I am very impressed with the DDM4 and will probably pick one up in the near future, the only thing I wanted to swap out was the Omega 12 rail for a shorter rail system. I was told by Joe at DD that it was possible with some gunsmithing. I would think it would be a quick swap with the other DD rail systems but apparently not. This won’t keep me from getting one, just wish the swap was easier. Is this a bit picky on my part? 
it’s not picky, but you do sort of nullify the beauty of the DD package by not using the rail it comes with. course, you could probably sell the old rail for almost as much as you’ll pay for the new one.
what’s special about the omega X that it requires gunsmithing to get off? or are we talking “gun smithing” as in, someone with an armorer’s wrench?
My personal opinion here. Those that look at the DD M4 rail and see it as a bad thing are missing out. You are getting a rail that will allow for a 12 O’clock light mount in addition to the other standard locations.
You are also getting more “rail estate” without adding any significant weight. Does it look a little strange? Yes. Does it really affect the overall function. I don’t think so.
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Bingo! I would only add that the Omega-X rail contributes positively to the over-all functionality of the DD-M4.
/b ↩︎
It’s may be possible to get the dealer to do the swap for you if they have the other rail in stock.
I got a DD Lite rail instead of the Omega X when I got mine. I had to pay a modest smithing fee and buy a front sight.
This is the 12 inch version but the lite rail comes in 7, 9, 10, and 12.
/b ↩︎
I have already purchase sights (both front and rear) and had planned on running them, but with the DDM4 I would have to lose the FSB to switch to folding sights, could this be the gunsmithing that was mentioned?
FSB off, swap barrel nuts depending on the rail, and pinning or dimpling the low profile gas block if you go for a rail that covers the fsb.
It’s a 10min to 1hr job depending on your level of experience with DD rails and the tools that you have.
so I could take it to some with experience and it could be done rather painlessly?
While I like my DDM4 and its functionality, in the interest of disseminating possibly useful information…ADCO may have something similar to what you are looking for. They put together a similar package, except with a mid-length gas barrel. Their package looks pretty good (though not as good as the AIM Surplus package) but the barrel is of unknown origins. Also, the sling they offer does not utilize the QD feature of the endplate.
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http://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails_.cfm?inventorynumber=3637
](http://www.adcofirearms.com/itemdetails_.cfm?inventorynumber=3637)
Yes. Anyone familiar with DD Lite and Omega rails will have no trouble removing and installing a different DD rail.
thank you for all the great information. this forum is proving to be very informative and friendly too. i will continue to explore all my options until the time comes to place my order and buy. thanks again.
Personal opinon here- I agree whole-heartedly with gunz.
My recommendation for the DD was because if you understand the components you literally only need to by a few things to eek the highest performance out of the gun.
There is no need for folding sights with a 1X Aimpoint.
However, if you don’t want what the gun comes with, you would proably be better off going with a BCM or LMT upper and just buying exactly what you want. I highly caution you that the more experienced and proficient you become the more you will realize what a great package the DD is (barring specific purpose needs).
Like I said before there are great options out there, the DD isn’t the only game in town. If you don’t like the DD, even if we all think it’s great, it will probably be more cost-efficient and easier to just buy what you want stuck to a BCM, LMT, or even a Noveske upper and push pins onto a decent lower.
The rail that is standard on the DD M4 does not use a traditional AR-15 barrel nut. It uses the DD proprietary setup.
That means you can’t just slide on a carbine length Omega rail and call it a day. You can use one of the Lite rails as DD M4’s come with the proprietary DD barrel nut.
If you want a standard Omega rail the best thing to do would be to buy a different rifle altogether unless you know someone who is competent with AR’s that can change out the barrel nut for you.
I wasn’t trying to disagree I was just curious as to if it was possible. I do believe you all when you say it is a great setup and that is why it is at the top if not the top choice right now. For the price and what you get I find it hard to beat. With proper training or suggestions I might find that all that extra real estate is more beneficial than I know. Thanks again.
Yes you are as the rail that comes on it is fantastic (especially for low light shooting and mounting a light at the 12 position infront of the FSB).
To remove the rail and put something else on, you will have to take off the FSB, remove the two piece rail and then remove the barrel nut.
C4
Here are two DD M4’s we did for customers.
C4
You will still need to pull the barrel nut to get the lite rail mount behind it. the lite rail clamps onto the barrel nut.
-Mike
Correct you are!
C4
I don’t quite understand the non-lovin’ for the DD rail. It provides plenty of space, weighs nothing and feel great. I love mine.
Of course if you are looking to go to a shorter rail… there’s always the ultra cheap way with a dremel tool and some aluma-black.
-Mike