Gunsmithing Chopping a rail

[aslrookie]

I know this isn't a super complex gunsmithing question, but I am going to SBR my DDM4 that has a 15" DDM4 quad rail. I want to replace the current upper with a 12.5" barrel and then just chop the rail instead of buying a new one. The DD rails are around $400.00, and this 15" rail would just sit around and collect dust anyway. Has anyone here done this?

I know it's just a matter of using a metal cutting blade on a chop saw to cut it, but I don't want it to look like crap either. Will spray paint be enough to protect the cut end of the rail exposing the aluminum? Or would I need to have it anodized again? I don't have a chop saw, so I figured just take it to an exhaust shop and have them cut it since their cuts have to be pretty straight for pipes.

I am just more concerned with the final touch ups on it.

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I bet you could find someone willing to trade you for what you want.

Either way, cutting it down wouldn't be that difficult. A horizontal band saw would work well. A chop say, not really. They don't work so well on aluminum.

I wouldn't spray paint it. I would have it Cerakoted.

 

[aslrookie]

I bet you could find someone willing to trade you for what you want.

Either way, cutting it down wouldn't be that difficult. A horizontal band saw would work well. A chop say, not really. They don't work so well on aluminum.

I wouldn't spray paint it. I would have it Cerakoted.

My entire rifle is rattle canned, so usually that turns people away from buying or trading unless they plan on just spraying it a different color. Glad I asked.

 

[GH41]

A common chop saw like wood workers use with a carbide blade works fine. Just hold or clamp firmly and cut slow. Cleanup the cut with a small rat tail file, paint and call it a day. I cut aluminum up to 3/8" thick all the time with a wood chop saw. If you lived nearby I would do it for the price of a cup of coffee! PS- A muffler shop would be the last place I would take it!!!!!