Known as M-Lok (Modular Lock), this rail system has been designed to work more effectively with polymer attachments. In 2014, Magpul Industries of Austin, Texas, introduced a variation of the KeyMod system. M-LOK As an Alternative to the KeyMod Rail System You can also slide the accessory on from the front of the rail and lock it down once you have it where you want it. It's a straightforward system that's simple to use, and you'll get virtually guaranteed mounting for any accessory without the extra parts or expense.Īttaching accessories to a Picatinny rail is as easy as clamping the add-on to an available slot and tightening the cross bolt with a thumbscrew, QD lever, or bolt. If you're comfortable with the additional weight and blocky feel of the Picatinny, then it's still a great option. Therefore, it is much more comfortable to handle and manipulate when holding without gloves.
![ar15 keymod accessories ar15 keymod accessories](https://s3.amazonaws.com/mgm-content/sites/armslist/uploads/posts/2017/03/10/6567726_04_psa_ar15_16_w_freefloat_keymod_640.jpg)
Most importantly, the KeyMod system does not have the sharp edges like the Picatinny quad rails. Because no additional adapter is required, a KeyMod system is significantly lighter than its Picatinny counterpart, which makes the firearm easier to handle, control and transport. Attachment of KeyMod accessories is a relatively simple process of lining up the lugs on the part with the round portion of keyholes on the rail, then sliding the newly attached accessory forward and tightening the screws.īut perhaps the most important factor for many gun owners when deciding between KeyMod or Picatinny system is the difference in weight. KeyMod enables the direct attachment of accessories such as laser mounts, sights and vertical grips without the need for any type of adapter. KeyMod is an open-source, public domain design, which means that any manufacturer can use the system to produce accessories without providing compensation to the original developers. Released in 2012 through a partnership between VLTOR Weapon Systems of Tucson, AZ and Noveske Rifleworks of Grant Pass, OR, the KeyMod derives its name from the keyhole profile of the system’s mounting slots and the modular design concept. A more acceptable alternative for many gun owners that does not require any type of Picatinny adapter is the use of an alternative rail system such as the KeyMod. One remedy for this issue is to use low-profile handguards that enable the attachment of smaller sections of rail precisely where they are needed. While the Picatinny was - and still is - widely regarded as an excellent accessory rail system, some gun users do not want the extra weight that the Picatinny adds to the forend. The use of Picatinny rail systems has become so commonplace that the design of many firearms has been modified to accommodate them as a replacement for iron sights. Over the years, the functionality of the Picatinny has been enhanced to include the mounting of accessories such as foregrips, night vision devices, tactical lights and many others. The Picatinny originally served the purpose of enabling the mounting of scopes onto the receivers of larger caliber rifles. The Picatinny rail also features a wider locking slot width and more consistent spacing between the slot centers. The most noticeable difference between the two is that the Picatinny platform has a more distinct angular design in comparison to the Weaver’s lower, wider dovetail construction. Originally developed in the 1980s and named for the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, the Picatinny is essentially an enhanced version of the Weaver mount first introduced by the W.R. Picatinny: The “Tried and True” Rail Systemįor many years, the Picatinny has been regarded as the standard mounting platform for AR-15s and other rifles. In this article, we break down the differences between these three rail systems to help you determine the best choice for your setup.
![ar15 keymod accessories ar15 keymod accessories](https://p.armam.at/AR-15-7-Inch-Super-Slim-Free-Float-Handguard-Keymod-Leapers-am19276large1.png)
![ar15 keymod accessories ar15 keymod accessories](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB15xb_Kh1YBuNjy1zcq6zNcXXaa/10-AR15-Free-Float-Keymod-Handguard-Picatinny-Rail-Hunting-Airsoft-Mount-Steel-Barrel-Black-Slim-Tactical.jpg)
With so many options on the market, figuring out the right one for your needs can be confusing.
![ar15 keymod accessories ar15 keymod accessories](https://www.totalwartactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/FA-Keymod-12-Handguard-Black-01-scaled.jpg)
Of course, cost will also have an impact on the selection of a rail system. For most AR-15 owners, the decision comes down to personal preference and how they feel about a variety of factors such as the performance and look of the piece. M-Lok: Which one to choose is a dilemma that many gun owners face when considering a rail system for their AR-15 or another type of firearm.