Whether you already own an AR or you are considering getting one, chances are good that you’ve spent a fair amount of time looking at and considering which free float rail system you want to add to your AR platform. With so many choices out there, including Weaver, Picatinny, M-LOK, KeyMod, and more, knowing which one might be right for you and your needs can be challenging.
Finding the right one for you ultimately can’t be a decision that anyone other than you makes. But while you're thinking about it, enjoy today’s blog about the history of one of the AR rail systems that have risen to the forefront of the mix — the KeyMod rail system engineered by Eric Mincel, the development director of Bravo Company Manufacturing.
Are you interested in modifying your AR, giving it a cool new look and adding grip all at the same time? RailScales® has just what you’ve been looking for. Our unique RailScales are our namesake, and they are the perfect product for every AR enthusiast. These amazing scales look cool on the outside while also adding superior grip and heat protection to your Keymod handguard. In addition to their functionality, our RailScales also come in a variety of different patterns, including Honeycomb, Matrix, and MiniDot, allowing you to customize your AR even further to improve your style. Check out our signature G10 RailScales® in KeyMod on our website and continue reading below to learn more about the AR rail system!
Why Was Something New Needed?
You may have heard the saying, “Necessity is the mother of all invention.” So if this is true, what was the need for a new type of rail system when there was already a pretty good one in existence and mass use?
In 1992, the US military, dissatisfied with rifle mounts being produced by domestic firearms manufacturers, tasked the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey with developing the MIL-STD-1913 — the rail that would become known as the Picatinny rail, or Pic rail.
It was designed to provide a standardized mounting platform that was primarily intended for use with rifle optics. The modular nature of the Pic rail led to a boom in popularity, recreational use, and custom modifications to firearms nationwide.
However, over time, barrel length, shooting styles, and the ability to add more and more weight via tactical accessories began to make the Pic rail more cumbersome than many people loved. A lighter weight version that maintained the versatility, standardization, and ease of use was being demanded by the marketplace.
Enter The USMC
Although ideas for a lightweight, modular rail system has been in the works — at least mentally — at VLOTR Weapon Systems, the real impetus to develop the product that would become the KeyMod system would not come about until a request from the Marine Corp was submitted for an upper receiver that could still allow for the standard barrel cluster of the M164A rifle, but with greater accuracy, and ideally, less weight.
The team went to work and the project eventually landed in the hands of the lead engineer of VLOTR — Eric Kincel. What ultimately was developed was the VIS A5 KM — the KeyMod system.
A New Kind Of Rail
The KeyMod rail stays in a fixed 12 o’clock position, unlike the Pic rail which could be shifted to three, six, and nine. This allows for greater stability and accuracy. Also, the KeyMod system did away with press nuts used in the Pic rail system, slightly reducing weight while also increasing the barrel’s ability to vent and cool.
All that being said, stability and accuracy are nothing if you can’t get a good grip on your firearm, and that’s where RailScales comes into play. Our unique G10 RailScales® in Keymod are the perfect modification for your AR-15. These unique scales are easily installed on your KeyMod and add superior grip and heat protection, allowing you to take full advantage of the accuracy and stability offered by this revolutionary rail system. If you’re interested in taking your rifle game to the next level, RailScales is the way to go. Explore our collection of accessories, and don’t forget to order your G10 RailScales® in KeyMod in either the Honeycomb, Matrix, or MiniDot style!
The Benefits of the KeyMod Rail
When the KeyMod rail system was released to the public, the goal was to standardize universal attachment systems. For this reason, VLTOR Weapon Systems made it an open-source design so that any company could use it freely, and the hope was that by making it this way, accessories and future rifle designs would all have the same system.
With that in mind, one of the biggest benefits of the KeyMod rail system is that it allows for accessories to be mounted directly to the rail. The KeyMod rail system also has a distinct conical nut design that is ideal for metal accessories that need to be mounted to the rail.
The KeyMod Revolution
Revolution is not too strong a word to use to describe the KeyMod’s rise to prominence. After VLOTR decided to release the designs to the entire world for open source development, accessories, adaptors, and a plethora of other products began to emerge.
Today, KeyMod is arguably one of the most successful and popular rail systems developed and it continues to grow in popularity, even overseas.
A Rail System for Every Style
While KeyMod may be one of the most well-known rail systems in use today, there are other systems in use, such as M-LOK. Luckily, many companies manufacture parts and accessories that work well with either type of rail system, including RailScales. We offer products for both M-LOK and KeyMod rail systems, as we want all of our customers to be able to modify their AR rifles in a way that best suits their style and needs.
In this blog post, we’ve discussed the KeyMod history and its benefits in great detail, but the system you choose ultimately comes down to which works best for you and the ways you plan to modify your firearm. To learn more about the different rail systems and the accessories that offer to go with each, don’t hesitate to explore our blog where you can find history, product highlights, tips, and so much more!
Equip Your Firearm With the Best
Now that you know more about the history of the KeyMod rail system and the benefits it offers to AR-15 enthusiasts, it’s time to start taking advantage of the completely customizable system. Luckily, at RailScales, we have just what you need. We offer a variety of unique mod options, including our signature G10 RailScales® in KeyMod! These unique RailScales come in a variety of different patterns and can add grip and heat protection to your rifle, but don’t just take our word for it! Explore our website and our collection of products to find the perfect AR-15 accessories to add to your rifle today!
Shop Our Selection Of KeyMod Accessories And RailScales® Today
To find a great selection of accessories and tactical additions for your KeyMod system, visit RailScales® online shop today. We carry an incredible lineup of our own, domestically engineered and invented products, including hand stops, fixed iron sights, RailScales®, and more — almost all of which have been developed with your KeyMod rails in mind.