The Picatinny rail system is more heavy-duty and built to handle heavier mounts without a loss of performance. So, which one is actually better for your needs? That all depends on what your needs are. The final benefit of the M-LOK we want to cover is the system it was Magpul’s choice to make the designs open-source, allowing designers, engineers, and arsenals everywhere to produce parts and accessories for it with the need for an adaptor.īoth of these AR rail systems enjoy a healthy dose of popularity and strong sales. This helps with weight, but it also helps to reduce the cost of the M-LOK AR rail system, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious shooters. M-LOK systems are designed to get the most out of the least amount of material. The M-LOK system also offers a dual point attachment platform that allows for AR 15 accessories such as lights and foregrips to be mounted with a lot of flexibility for personal preference and comfort. First and foremost, it’s a pretty lightweight rail system, yet it still maintains a reputation - over its relatively short lifespan so far - as being more than durable enough for just about any AR user. Developed in 2014, the M-LOK system was Magpul’s answer to the also relatively new KeyMod system from VLOTR Weapons Systems. The M-LOK system is a real newcomer in the AR rail system marketplace. Additionally, it is still widely considered to be the superior AR rail system for heavy-duty, advanced optics. A Pic rail can accommodate a lot of hardware if you’re in the mind to load up your AR. Picatinny rails offer a consistent and wide locking slot, and a relatively sleek, angular feature.

With the ability to mount hardware onto the 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions on a Picatinny quad rail, not only was the US government thrilled with the result, but it allowed widespread customization for private AR owners as well. Picatinny Arsenal re-imagined the Weaver rail system that had been in use since the 1930s and combined it with some of the elements that they were using on long-range artillery - miniaturized, of course. In time, that may change, but as of today, Picatinny rails hold the prestigious, if unflattering, recognition as the “Old Faithful” of AR rail systems.ĭeveloped in 1992 by a New Jersey weaponsmithing firm, Picatinny Arsenal, at the behest of the United States military. Of all of the modern AR rail systems - we define that as everything developed since about 1980 - Pic rails have proven they have the most staying power. Our goal is simply to provide some information that we hope will get you started in your search. Our goal here is not to crown a champion or even attempt to sway you. In today’s blog from the team at RailScales®, we present some high-level information about two modern and popular styles of AR rail systems - the Picatinny Rail, or Pic rail, and the more recently created M-LOK system.īoth AR rail systems are in widespread use throughout the United States, and both have some unique characteristics to offer. Ranging from height, weight, and shooting technique to shooting frequency, shooting purpose, and aesthetic preferences, these variable factors determine what kind of accessories, receivers, and AR rail systems will be right to make your AR the total package for you.Īlthough we can’t tell you what is right for you, we can assure you that in a market this developed, there are options that you’re going to love once you find them. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because every shooter possesses a unique and distinct set of traits. AR-15 owners all across the nation are searching for the right hardware, AR rail systems, and accessories for them.

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