Keymod or m-lok

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hfx123

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Is this a looks thing? One more stable for accessories than other? Read an article and research was done at a number of gun stores throughout USA and m-lok is outselling keymod 3:1 or 4:1 in most cases. Doing a build and wondering which way I should go. Article had not much why just alot of how it is. Maybe because of size of magpul and market share but curious on what's best from opinions of those with
 
2015/2016 M-LOK was outselling KeyMod by a wide margin as told to me by several AR parts manufacturer at SHOT - mainly on the strength of Magpul.
 
To build a keymod product you have to pay for a lease on the schematics.

Magpul designed M lock and released the schematics for free after they designed all their accessories.

Keymod days are numbered.
 
They were both head to head for a while but M-lock is pulling ahead, like ctcs said, Magpul is such a big machine. I got a keymod handguard on my AR two years ago, not regretting it but if I had to do it today I'd go M-lock.
 
So the thing is keymod tdp is open source so its out there for anyone to get their hands on and design stuff for it and you don't need to ask Vltor for permission to use it this causes some manufactures items to not play well with each other because of stacking tolerances. Mlok however you need to get a license from Magpul (which is free) to make Mlok items so they have a bit more control over who they give the info out to make sure its in spec so all Mlok things will play nice with each other.

As long as you are using keymod components from reputable manufactures they should all work together fine its when you start using substandard components and cheap overseas manufactured items that issues arise with keymod most of the time. I can say how ever I had a couple of KMRs and had issues with them that made me not interested in keymod anymore, I had bipod adapters (from PWS which is good stuf) push out of the KMR from loading the bipod on a few occasions even though everything was secured according to instructions from BCM and PWS and had thread locker. Also had a couple flashlight mounts push out after taking some impacts on door frames or barricades again secured according to manufacturer spec and had thread locker. I've beat the piss out of Mlok stuff and haven't had any of the issues I did with keymod YMMV.
 
I have both, but prefer M-Lok based on looks (Yea, I know, I'm shallow that way). Keymod reminds me of shelving units from Costco.

Both work just fine though. The only concern I might have is long term support.....sort of like VHS versus Betamax (10 pts for anyone who even knows what those are, lol!).
 
I have both MLOK and Keymod. I prefer Keymod because of the BCM VFG's, that's pretty much the only reason. Also, keymod is more asthetically pleasing to me.
 
Mister Donut said:
Keymod reminds me of shelving units from Costco.
Click to expand...

Funny both H&K & AI both adopted their own shelving unit designs...



MR762A1-LRP-II-oblique_WEB.jpg
 
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I have both only because of my XCR's. My preference from a mechanical design and stability standpoint is a good MLOK rail. KeyMod is good for quick detach, but I really don't care ... I would prefer using MLOK with 1911 rails and traditional QDs. Also Keymod stuff is a lot more expensive.
 
Aren't we talking about firearms where LOOKS is everything. Costco shelving is fugly.

BetaMax is technically superior to VHS, but lose out the 5 vs 6 hrs fight.
Mister Donut said:
I have both, but prefer M-Lok based on looks (Yea, I know, I'm shallow that way). Keymod reminds me of shelving units from Costco.

Both work just fine though. The only concern I might have is long term support.....sort of like VHS versus Betamax (10 pts for anyone who even knows what those are, lol!).
Click to expand...
 
If I had keymod stuff I was happy with I wouldn't worry about switching, but the writing's been on the wall for a long time about where the market's going.

If your stuff stays on your gun, I'd leave it alone, whether it's keymod or a full-on picatinny quad rail, unless you REALLY need some specific thing out of Mlok. If you're buying new, the only reason to go with keymod is the BCM rail, which is really nice. IMO that rail is half of what's keeping keymod afloat.
 
misanthropist said:
If I had keymod stuff I was happy with I wouldn't worry about switching, but the writing's been on the wall for a long time about where the market's going.

If your stuff stays on your gun, I'd leave it alone, whether it's keymod or a full-on picatinny quad rail, unless you REALLY need some specific thing out of Mlok. If you're buying new, the only reason to go with keymod is the BCM rail, which is really nice. IMO that rail is half of what's keeping keymod afloat.
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Yeah I'm building so I have the choice now. I'm doing aero with the m4e1 upper due to the integrated handguard mount and currently have both options available in the length I want so wanted some input. Mlok looks like the route I'll take. I have quad rail. Interested in something different
 
I prefer MLOK. It looks clean and is easy to attach. I believe in Magpuls design. The fact that Colt Canada gave it their blessing is more than enough for me.
 
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