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What is a Rail on a Gun?

Posted by RailScales on Sep 16th 2022

What is a Rail on a Gun?

gun rail types

Guns, while simple in design and function, can be a bit complicated when it comes to component parts. Of course, guns have evolved over the years to become more sophisticated, which accounts for some of the additional parts. However, the types of gun rails, among other gun parts can be confusing to some people. When discussing rifle rail types, it's important to know how each different gun rail will affect the end-use of the weapon. Certain gun rail types may be better used while out sitting in a blind and hunting while others are more well adapted for a day at the range. 

RailScales is a family-owned business who decided to make a better textured grip panel than what was currently on the market back in 2014. We've succeeded, and today our handguard rails are extremely popular because they are the best. Made from G10 material, which is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate, our super-thin rail covers make it extremely comfortable for you when shooting. Below, we'll take a look at what a rail on a gun is. Contact our expert team today!

types of gun rails

WHAT IS A RAIL ON A GUN?

First off, it's important to know that a rail is also called a mount or a base. They are all three used interchangeably. A rail is usually placed on the top or bottom part of the barrel and is used to add a sight or another firearm accessory onto the gun. There are different types of rails on the market today.

Most firearms today have a rail because most gun owners use sights when firing. Sights help in accuracy. They allow you to line up the point where you want your bullet to go so you can accurately hit what you are aiming at. If your particular firearm does not have a rail, most modern firearms are set up so one can be easily added. For larger guns, such as rifles and shotguns, the rail is usually located on top of the gun, and for handguns, you'll usually find the rail under the barrel where a flashlight or laser sight is easier to mount and to carry concealed without a part sticking up.

gun rail

TYPES OF RAILS

There are many different types of rails, the three most common are a tip off or dovetail rails, Weaver rails, and Picatinny rails. While rails all have the same purpose, they are different in style and are different for the models of guns they fit. Many times, what type of rail you want is a personal choice.

different types of gun rails

Aside from the discussed above rails. We have MLOK and Keymod rail interfaces that can now be used to shed the unnecessary weight that the old legacy gun rail types would carry. MLOK is an open source mounting interface that many if not all current gun and accessory manufacturers use today. Keymod is in the same vain as MLOK, but it lost out on the battle of the with MLOK due to its machining intricacies and drop tests failures versus MLOK. Other proprietary gun rails do exist in the market but have found themselves null and void due to MLOK's massive popularity for all gun rails. RailScales for this purpose strictly makes MLOK accessories to keep up with demand. 

rail on a gun

CHOOSE RAILSCALES FOR YOUR HANDGUARD RAIL NEEDS

RailScales offers the best handguard rails on the market. Our rail covers are textured and are specifically designed for comfort and to mitigate heat. Made from a composite material that is a fiberglass laminate, our rail cover material is designed for durability and toughness. They last a long time, and if you purchase a rail cover from us, it will be the last one you will have to buy for that gun (of course, you are more than welcome to buy our rail covers for all your firearms!).

rifle rail types

RailScales prides ourselves on superb craftsmanship and high-quality products. Our mission is to help you improve your shooting with our handguard rails. Let's face it, you won't shoot your firearm if it's uncomfortable. By helping to eliminate the heat and make it easier to grip, whether you have sweaty hands because it's the middle of summer, or because it's raining outside while you're hunting deer, we hope to encourage your shooting hobby and personal safety.

We are so confident in our gun rail products that we offer a limited lifetime warranty. If something breaks, we'll work with you to get a free replacement. This warranty also applies to all of our hardware products as well. However, if your RailScales' handguard rail is caused by you, such as drilling out hardware, that won't be covered. Order your gun rail covers online today!

what is the rail on a gun