However, it is a lot cheaper than an M-LOK rail.
This is the reason why there weren’t many accessories that were created for the Keymod system. The Keymod became popular quickly, but the emergence of the M-LOK a few years later has preempted its acceptance as the standard. In addition, the handguard itself becomes the attachment point making the Keymod lighter and less bulky than the Picatinny. This rail mounting type uses keyhole slots instead of horizontal rails. In 2012, the Keymod system was a recent attempt to replace the Picatinny as the standard. Each slot is separated by a 10.01 mm space. The standard measure of a Picatinny rail is a 5.23 mm wide slot, 3 mm deep. However, when fully utilized, this rail system truly shines, as it can hold multiple attachments at once and are available at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, making it very versatile. Because it usually covers the length of the barrel, it can make handling of the weapon rather cumbersome. The M-LOK and Keymod rails have accessories inserted inside a hole and then held in place by a bolt or key.Ī clear disadvantage of the Picatinny is that it can be rather bulky, especially when not in use. Picatinny rails have slots where attachments slide either vertically or horizontally. The design is the most obvious difference between the Picatinny and the modern M-LOK and Keymod rails. Even old scopes designed for a Weaver will slide onto the Picatinny’s wider slots. The rail itself was named after the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, which was tasked to create a standard rail mounting system in 1992.īecause of its popularity, most of the accessories and attachments available today will be readily usable with the Picatinny. Officially known as MIL-STD-1913, it has seen such widespread use that many manufacturers release products with Picatinny rails already installed. The 2-piece mount doesn’t need an ejection portĬurrently the most widely available rail system for real firearms and airsoft guns, the Picatinny Rail System became the U.S.Weaver systems also tend to be less expensive than its modern counterparts. Modern rail systems tend to hamper cartridge loading for bolt action guns. These rails are popular among hunters because the 2-piece system means that the bolt-action rifles’ ejection part isn’t required. Other rail systems are based upon the Picatinny and thus will accommodate most accessories, but the Weaver will generally only accept attachments designed specifically for it. However, if you have two guns, each with a Weaver rail, there’s a chance that your scope that fits with one won’t align properly with another. This is fine if you only use one firearm. Weaver rails have a slot width of 4.57 mm but aren’t consistent in spacing between each slot, meaning that the grooves of two different Weaver rails may not align with each other. Modern Weavers now also come on a single rail system that negates the need for low tolerances during installation. Older Weaver rails used a two-piece system, but this required exacting precision during mounting or scopes wouldn’t be aligned properly. The Weaver rail system can still be found in older firearms, especially ones made before 1995. military standard until Picatinny was adopted in 1995. The Weaver system was so revolutionary that it wouldn’t be replaced as the U.S. Developed by William Weaver in the 1930s, his invention brought the rail mounting system within easy reach of the average hunter. Weaver Rail SystemĪmong the systems in this list, the Weaver rail is the oldest. In general, most modern rail systems are made to fit older accessories, but older rail systems will need adjustments to fit modern attachments. Modern rail systems have been standardized to accommodate different brands, though older rail systems are still used. These may include tactical lights, optical sights, forward handgrips, and bayonets. The RIS or Rail Interface System is a term used to describe the system that allows users to quickly attach accessories to a firearm without complex tools.
This article will discuss the differences between rails systems, whether M-LOK, Picatinny, Weaver, or Keymod rails. However, not all rail systems are built the same, and each has its advantages and disadvantages over the other. Rails allow users to quickly slot in attachments and accessories to their weapon depending on the changing circumstances on the battlefield.
Differences Between Rail Systems M-LOK, Picatinny, Weaver, and Keymod RailsĪ fundamental characteristic of modern firearms is adaptability, whether in actual combat or an airsoft MilSim.