AR-15 owners all across the nation are searching for the right hardware, AR rail systems, and accessories for them. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because every shooter possesses a unique and distinct set of traits. 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.

Although 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. 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.

Both AR rail systems are in widespread use throughout the United States, and both have some unique characteristics to offer. Our goal here is not to crown a champion or even attempt to sway you. Our goal is simply to provide some information that we hope will get you started in your search. Let’s get going.

Picatinny Rails

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. 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.

Developed in 1992 by a New Jersey weaponsmithing firm, Picatinny Arsenal, at the behest of the United States military. 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. The result was the Pic rail.

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 rails offer a consistent and wide locking slot, and a relatively sleek, angular feature. A Pic rail can accommodate a lot of hardware if you’re in the mind to load up your AR. Additionally, it is still widely considered to be the superior AR rail system for heavy-duty, advanced optics.

The M-LOK System

The M-LOK system is a real newcomer in the AR rail system marketplace. Developed in 2014, the M-LOK system was Magpul’s answer to the also relatively new KeyMod system from VLOTR Weapons Systems.

M-LOK offers some enticing benefits. 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.

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. M-LOK systems are designed to get the most out of the least amount of material. 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.

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.

Conclusion For These Two AR Rail Systems

Both of these AR rail systems enjoy a healthy dose of popularity and strong sales. So, which one is actually better for your needs? That all depends on what your needs are. The Picatinny rail system is more heavy-duty and built to handle heavier mounts without a loss of performance. The M-LOK system from Magpul isn’t quite as hardy, but it is lighter and has more and more tactical hardware being built for it every day.

So, if you want an AR rail system for long-range target shooting, hunting, or other shooting that requires heavy-duty, advanced optics, then the Pic rail might be a better place for you to start. However, if speed, rapid-fire accuracy, and comfort are more important to you, than chances are good you’ll prefer the M-LOK system.

The M-LOK system has positioned itself as the de facto king for this argument at this moment in time. With the ability to add Picatinny rail accessories to an M-LOK now, going the pic rail route doesn't make sense as a modern shooting enthusiast. The adaptability of the M-LOK rail system and its weight savings truly give it the edge that the Picatinny rail system just can't compete with anymore. Now if you want to be "clone correct" on some older weapon layouts, then you have to go Picatinny, those are the rules. Fortunately, for those with the more modern MLOK system on their AR-15 rails, RailScales has a multitude of products available to upgrade the function and aesthetic far beyond what a Picatinny rail could offer. 

Find M-LOK Mountable Grips, Hand Stops, and More at RailScales®

If you do decide that the M-LOK system is right for you, then visit RailScales® online today and shop our elite-quality M-LOK accessories.