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.
As far as buy in from established manufacturers, it looks like Geissele Automatics has jumped on board and announced their upcoming Mk8 handguard will use M-Lok.
Magpul says M-Lok is compatible with the slots found in their current line of MOE handguards with an adapter. Moving forward, they will be transitioning all MOE products to the M-Lok standard over the next year-and-a-half. MOE accessories for use with original MOE slotted handguards will still be available for 18 months before they are phased out.
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
More information on the system and Magpul's roadmap for the system going forward are available in this PDF.
