M-Lok vs. Keymod

[USAF_Vet]

I'll be starting another AR build in 2016, I'm thinking 18-20" barrel for this one, A2 front site/ A frame gas block. Anyway, I've already got one AR with a free floated quad rail (which still needs a ton of rail covers) and want something different. I'm torn between the M-lok fore end and the Keymod fore end. I like both, have accessories for neither, so I'm not invested either way. I like the aesthetics of both, but have used neither.

 

[Sam1911]

I think I'd pick the tube you want, and use whichever attaching system it comes with.

Unless you've got an even-up choice and can get the tube you want in either system.

I don't think either one looks better than the other, and I can't imagine there's a legitimate strength difference. So...pick the tube you want and deal with the mounting system that comes with it.

(Mine's an M-LoK and works just perfect so far.)

 

[USAF_Vet]

Usually when it comes down to one or the other, the market sometimes will kill one off. Betamax versus VHS, for example. M-lok has the might of Magpul industries behind it, so that's the direction I'm leaning toward. I'd hate to buy one and have a heck of a time finding accessories for it in a couple years because the other style dominated.

 

[cougar1717]

Does that mean one day BCM will stop blowing up my inbox with Keymod accessory ads?
The big reason Mlok exists is that keymod doesn't play well with polymer mounting surfaces.
I would just pick the tube first - there is always someone willing to sell you accessories.

 

[Sam1911]

Yeah and if someday one isn't supported well, it isn't like the mounting parts are hard to make. Some hardware store nuts and bolts and a decent file would probably get you what you needed.

 

[IdahoSkies]

I went through a similar thought process earlier and read around a lot. There are some distinct differences between the two systems. One that was somewhat important to me is that the m-lok system is reversible. There is no "right" direction in attaching a rail or accessory. with the key mod system because of the "key shape" of the whole, there is really a one right way to attach something. Also it seemed like with the M-lok the accessory was really well attached with just one of the two lugs tightened down. The second just sealed the deal. with the keymod you really needed both lugs tightened to get a solid attachment. YMMV.

 

[strambo]

I agree with the pick the rail you want advice, the attachment system isn't that important. Even if one eclipses the other in the future ala VHS/Beta, it doesn't matter like with videos because if you have your attachments for that rifle you are good to go already, plus they all take a standard rail section.

Check out the ALG Defense EMR rails. Great price, light weight, looks good, lots of different options and colors. I'm real happy with the 10" EMR V1 I got on sale for $85 shipped. It installs easy and solid and only weighed 2 oz more than the lightest rail on the market (10" BCM KMR).

 

[USAF_Vet]

Update!

So, instead of picking one or the other, I simply went with both. I now have a Magpul MOE M-lok handguard on my AR pistol, and went with a 10" keymod rail for my lightweight rifle build. The keymod rail came with six 3" sections of rail, so I'm goo to go there probably til the end of time. I haven't yet mounted anything to it yet, because I like the slim profile and light weight of the tube itself, so just have a MBUS front sight on the hand guard. Nothing else. But I have options in case I do want to slap accessories on it.

I don't yet have any M-lok rail sections, but have plans to get a matching OD Magpul M-lok stubby front grip once I get my Form 1 approved. That'll probably be the only accessory the M-lok adorned AR pistol/ SBR will get. But I am thinking of a quality weapon light to mount, as well.

For now, I'm glad I went with both. No real need to standardize, and I like having options.

 

[horsemen61]

Options are nice

 

[atomd]

For other people debating...this is interesting:
https://www.manticorearms.com/transformer-rails-and-accessories.html

You can change the panels out on this handguard and run whatever you want. That way if you really have to have a specific accessory that comes in only mlok or only keymod, you can mix them together on the same rail.

Personally, I switched everything to mlok. I just think it's a better design for me.