Magpul just released a new rail accessory mounting system that's compatible with slotted, a.k.a. 'negative space' handguard mounting points. Magpul calls the system M-Lok and says the company is releasing it as a cost-free, licensed platform to promote compatibility with accessories across the market. The system will be another market standard, Magpul hopes, that will compete with KeyMod and Picatinny rail attachment systems.
The great strength of the system seems to be the ability to mount accessories or accessory rail sections to slotted openings without having to fish backers into the void between your rifle barrel and handguard. M-Lok features a semi-captured backer that allows you to slip the part into position and screw it in place on rails with compatible spacing.
M-LOK stands for Modular Lock system. The M-LOK system retains an elongated slot appearance, similar to Magpul's MOE slots (with different dimensions). The new slot is larger, has squared sides, and the new system adds the following feature set:
- Direct mount capability
- Cammed T-nut
- Optimized for metal and polymer manufacturing
- Recoil/impact mitigation lugs
- Intermediate spacing option
- Multi-directional mounting
- Backwards MOE compatibility
