When it comes to AR handguards and the way in which modular accessories attach to them, multiple camps have already formed and slugged it out for supremacy. After the dust settled, Magpul’s patented Modular Lock or “M-LOK” rail interface system ultimately became the new standard for the rest of the industry… with its predecessor Picatinny (or MIL-STD-1913) rail still maintaining its relevancy. Almost all receivers still have ‘Pic’ as the top rail, and most handguards still continue that top rail all the way across the top for continuity and accessory compatibility between optic mounts, iron sights, lights and laser devices.

PWS' PicLok combines Picatinny 1913 with Magpul's patented M-LOK interface.

While M-LOK has been widely accepted, the PWS engineering team sought a way to retain picatinny compatibility on the handguard along its cardinal sides. This desire led to the conception of the ‘PicLok’ system that is featured on PWS MK1 and MK2 MOD 2 rifles and uppers. This hybrid combination is the best of both worlds, merging M-LOK and Picatinny technology into one versatile rail design.

The PicLok design allows the direct mounting of either M-LOK or picatinny accessories, without the use of adapters.

With Piclok rail sections at the forward-most 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, you can easily mount a wider variety of preferred accessories in multiple configurations – without the addition of an adapter. Removing the added bulk and potential failure point of a rail adapter, shooters can keep their rifle build lighter and more streamlined.

No matter which weaponlight you run on your rifle, PicLok keeps both picatinny and M-LOK mounts closer to the rail. 

To use M-LOK accessories, simply use the screws that come with the accessory without the M-LOK nuts provided. The screws attach directly into the rail via drilled and tapped holes.

The PicLok sections of the rail are tapped and drilled for the M-LOK screws. No nuts required!

For picatinny accessories, the process is even easier. Just attach the accessory mounts like you would to any standard 1913 rail. By machining the rail lugs and the M-LOK sections in this hybrid fashion, picatinny mounted accessories stay closer to the forend, reducing the potential for snagging while also reducing overall bulk.

The machined picatinny lugs of PicLok sections work with any standard 1913 mounted accessory.

Additionally and perhaps the biggest advantage to those who use aiming lasers and IR lasers is that PicLok provides a more reliable mount for maintaining zero. There will always be a risk of a point of aim shift when attaching a laser device to a handguard via a picatinny adapter. That issue is completely mitigated when attaching a laser directly to the picatinny lugs of the PicLok rail.

If you want to keep your IR laser from shifting point of aim, it must be mounted on a solid picatinny rail section. Adaptors or rail sections has come loose or be reattached inconsistently.

This unique setup gives you the flexibility to use either M-LOK or Picatinny attachments, offering endless customization for lights, grips, or optics. Look for PWS MK1 uppers at your local dealer to see the advantages of PicLok yourself, or visit https://primaryweapons.com/ar-series/uppers/ar-15-mk1-uppers/ to enhance your rifle build today.