Keymod or Picatinny (Quadrail)?

[sequins]

Hello fellow posters,

I'm new to the AR game and I'm making up my mind about a variety of subjects, and I'm hoping you guys can set me straight on Picatinny vs. Keymod.

Picatinny is a long-standing standard for accessories and that's definitely an advantage because it has the most support. I've been browsing what's available and there are just endless options for picatinny mounted accessories.

Now, Keymod doesn't seem to have as many accessories but based on my admittedly limited experience it still seems like a better system overall, and it's rapidly gaining acceptance.

Should I get into the AR game with Keymod, or do I stick with tried-and-true Picatinny?

(I am putting this here rather than accessories because it's more rifle specific than accessory specific but feel free to move this)

 

[Bobson]

Considering you can get picatinny sections with keymod mounts, I like to think of this as a no brainer. Sure that's not an ideal solution, but it's very likely a temporary one, as even you admitted keymod is getting popular quickly. And for good reason. I'd most definitely go keymod. Picatinny rails are (flame retardant suit on) quickly becoming archaic. Not yet obsolete, but certainly an inferior design.

 

[Welding Rod]

I like the slimness and lower weight of key mod, but I attach little to my rails and use them mostly for free float benefit.

 

[Quentin]

KeyMod definitely, of your choices. But look at M-Lok, too. It may be the eventual "standard".

 

[bfoosh006]

Keymod hands down.

 

[Jackal]

I prefer M-lok to both.

 

[stevebla]

Quad rail is fat, heavy, and rough. Look at M lok also.

 

[sequins]

Thanks guys, I'll check out m-lok too.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

I've always used picatinny but just recently completed a build with a Keymod handguard from Midwest Industries. The direct attach accessories are slick and the Keymod mounting system works great and protrudes less behind the handguard than M-lok does. I would avoid attaching picatinny rails to my Keymod handguard in order to attach accesories as that defeats the purpose IMO.

I know the OP was asking about picatinny vs. Keymod, but since it will inevitably become about M-lok too, I've done extensive research on both Keymod and M-lok and I can tell you they both have their pros and cons, and neither is going away anytime soon, so pick the one you like the look of or that accessories you like are available for and go with that. Let me also take this chance to say that Keymod accesories sliding off or loosening under recoil is FALSE.

 

[badkarmamib]

As with all AR accessories, "it depends". If you are only looking at free-floating a bench rifle, keymods wins hands-down for weight savings. If you are going to put eleventeen accessories on your forend, the bulk and weight of adapters makes keymod the clear loser. However, mine has a light mount, flip-up front sight, and a badge on it, so I am in between. I have found that I can get a better grip with my thumb and fingers over the opposing "ledges" on a full quad rail, than on a smooth tube. So, in the end, it is a combination of cost, weight, accessories, and ergonomics that is diffetent for each person.

 

[dust_101]

Keymod. I put a 15" Midwest Industries SSK on mine, and love it. As of now there is nothing mounted long-term on there, occasionally using the front QD sling swivel option, but it is a very nice setup.

We won't have any true (non-internet blather) forecast about which will be the long term standard, so it's not terribly limiting to look at M-LOK as well. Just becomes a preference for your own needs.

 

[Gordon]

I switched to M lok as it is the better system . Molded in pic rails are heavy and sharp.

 

[redterror]

M-lok FTW

 

[rjrivero]

M-Lok. Because it's better. https://www.blacksheepwarrior.com/socom-announces-selection-magpuls-m-lok-standard/

 

[primalmu]

I'm gonna second M-Lok. I have a Keymod handguard and, although the system is excellent, its hard to compete against the ubiquity of Magpul. I found Keymod stuff to be significantly more expensive than M-Lok.

 

[goon]

MLOK may indeed become the eventual "standard." So whatever you get, make sure it's within your capabilities to switch it out if you end up wanting to.

For KMR versus a quad rail, definitely KMR. Another thing to keep in mind is that with a LW barrel, an uncovered metal handguard can absorb a fair amount of heat and get a little toasty. Likewise for using it on a sunny day where it'll be on the shooting bench or hanging from you on a sling. So covers may be in order.

 

[yugorpk]

Between keymod and pic rails the keymod wins every time. You'll never go back to pic rails once you try either keymod or mloc.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

I also vote Keymod. Regular Quads are versatile but I like the lower weight and slimness of the keymod. Plus I don't hang a bunch of crap off my AR. I have an Aimpoint PRO and an Inforce WML mounted on the full top rail, only thing I have attached to the handguard is a VFG.

 

[Winkman822]

I vote Key Mod for the simple fact that they're considerably lighter and will still give you all the rail space you need by adding sections on. That said, I have a quad rail gun and a gun with a Samson Evolution (like a key mod, but not).

 

[mavracer]

I don't like rails

 

[Walkalong]

For those who just made the blanket statement that M-Lok is better, why is M-Lok superior to Keymod?

Inquiring minds want to know.

And yes, I like the various handguards with various size bolt on accessory rails vs a quad rail.

 

[rbernie]

why is M-Lok superior to Keymod?

Because that's what I already have?

 

[dust_101]

There is a common internet 'thread' that Keymod attachments fall off, or are not stable, etc but I've yet to see actual proof of this.

As I understood it, Magpul couldn't produce a functional Keymod in their polymer handguards, so they did their own. Since they have the market share (plus a seriously established user base) their product lit up.

I tend to believe that if there are issues with either option, the first item to look at is the pink squishy bit at the stock end of the rifle.

 

[Gordon]

well IMHO Mlok is better because it is MUCH easier to install accessories as the locking device is slightly larger and easier to insert and does not need to be held from inside the rail as Keymod sometimes does. Also the design enables the makers to simply size the circular hole so quick detachable swivels directly attach with no adapter.

 

[<*(((><]

M-LOK, save the keymod for "customer assembled garage shelving". M-LOK looks better in my opinion.

And it's what I have on my AR's.