Picatinny vs M-LOK

Picatinny vs M-LOK

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over the difference between 1913 and M-LOK today. These two attachment points represent two of the most common mounting methods found on the market. Today we are going to explore the background, traits, features, and more about these mounting methods. Without further ado, let’s compare and contrast 1913 and M-LOK rails.

About Picatinny Rails

The MIL-STD-1913 rail, commonly known as the 1913 or Picatinny rail, was developed in the later half of the 20^th century. Development was carried out primarily by Richard Swan of A.R.M.S. and the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. The rail was developed as part of an effort to standardize Weaver style rail mounts and provide service rifles with more accessory mounting options. A patent was secured by Swan in 1995 and the rail spec gradually saw adoption and use with various manufacturers. Notable examples include the iconic quad rails which were commonly seen on a variety of service rifles. Rifles and carbines ranging from Mk18s, M16s, M4s, and even various subguns have featured 1913 quad rails. Entities such as firearm manufacturers and producers of flashlights, optics, and grips have adhered to picatinny specs. The result was an efficient and nearly universal method of attaching various accessories and components to firearms.

About M-LOK

The M-LOK, or Modular Lock system, is a recent entry in the realm of rail interface systems. Development for this mounting pattern was conducted by Magpul from 2007 to 2014. Prior to the introduction of M-LOK in 2014, Magpul had developed and utilized their MOE system. Like their prior system, the M-LOK system facilitated the direct attachment of various accessories. M-LOK is notably a freely licensed format which has been utilized and adopted by many entities in the industry. At the time of introduction, M-LOK had to contend with Keymod, another popular attachment method. Shortly after its introduction, M-LOK began to garner attention with professional end users and other parties in the industry. By 2017, USSOCOM testing done by NSWC-Crane found that M-LOK outperformed Keymod in various aspects such as durability and reliability. This led to further implementation into military and other defense industry projects such as the URG-I project in 2018. Purchase Ammo

How Do Picatinny Rails Work?

At their core, Picatinny rails utilize distinct flattened t-shaped rail sections with slotted sections between each rail unit. 1913 rails essentially have the shape of a trapezoid which presents its wider side upwards. This unique shape in addition to the slotted sections between each rail unit provide a solid mounting platform for many accessories. These slots facilitate retention tabs, crossbolt screws, recoil lugs, and other mounting hardware. Many Picatinny accessories utilize clamping systems with either levers or crossbolts to affix to 1913 rails.

How Does M-LOK Work?

M-LOK sections are rectangular cutouts which facilitate the attachment of materials. Shooters will typically attach accessories to a single or multiple M-LOK sections. Utilizing multiple M-LOK sections, often referred to as “bridging,” is done to fine tune placement or out of necessity. M-LOK accessories utilize t-nut attachment hardware which is designed to interface with an M-LOK accessory slot. Some accessories feature a single t-nut while others feature multiple. These t-nuts interface into M-LOK sections and are rotated 90 degrees to latch on to the inside of the rail. A user will need to set the depth of these t-nuts to ensure that they properly grab onto the rail and stay in place.

What is More Rigid?

Between Picatinny and M-LOK spec attachment points, 1913 spec offerings are more rigid. This is due to the fact that attachments have more area to grab on while mounted. Additionally, the use of clamping or crossbolt type mounts also promotes rigid mounting solutions. Due to the way that M-LOK accessories attach to rails, they can never be as rigid as 1913 rails. The mounting system utilized by M-LOK accessories simply cannot match the rigidity of Picatinny rails. Of course, rigidity is most important when it comes to mounting accessories requiring zeroing. These types of accessories include things such as optics and lasers.

What is Lighter?

Generally speaking, M-LOK handguards tend to be lighter than their Picatinny spec counterparts. This is due to the fact that M-LOK rails are slimmer and utilize less material than 1913 handguards do. Of course, weight can also depend upon the length of a rail. Obviously longer rails tend to be heavier than their shorter counterparts as more material is used. That being said, M-LOK rails still tend to be lighter when compared to similarly sized 1913 rails.

Which is More Common On Firearms?

Before we cover commonality, we must first address the fact that optic rails on most modern rifles utilize 1913 rails. For the purpose of this section here, we are focusing on Picatinny rails and M-LOK in terms of handguards for mounting accessories. If we include optic mounting solutions inherent to nearly every AR, this would be one-sided in favor of 1913 rails. With that being said, more firearms come equipped for M-LOK accessories than 1913 accessories on today’s market. This is to say that shooters will easily encounter rifles, shotguns, and subguns of various types with M-LOK compatible hardware. While 1913 offerings with quad rails do exist and can be found, they are simply outnumbered by M-LOK rails nowadays.

Availability of Accessories

Shooters today will find that there is no shortage of companies producing Picatinny or M-LOK accessories. This is to say that one will not have to go out of their way to find a variety of accessories for their chosen mounting method. Unlike Keymod which has steadily been fading away in recent years, support is strong for both 1913 and M-LOK. Flashlights, bipods, grips, rail covers, and sling mounts are among the common accessories for either platform. Most major accessories such as flashlights can easily be adapted for use with either system. Notably, some offerings, such as Surefire Scout Light Pro and Sig Sauer Romeo MSR lights include hardware for either mounting style. Bravo Company USA, Magpul, Emissary Development Group, and Tangodown are among the many producers of accessories compatible with either style. In short, one will have no issue finding accessories for Picatinny rails or for M-LOK. Purchase Ammo

What is Easier to Attach?

While M-LOK attachments are not hard to work with, mounting them is more involved and complex than Picatinny accessories are. 1913 accessories utilize simple attachment methods involving clamps or crossbolts. One can attach an accessory to a 1913 rail in seconds. Attaching new M-LOK accessories will require a bit of setup prior to being fully mounted. One needs to ensure that the t-nuts on the mounting hardware are set to an appropriate depth for their rail. Without setting the proper depth, one will not be able to securely mount an M-LOK accessory to their rail. Additionally, one must ensure that t-nuts are at a proper 90-degree orientation when they are installed. During the installation process, t-nuts can become offset or orient diagonally as they latch on to the rail. This will provide improper and uneven mounting tension, meaning that one’s accessories may come off with use. In short, 1913 accessories are simply easier to attach than M-LOK ones.

What Should I Go With?

At the end of the day, one should select a mounting method which best aligns with their preferences. Accessories for either type of mounting style are incredibly common on the market and are easily accessible. If one wants a tried-and-true mounting system with incredibly easy attachment methods, one may opt for a picatinny rail. Should one prefer a sleek and direct mounting system with a slim and efficient form factor, M-LOK is the answer. There are viable options in both mounting styles which are solid choices for the needs of shooters of all types.

Conclusion

All in all, Picatinny and M-LOK attachment methods are well-supported by the industry. Shooters cannot go wrong with either option. While we do not carry firearms or handguards, we do carry a number of accessories compatible with either style. At True Shot Ammo, we carry optics, flashlights, and other accessories in addition to our range of ammunition for sale. This inventory of ammo for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Whether you want to purchase accessories for 1913 or M-LOK use or buy bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.