Accessorize!

Posted by Memphis on 6th Mar 2019

When it comes to accessorising, there are many schools of thought. However the most important debate in my mind is whether to go with picatinny, m-lok,or key-mod when adding options to my weapon, Each system has its pros and cons. And each have their fair share of haters and die-hard supporters. Take a look at each one and decide where you stand.

The Picitinny rail system is named after the Picitiny Arsenal company in New Jersey, which was tasked in 1992 with designing a better optics mounting system for the U.S. Military. After measuring dozens of different weaver rail systems, the ideal design was found on the existing 105mm howitzer artilery cannon. This design was then scaled down, modified for rifles, and the first picitiny rail system was born. Known for it's versatility and durability, these rail systems have become a worldwide military standard when mounting optics and accessories and are my preferred rail system. It's solid construction adds a fair amount of weight to your weapon but this can be countered by using rail segments rather than entire rails.

The two other systems we'll look at are M-Lok from Magpul Industries, and Key-Mod from VLTOR weapon systems. Both of these systems aim to replace the picatinny rail by installing a lighter, slimmer perforated handguard with arranged mounting slots, allowing mounting hardware to be installed as needed rather then along the entire length of the handguard. The M-Lok System was adapted from an earlier system from 2007-2014 into it's current form and development of it's direct competitor, the Key-Mod system began in 2011.

Both of these systems allow incredible adaptability in mounting accessories at various positions, even allowing one to put picitiny rail segments onto the perforated handguard for even more variability. However they have been known to be less durable over long term use and require more attention then pure picitiny systems.

Well, Now that you know the ins and out's of the three main systems. What will you choose?