RailScales makes textured grip panels for firearms, namely AR's and 1911s. Our handguard rails offer protection from heat buildup and a better grip on your firearm when firing. They are extremely thin, made of a fiberglass laminate that is made of composite materials of epoxy resin known as G10. G10 is one of the toughest materials on the market, so you won't have to worry about our AR-15 vertical grips wearing out anytime soon. These KeyMod and MLOK rail covers are the best in the business, coming in a variety of colors to suit your preferred aesthetics.
For years, Picatinny rails ruled the AR aftermarket accessories market, providing the perfect material to attach lights, lasers, foregrips, and more. However, a Picatinny rail added extra weight and bulk to the firearm, irking many AR owners who were increasingly using their AR on the go, such as for hunting or in competition shooting. Mounting anything other than a scope was difficult on a Picatinny rail system.
These inconveniences left the door open for two newcomers to enter the accessory rail market: KeyMod and MLOK. These two rail mounting systems, both introduced in the early 2010s, use a slot system rather than a rail system, which results in a smoother surface for mounting your favorite AR accessories. Both are much lighter, and these handguards allow for accessories to be mounted directly on them, eliminating the need for a Picatinny rail. So what are the differences between MLOK and KeyMod rails and which one is better? Below, RailScales will attempt to answer that very question. Shop online for your next AR rail cover today!
Difference Between MLOK and Keymod Rails
Surprisingly, there is very little difference between the MLOK and the KeyMod rails. The MLOK or modular lock was developed by Magpul in 2014. It uses T-nuts and rectangular hotels that make the attachment to your AR very hard to fall off. These T-shaped nuts are placed in the slots, turn, and then lay across the slot, locking them in place. M-LOK more closely resembles Picatinny because of how this rail system that uses compression force to hold items in place.
KeyMod is named after the shape of its slots, which look like keyholes. These rail systems work by using conical lugs and key-shaped holes, and they secure a rail system or AR-15 accessories to the handguard itself. You simply put the accessory's lug in the opening and slide forward, using a wrench to tighten it up. The slots and lugs face the muzzle, which help to ensure they don't fly off from the recoil of the firearm.
Which Rail Is Best?
In testing, when a firearm was dropped with an MLOK rail, the AR accessories did not fall off, while KeyMod accessories only remained attached 33% of the time. Thus, the MLOK was chosen for Advanced Sniper Rifle Programs and Suppressed Upper Receiver Groups for military use.
MLOK is by far the more popular choice for the best AR mounting system. For the most part, it's a personal preference, and both the MLOK and the KeyMod rail appear to be here to stay for the near term at least.
The Reign of MLOK
Today, MLOK stands as the industry standard for firearm accessory attachment. Its wide adoption by firearms manufacturers, coupled with its versatile and secure design, has solidified its place at the top of the attachment method hierarchy. Shooters now have access to a vast array of MLOK-compatible accessories, from handguards to rails, to optimize their firearms for various purposes.
In the ongoing debate between MLOK and KeyMod, it's clear that MLOK has emerged as the superior choice for attaching accessories to firearms. Its secure locking mechanism, versatility, durability, and widespread industry support have propelled it to the forefront of the firearms community. While KeyMod had its moment in the spotlight, it now plays a diminishing role in the ever-expanding world of firearm customization. As firearm enthusiasts seek the best in modularity and performance, MLOK continues to lead the way, setting the standard for attachment systems in the 21st century.
In the last few years, the gap has widened significantly in the industry, with MLOK moving forward as the clear favorite in attachment methods. While KeyMod systems are still in use, the amount of accessories available for the KeyMod system is dwindling. RailScales continues to offer some of its most popular products in KeyMod for those who are not ready to make the switch. KeyMod will continue to draw support from certain users, even as product demand for the attachment system continues to dwindle.
RailScales will continue to evolve with the industry, and by designing it's recent products to support MLOK only functionality, it allows for more freedom of design. Products like the QTR and RSBM-P that have released in the last year, and even the QDX Sling Mount that has been out for a number of years now, were able to be molded around an MLOK centric design to ensure the best possible product is available to the most potential users. RailScales is committed to driving function and aesthetic design as the industry continues to shift into the future, regardless of what changes arrive in the coming years.
Choose RailScales For Your MLOK and Keymod Accessory Needs
RailScales has no dog in this fight. We offer rail covers and handguards for both the MLOK and the KeyMod systems, so no matter your preference, we've got you covered. All of our rail covers offer added texture, a better grip, and heat protection, making firing your firearm, whether in competition or for recreation, comfortable. Our handguard rails come in many different colors and patterns to suit your tastes. These rail accessories offer a clean design and added functionality to your shooting experience. We offer fast shipping, a tactile feel, and easy installation. RailScales also offers handstops, lasers, and sights. We promise that you will be 100% satisfied with these KeyMod rail panels and MLOK vertical grips, or we'll make it right. With our lightweight G10 material and aesthetics added to your firearm, you'll be back for more.
You can find our MLOK and KeyMod products at www.railscales.us.
