AR-15 Picatinny Rails Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA

Published on March 20, 2009
Duration: 1:31

This guide details the installation and utilization of Picatinny rails on an AR-15, presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA. It covers the system's design, naming origin from Picatinny Arsenal, and its basis on the Weaver-style mount. The video demonstrates mounting various accessories, highlighting the versatility of the MIL-STD-1913 standard.

Quick Summary

The Picatinny rail system, officially MIL-STD-1913, is a standardized mounting platform for firearms, developed at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. Based on the Weaver-style mount, it features multiple transverse grooves for securely attaching a wide array of accessories like optics, lights, and grips.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Picatinny Rails
  2. 00:19History and Naming
  3. 00:30Design and Purpose
  4. 00:41Accessory Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Picatinny rail system for an AR-15?

A Picatinny rail system, officially MIL-STD-1913, is a standardized mounting platform on firearms, based on the Weaver-style design. It features multiple transverse grooves allowing for secure attachment of various accessories like optics, lights, and grips.

Where does the name 'Picatinny rail' come from?

The name 'Picatinny rail' originates from the Picatinny Arsenal located in New Jersey. This is where the standard was developed, leading to its common name, though its official military designation is MIL-STD-1913.

What types of accessories can be mounted on a Picatinny rail?

Picatinny rails are highly versatile and can accommodate a wide range of accessories. This includes magnified optics like the Trijicon ACOG, laser sighting systems, vertical foregrips, tactical flashlights, and spare magazine holders, among others.

What is the difference between Picatinny and Weaver rails?

While the Picatinny rail (MIL-STD-1913) is based on the Weaver-style mount, it offers superior standardization. Picatinny rails have specific groove dimensions and spacing, ensuring more consistent and secure mounting of accessories compared to the less standardized Weaver system.

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