Weapons Stuff: The Daniel Defense Omega Rail 7.0
By Head Jundi
April 07, 2008
Well, I have to tell you, I like this product. I do not own this product, but it definitely has grabbed my attention. This meets a couple of the prerequisites I have for contracting equipment and weapons stuff. And that is lightweight, simple to use, and tough as nails. I am excited about this product, and here are a few of the highlights.
First, it is a free-floating rail, that requires no modification of your weapon. That is great for contracting, because if you are issued a weapon from your company, they often frown on you making any permanent changes to it. Like cutting off and/or removing the delta ring, in-case you want to add a free floating rail system.
The free-floating rail aspect of this, is great, and it sounds pretty solid from the various reviews I have read. Anything to take any kind of pressure off of a barrel, is great, and only helps for accuracy beyond the typical ranges. I also like rails, because invariably, you need to attach stuff to your weapon. (lights, fore-grips, etc.) Although, my rule of thumb is always to keep stuff streamlined and clean, but have the ability to add stuff if the mission requires.
The other reason I like this rail, is because of the QD(quick detachment) holes and their design. I run my weapons with Viking Tactical two point slings, with QD attachments(GG and G QD sling things). What I have run into with QD systems, is that they twist up easily, because they swivel in the holes. Daniel Defense has solved that problem, by creating a detent system within the QD hole, that stops the QD from swiveling. Very cool modification, and I appreciate those kinds of details. The placement of the QD hole is great too, making it close to the Delta Ring area. Daniel Defense sells a QD rail attachment part, that you can also use to place your attachment point anywhere on your rail, and with the detent system.
I also appreciate how easy it is to install this rail on a AR/M-4 platform, and I really like the weight. The only thing I cannot report on, is how tough this thing is. Although, from initial reports, it sounds like it is doing well. The other interesting thing I would like to know, is if there is enough space in this rail, to put in a piston kit from let’s say Ares Defense.
The cost is a little high, but my thoughts on cost, is that you get what you pay for. I also think that over time, you will see the price decrease. I have seen various groups sell the Omega Rail 7.0 for between $ 240.00 to about $ 270.00.
Finally, the other thing I am looking at, on a personal preference, is getting rid of ARMS SIR free-float system. I have not been too happy with that system, because you can’t put anything on it and it is heavy. It also puts my ACOG up to high, and I have to break cheek weld to get a good view. The Omega rail is great, because you can mount an optic on it, and well forward, and not worry about height issues or placement issues. The Omega rail also mates up with the rail of your weapon, providing no breaks in the rail from front to back. The Omega rail is also based on the standard picatinny rail size, that most hardware utilizes out there.
Well, that is all I have. I look forward to any and all input on this rail. -Head Jundi
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Description
The Patent Pending Daniel Defense Omega Rail™ system is the most exciting rail system to hit the market in years! The Omega Rail™ is a free float rail system that allows the individual operator to easily install it with the provided Allen Key and requires ZERO modification to the weapon! The Omega Rail™ features a detachable lower rail, an integral QD sling swivel mount, with rotation limiter, and an uninterrupted upper rail platform. This light weight rail system is meticulously CNC machined from Aircraft Grade Aluminum and is Military Specification Type III Hard Coat Anodized. All the Omega Rail fasteners are military specification.The Omega Rail 7.0™ is designed to work with carbine length AR15 gas systems and its exceptionally light weight makes it perfect for short rifles where size and weight are crucial performance attributes.
All Daniel Defense Rail Systems are built to the 1913 Military Specification and are 100% Quality Assurance checked for conformity to the specification.
The Omega Rail™ comes standard with three black ladders to protect the 1913 rails as well as the shooters hand. The Ladders are constructed from santoprene, which can handle heat up to 350 degrees.
Features
User Install
ZERO Modification to host weapon
True Free float
Integral QD Sling Swivel Mount with limited rotation
Light weight
Removable Lower Rail
Oval Shape to feel like traditional Hand Guards
Materials & Construction
Precision CNC machined from Aircraft Grade 6061-T6 Aluminum and Military Specification Type III Hard Coat Anodized for a rock hard lasting finish. The Omega Rail™ weighs in at an amazing 8 Ounces.Aircraft Grade 6061-T6 Aluminum
Military Specification Type III Hard Coat Anodized
8 Ounces!
Made in the USA!
http://www.danieldefense.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=109
And here is a great site, that tells you how to install the Omega rail. Very simple stuff.
Mine just arrived in the mail on Sat, attempted to install yesterday on my Bushmaster XM4. Would fit great, if the front handguard retention plate didn’t interfere with placement. I cannot find any articles regarding that topic on the internet. Only Bushmasters, or just my model? Annoying to say the least. What I thought was a product requiring no modifications is now requiring me to remove the front sight block for a handguard cap, which will prohibit me from installing the old m4 handguards on the fly.
Comment by DJ — Monday, October 5, 2009 @ 8:30 AM
DJ,
That is interesting, and I would definitely call up Daniel Defense before doing anything to your weapon. I got my DD Omega rail in a couple of months ago, and slapped it on my Bushmaster no problem, and with no modification.
The thing that really blew me away with this rail was how light it was. It looks sharp too, and I dig the QD placement on it. -Matt
Comment by headjundi — Monday, October 5, 2009 @ 9:20 AM