Rail question

[TLHelmer]

Is the mil-spec 1913 rail different than the picatinny rail? The reason I ask is I had an H&K once that was proprietary and required a different type of light mount than the ones I had. I am trying to figure out if the 1913 rails is presents the same problem.

 

[TheFireArmorer]

From all that i've ever read on the subject a picatinny rail and mil-spec 1913 rail are the same. Basically, "mil-spec 1913" was the designation of the rail when adopted by military at the time. Picatinny Arsenal created this rail, hence the name "picatinny rail". Now NATO uses a new rail system since 2009 i believe called " NATO Accessory Rail" or NAR. It's backwards compatible with the mil-spec 1913 rails, but due to certain technical aspects, is considered more reliable and consistent. I also believe that H&K uses NAR system.

 

[TLHelmer]

Thank you!