After the drop tests it solidified that keymod slots would not be able to hold up to the military’s desired standards as there were cracked slots and accessories falling off when dropped. M-lok’s point of aim shift averaged only 1.3 MOA. Keymod’s point of aim shift averaged 4.9 MOA. The most significant results presented themselves during repeatability testing. Another 9 mlok rails tested were also from the same companies (three per handguard type). 9 keymod rails tested were from Aero Precision, Midwest Industries, and Seekins. A total of 18 handguards were used to conduct the testing at Crane. No critical comparison of these two rail systems would be complete without mentioning the tests that were conducted by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division, which provides Naval Support Activity via “acquisition engineering, in-service engineering and technical support for sensors, electronics, electronic warfare and special warfare weapons.”Ĭrane released a comprehensive report comparing the keymod and m-lok modular rail systems. Its result was the Modular Lock System, or M-LOK for short. Those slots lived on to help refine Magpul’s line of MOE rail-compatible products. Masada's initial design had an interesting handguard with three slots on the left and right sides of the handguard. You’ve probably seen it in some movies and video games but today we know it as the Bushmaster ACR. M-LOK’s origins come from the 2007 concept rifle that Magpul helped design, the Masada. They also make high end custom rifles that are quite expensive.

Noveske has been known to produce high quality competition grade rifle barrels that have also been used by the military. VLTOR is known for manufacturing and selling innovative weapon system accessories. KeyMod began in 2012 as a combined effort from the experts at VLTOR and Noveske. But which one is the better rail system? You can only choose one for your rifle, so let’s weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which is the winner. For the past decade, Keymod and M-LOK have been the most used and most popular options on the market. But did you know that there are six types of rail systems out there for your favorite guns? There is the Dovetail rail, Weaver rail, Warsaw Pact rail, Picatinny rail, Keymod and the M-Lok-all are great options to customize your 80 lower build.

They have a couple names: handguards or rails. Today we’re talking about Keymod and M-LOK.

Magpul keymod accessories