Daniel Defense RIS II Rails
The AR15 is undoubtedly the world’s most versatile modular small arms system. For the SOPMOD II program, United States Special Operations Command specified a new rail interface system for their M4A1 and Mk 18 weapons and opted for the RIS II by Daniel Defense. These are now near universal issue throughout SOCOM which has purchased thousands.
SOCOM wanted a free floating rail. All of the rails feature Daniel Defense’s proprietary bolt on feature. SOCOM wanted the barrel to remain free floating even with the M203 fitted. The basic RIS II and the M4A1 or FSP versions enable the M203 to mount to the bottom rail easily without affecting the barrel. SOCOM wanted the rail as light as possible. To accomplish this metal has been pared away wherever possible. The resulting holes also aid cooling. The mounting ring also acts as a heat sink. Daniel Defense came up with three versions of the RIS II for SOCOM.
The Daniel Defense RIS II (basic version) is a rail intended to extend almost to the muzzle of an M4A1 carbine. The carbine has to have its USGI sight tower replaced by a low profile gas block. SOCOM use the Mk 12. This unit accepts the M203 and has four uniterrupted MIL-STD 1913 accessory rails.
The Daniel Defense M4 RIS II is identical to the RIS II rail (basic version) but has a cut-out to allow the use of the USGI M4A1 front sight tower. This makes it a lot easier to fit to existing service weaons whilst still giving a lot of latitude in placement of accessories. You can, for example mount the laser ahead of the foresight tower.
The final version is the Daniel Defense Mk 18 RIS IIMk 18 RIS II AR rail. This shorter rail is specific to the SOCOM Mk 18 carbine with its 10.3″ barrel. This weapon uses the Mk 18 CQBR receiver. This rail cannot take an M203, but offers good options for accessory placement. All versions are available in black or dark earth finish.
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