason this rail exists. Daniel Defense is the sole source provider of the RIS II to United States Special Operations Command, where the two-piece RIS II has been in service since 2006. The RIS III keeps the free-float barrel, aircraft-grade aluminum construction and uninterrupted 1913 upper rail, then cuts weight and adds versatility with M-LOK on the sides and bottom.
It also stays compatible with what units already own: the RIS III is backward compatible with the RIS II Bolt-Up System, using the same barrel nut and bolt-up plate, and its upper rail is fully compatible with the RIS II lower rail. At 16.61 oz it is heavier than an MFR by design, with a six-bolt interface and Grade 8 military specification fasteners.
Mounting: Proven 6-bolt Bolt-Up System, Grade 8 military specification fasteners
Gas System: Rifle
Free Float: Yes
Continuous Upper Rail: Yes
Sling Attachment: Integral QD swivel attachment points on both sides
Compatibility: Backward compatible with the RIS II Bolt-Up System, same barrel nut and bolt-up plate; RIS III upper rail fully compatible with the RIS II lower rail
Fitment and the pinned muzzle device warning
Read this before you order. Daniel Defense notes that M203 hangers will interfere with pinned and welded muzzle devices, and suggests contacting a qualified gunsmith for RIS III installation on any firearm or upper receiver group with such a device. That covers a large share of 14.5″ uppers. Beyond that, the rail is specified for a rifle gas system at 12.55″ long with a 1.34″ inside diameter, so the gas block must be low profile enough to clear that bore. Call 817-393-4000 if your upper has a pinned device.
Upgrading from a RIS II
If you already run a RIS II, the RIS III drops into the same interface: the same barrel nut and bolt-up plate, and an upper rail fully compatible with the RIS II lower rail. Practically, you can move to M-LOK and shed weight without replacing mounting hardware, and a mixed setup is possible. Call 817-393-4000 to confirm what hardware your rail generation uses.
Western Sport is a licensed FFL and SOT dealer in Roanoke, Texas, in business since 2007 and a Daniel Defense master dealer, with a gunsmith on site who handles RIS III installs including uppers with pinned and welded muzzle devices. This rail is a part, so no transfer paperwork applies. Call 817-393-4000 for fitment or install scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the RIS III compatible with RIS II mounting hardware?
A: Yes. The RIS III is backward compatible with the RIS II Bolt-Up System and uses the same barrel nut and bolt-up plate, and the RIS III upper rail is fully compatible with the RIS II lower rail. That is deliberate, so an existing RIS II host can be upgraded to M-LOK without changing the mounting interface.
Q: Can I install a RIS III on an upper with a pinned and welded muzzle device?
A: Daniel Defense advises contacting a qualified gunsmith for RIS III installation on any firearm or upper receiver group with a pinned and welded muzzle device, because the M203 hangers will interfere with that device. Do not force it. We have a gunsmith on site, so call 817-393-4000 and we will tell you what your upper needs.
Q: How much does the RIS III 12.5″ weigh?
A: 16.61 oz. That is heavier than an M-LOK MFR of similar length, and the six-bolt Bolt-Up System, Grade 8 fasteners and 1.95″ wide structure are where the weight goes. The RIS III is lighter than the RIS II design it descends from, since M-LOK removed Picatinny material from the sides and bottom.
Q: What is the difference between the RIS II and the RIS III?
A: The RIS III takes the proven two-piece RIS II design used by U.S. Special Operations Command since 2006 and reduces weight while adding versatility through M-LOK attachment. You keep the free-float barrel design, aircraft-grade aluminum construction and the uninterrupted Mil-Spec 1913 upper rail, and you gain seven M-LOK positions along the handguard.
Q: Does the FDE version differ from the black one mechanically?
A: This SKU is the FDE colour of the RIS III 12.5″ rail; the rail itself is the same 12.55″ M-LOK design on the same six-bolt Bolt-Up System. Colour is the distinguishing attribute on this part number. If you are matching FDE furniture, call 817-393-4000 and we can compare what we have in the line.
Q: Where does a sling attach on the RIS III?
A: Integral QD swivel attachment points are built into both sides of the rail, so a QD sling swivel plugs directly into the handguard with no M-LOK adapter needed. With seven M-LOK positions also available along the handguard, you can add a hand stop or light anywhere that suits the sling setup you choose.
This item is out of stock. These are on the shelf today and ship or transfer the same way. Not sure which is the right swap? Call 817-393-4000 and we will tell you straight.
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