


The KeyMod rail system was first produced in 2012 by VLTOR Weapon Systems and Noveske Rifleworks in an effort to standardize attachment systems in the firearms accessories market. The first of the two newcomers is KeyMod, named for its keyhole-shaped mounting slots and modular design.

( Check Out the List of Our Best AR-15 Handguards) KeyMod The remainder of this guide will explore the differences between KeyMod vs M-LOK rail systems and help you to make an informed choice between the two. With this shortcoming in mind, a couple of young-buck mounting systems have emerged in recent years that offer similar mounting capabilities with lower profiles and less weight. While Picatinny rails offer significant improvements over earlier mounting systems, they are not without their faults, the most obvious of which is that they add a good deal of unnecessary weight toward a rifle’s front end. It is on this ground that KeyMod and M-LOK enter the Thunderdome to determine who will ultimately be Bartertown’s accessory attachment system of choice.Daniel Defense AR-15 With Quad Picatinny Rail They mount into the handguard rather than atop it. While the good ol’ Picatinny has been a go-to standard since its introduction in the 80s, nobody has ever accused a Picatinny of refusing a meal.Īs with any market that pays more for less, both KeyMod and M-LOK systems were engineered to avoid bulk and supplementary rails while still allowing for direct attachment of handguard accessories via negative space mounting points. Betamax (for those of us old enough to remember it) in the rifle rail world these days – that of KeyMod vs M-LOK mounting systems.

There’s something akin to “The Tape Wars” of VHS vs. Optics, bipods, and grips all make for a more entertaining and useful firearm, but you need the real estate on your upper receiver to mount them. One of the most exciting ways for gun owners to enhance and extend the functionality of their rifle is with attachments.
