From another forum:
Quote Originally Posted by Failure2Stop
Keymod
Pros:
Open source, not restrained by a TDP, which allows a manufacturer to improve upon the mounting method.
Shows better alignment of mounted items, as the attachment nut is conical and tightens into a beveled recess.
I believe this is true if you examine the design, and in practice this is evident.
Cons:
Open source, not restrained by a TDP, which allows a manufacturer to screw-up the mounting method.
Requires higher than usual toque for a small screw to avoid loosening, but must remain low enough to prevent damage to the nut or handguard.
I don't think this is true. I believe that there is a mechanical advantage to the beveled nut/rail interface that makes for a tight and sure fit without the torque necessary in a simple clamp.
The attachment nut and mounting slot must be able to withstand significant torque without deforming, which makes both highly sensitive to material and hardening processes.
To reverse an item, the nut recess must first allow it, and the user must loosen and flip the nut.
I think I understand what he was trying to say here, but wear on the Keymod slots are going to be minimal unless you are constantly installing and removing Keymod accessories in which case you might be better of with a Picatinny rail section. The Mlok also requires alignment to remove the Mlok piece.
M-Lok
Pros:
Patented and controlled by Magpul, which ensures that everyone that is making an M-lok accessory that bears the M-Lok logo has to have been approved by them, which keeps everyone at the standard that they want.
Attachment method can bear very high torque, ensuring that accessories won't loosen if mounted correctly.
As I said above I believe Keymod provides strong attachment without the necessity to torque screws very tightly. I believe Mlok requires more torque which is why it needs larger screws.
Attachment hardware can withstand high pull force.
This is probably an advantage for Mlok, but the question is: Is it necessary?
Items are immediately able to be reversed when mounting.
A definite advantage for Mlok, but many accessories don't need reversal or are designed to take reversal into account.
Cons:
Patented and controlled by Magpul, which prevents outside manufacturers from changing the attachment method for a specific purpose.
Attachment hardware can be shifted (without loosening) with lateral leverage.
This is a real disadvantage for Mlok, but does it matter? In some instances; Yes it matters. But for a lot of stuff it wouldn't.
Frankly, most people will never notice a difference if they just pick the one that they think looks the coolest, so long as high quality parts are used.
This is true IMHO, the key (no pun intended) is the use of high quality parts.
NOTE: My use of the word "frankly" is not at all condescending, but rather indicates bare honesty on my behalf, with as few words used as necessary.
Also, this:
Roland's just a pseudonym, guy was in an SMU at the time of posting, which was June of 2015.
I've also heard first hand of issues with Keymod mounted bipods being pushed out of place (occurred at a John McPhee precision course of some sort, I believe with a BCM KMR). Personally, I've heard enough issues with KM to make me prefer M-LOK, all things being equal, but it's not something I will worry about, and things will never be equal between a Keymod rail and an M-LOK rail (Keymod will almost always be lighter). Right now, the only things I mount in the Keymod sections is a QD sling stud on my NSR (my PWS upper has built-in QD studs in the Keymod holes) and lights (which I can easily switch to mounting off the top Picatinny using the Unity Tactical FUSION Hub or perhaps their Monkey Bar, or use an IWC Thorntail Picatinny).
I would never put much credence in a comment made to some blog post from a guy who heard about a guy...... If I were hard core with a precision rifle running a bipod, neither Keymod or Mlok would be my rail. And if it had to be Keymod or Mlok I'd add a long multi-slot picatinny to the bottom of the Keymod or Mlok tube and attach a picatinny qd to the bi-pod.
Bookmarks