Daniel Defense RIS III Rail Assembly, 12.5", FDE The Daniel Defense RIS III Rail Interface System takes the two-piece RIS II design that U.S. Special Operations Command has used since 2006 and makes it lighter and more versatile with M-LOK attachment. You keep the free-float barrel design, aircraft-grade aluminum and uninterrupted Mil-Spec 1913 top rail of the RIS II, and gain M-LOK slots plus integral QD swivel attachment points on both sides. This is the 12.5" assembly, part number 01-004-03086-011, in FDE. It is designed for uppers without a front sight base, using a low profile gas block under the rail. The SOCOM-proven RIS II design, lighter and M-LOK, in a 12.5" FDE assembly. Bolt-Up System The RIS III attaches to the upper receiver with the proven 6-bolt Bolt-Up System and Grade 8 Mil-Spec fasteners. That locks the handguard to the receiver so it will not rotate or shift, which keeps a top-mounted laser or optic zeroed. It is backward compatible with the RIS II Bolt-Up System and uses the same steel barrel nut and bolt-up plate, so if your upper already wears a RIS II you can swap to RIS III without changing the barrel nut. The RIS III upper rail is also fully compatible with the RIS II lower rail. M-LOK Slots and Top Rail M-LOK slots sit at 7 different positions along the handguard, so you can mount lights, grips, hand stops and sling points exactly where you want them while keeping the rail slim and light. The upper rail is a continuous Mil-Spec 1913 picatinny platform with no gaps, which gives you room for an optic, magnifier, night vision clip-on or backup sights in line. Integral QD swivel points on both sides let you run your sling on either side. Construction The rail is CNC machined from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and free floats the barrel, so pressure on the handguard or bipod does not push your point of impact. It weighs 16.61 oz and measures 12.55 in. long, 1.95 inches wide and 2.16 inches tall, with a 1.34 inch inside diameter. Why Choose the RIS III Many shooters love the look and proven toughness of the RIS II but want a lighter rail and do not need picatinny on all four sides. The RIS III answers that. It keeps the SOCOM bolt-up attachment and full-length top rail that made the RIS II famous, then replaces the side and bottom picatinny with M-LOK, which cuts weight and gives a slimmer, more comfortable grip. You still have plenty of mounting space, but you only add rail sections where you actually need them. The 12.5" length is a good match for mid-length and longer uppers where you want extra reach. Pick FDE for a classic SOPMOD look or black to match a standard upper receiver. Installation Notes Daniel Defense recommends a qualified gunsmith for installing a RIS III on any rifle or upper with a pinned and welded muzzle device, since the muzzle device cannot be removed to slide the rail on. Daniel Defense also notes that M203 hangers will interfere with pinned and welded muzzle devices. If your upper already uses the Daniel Defense barrel nut, installation is straightforward with the bolt-up wrench. Browse more Daniel Defense firearms. Product Specifications Manufacturer: Daniel Defense Model: RIS III Rail Interface System Part Number: 01-004-03086-011 UPC: 818773023078 Length: 12.55 in. Color: FDE Material: 6061-T6 aluminum Attachment: 6-bolt Bolt-Up System, Grade 8 Mil-Spec fasteners Barrel Nut: Steel, Bolt-Up System (RIS II compatible) Free Float: Yes Top Rail: Continuous Mil-Spec 1913 picatinny Accessory Slots: M-LOK, 7 positions Sling Points: Integral QD swivel attachment points, both sides Width: 1.95 in. Height: 2.16 in. Inside Diameter: 1.34 in. Weight: 16.61 oz Frequently Asked Questions Is the RIS III free floating? Yes. Will it work with my RIS II barrel nut? Yes. It uses the same barrel nut and bolt-up plate as the RIS II. What accessories does it take? M-LOK accessories along the handguard and picatinny accessories on the top rail. Can I install it on a pinned and welded upper? Daniel Defense suggests having a qualified gunsmith do it. Is this a firearm? No. It is a handguard and ships directly to you. Order the Daniel Defense RIS III 12.5" rail in FDE from BattleHawk Armory and upgrade your upper.