I seem to see more LaRue rails in use on custom M4’s. Is there any reason or notable difference between these two manufacturer’s? Could this be a price issue?
Thanks
IC
I asked a similar question not to long ago here is the thread;)
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=5693
Larue has an advantage in strength to the locking ring design and a small price advantage. Daniel Defense is lighter weight and has a narrower width which some people prefer. They also have some designs with a cutout for the front fixed front sight if you’re looking for such a thing.
You can’t go wrong with either.
Actually, that’s not exactly true. The difference in width is, IIRC, less than 1/10th of an inch. The DD is taller though, which has the effect of making it feel narrower.
Bunch of good info in that thread but a shaved FSB will fit under a LaRue and DD Lite Rail. You just have to get it small enough. I did this one and mounted it under a 10" LaRue. I finished the barrel and gas block with satin Moly KG GunKote.
This is another upper I’m assembling for a friend where I’ve ‘shaved’ the FSB. This is a LMT barrel and I’ll be installing a ARES piston conversion kit on it. I’m going thread the gas tube roll pin hole in the gas block and spigot and use some red Loc-Tite or Rocksett on it. Troy will be making him a custom rail to fit over it (it’ll be upside down so that the top comes off not the bottom. I think he’s getting a 12" rail. I finished the gas block and barrel with flat black Norrells.
You can’t go wrong with either.
Agreed! 
Mace
They generally run $25 difference in price for similar models, ex: LaRue 7.0 vs DD 7.0 M4.
The DD come with three ladder style rail covers.
You have to buy those seperate for the LaRue.
If you consider the ladders as a $9 each item, then the prices are identical.
Daniel defense are smoother on the edges, to the point that you almost don’t NEED the included covers when using them with bare hands.
Seems like they tumble them longer.
LaRue are a little sharper, enough that you would want covers if you don’t wear gloves.
Daniel Defense are welded together.
LaRue are a mechanical junction.
Flip a coin.
Both are excellent.
The Larue rails have a QD sling mount built in.
Best way I’ve seen to get around the usual problems with trying to point out that particular difference!
I do wish that the DD had this as well. I see that the new rails Noveske is using have two mounts which I think is good as well. As it is I attach an MI sling loop to my DD rail and it works out well.
Larue also sells 3 Tango Down Rail Covers for $15 with the rail purchase. Larue has been known to include a Field Survival Device tool and Larue hat with orders.
My personal preference is Larue. (1)I like the Uncle Mike’s quick detach placement on the rail, (2)they are made in Texas and (3)I like Mike Early.
DD rails are equal in quality and the edges feel more melted,as stated earlier they appear taller/slender. I mounted a Lite rail on a LMT 16in with SOPMOD and I feel it was the best balanced and most “comfortable” AR that I have ever put my hands on.
The DD M4 rails and Mk18 RISII rails in “Flat Dark Chocolate” should start coming out about now. Same DD quality only in Crane approved chocolate brown color.
My preference is Daniel Defense, because mine was given to me, Jay Duncan is a friend of mine, and…uh…they’re in Georgia. I had to come up with a third reason, didn’t I?
Bottom line is, both are excellent pieces of gear and one cannot go wrong with either one. I’ve yet to see someone break a rail system in normal use, so the big difference in the rails on the market comes down to how closely they hold to the Picatinny standard and how “true” they are. If I had to choose again, I’d still go with DD because they’re lighter, but I certainly wouldn’t feel I had anything less than top of the line equipment if that rail was a La Rue.
Although I prefer Daniel Defense rails I find LaRue equally impressive.
One other thing to keep in mind is that Brownells carries DD, so if you have dealer or LE pricing through them you can get their standard stuff at a discount.
Very limited selection on the rails though.
I dunno, they have the M4 7.0 and 12.0, 9.5 FSP and 12.5 FSP, as well as the Lite Rail 7.0, plus if you call Brownells does do special orders.
Ohh I thought they only have 7.0 and 12.0 I did see 9.5 FSP. (My fav rail)
I found out today that Mike is no longer at LT and the Crane version of Flat Dark Earth is growing on me so I am back to being a fence sitter between LT and DD. They are both top shelf rail systems.
The guys over at ARFCOM are going to have a melt down when they find out what Crane calls “Flat Dark Earth”.
I’d go with the DD Lite. Anti rotation, solid like a rock, and “monolithic” to boot. The guys at DD are some of the nicest guys you’ll ever talk to, and they help support and participate here as well.