Rail mounts are systems used to connect optics and other accessories like flashlights, lasers, night vision optics, range finders, bipods, vertical grips, etc to a rifle, pistol or shotgun. There are different systems available which each work in their own way, from the airguns dove-tail design to the modern rifle's KeyMod system. Here we will explain the most common rail systems and their advantages.
Weaver Rail - At first glance, the profile of the Weaver system is virtually identical to the Picatinny system, however the placement of the recoil grooves are closer together and are not always consistent in measurement from one groove to the next. Accessories are clamped to the rail with bolts, thumbscrews or locking bars. It is a far better option to choose an accessory that attaches with locking bars - this will prevent the mounted accessory from canting.
Picatinny Rail - which was adopted by the military and designed to mount heavier optics with tighter tolerances. Accessories are designed to slide into position from one end of the rail, and then locked into place. This system has a more pronounced angular section than the Weaver rail, and the distance between the grooves is larger, and has to be consistent and correct to be called a true Picatinny Mil-Spec system.this is a more modern mil-spec design, otherwise known as the MIL-STD-1913 rail or tactical rail,
Some accessories are designed to fit both weaver and picatinny rails, but due to the larger recoil grooves, picatinny accessories will generally not fit on a weaver system. When using optics, it is important to pair the scope mount to the matching rail system in order to achieve precision.
KeyMod - this is one of the most modern designs, and it is starting to appear on most new tactical rifles. The system competes with the new M-Lok rail, and uses the MIL-STD-1913 rails which can be added or removed to suit the shooters preference. This system allows for a much lighter and smoother hanguard, which only requires Picatinny mounts at specific points chosen by the shooter, to mount the accessories. Another advantage is that accessories can be mounted at a 45degree angle with the standard setup.
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