This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia ( view authors).KeyMod is an open-source design released for use and distribution in the public domain in an effort to standardize universal attachment systems in the firearm accessories market. Gun Digest Guide to Customizing Your AR-15. ↑ Muramatsu, Kevin (25 November 2014)."Mod Squad: Is KeyMod the New Industry Forend Standard?". "Fad or the Future? The KeyMod Rail System". "New Open-Source KeyMod Universal Mounting System by Vltor". In an effort to ensure interface dimensions are kept consistent and repeatable, Bravo Company MFG released a set of drawings for KeyMod gauges that allow for expedient inspection of the 100° chamfer feature in January 2014. The critical interface dimensions, however, still follow the specifications. As such, some manufacturers have added their own variations on the system such as using the through-hole portion as a sling-swivel attachment point. The specifications for the KeyMod system were initially released by VLTOR Weapon Systems as an open-source set of drawings.
![vltor keymod accessories vltor keymod accessories](https://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server5500/47d11/products/1395/images/4111/235593__65633.1504288233.500.659.jpg)
The current revision was released in October 2012. The specifications for the KeyMod system were first published in July 2012. Kincel's design was developed simultaneously, but without knowledge of the independently developed keyhole slot system by Accuracy International, until after KeyMod's release.
#Vltor keymod accessories series
After a short collaboration, during which Todd Krawczyk of Noveske Rifleworks suggested an improvement to the accessory lock/anti-rotation nut, John Noveske decided to adopt what became the KeyMod system for the NSR series of hand guards and accessories. While developing the first prototype systems Eric Kincel of VLTOR Weapon systems was approached by John Noveske of Noveske Rifleworks with a design for a universal accessory attachment system. VLTOR Weapon Systems had previously pursued a design which was the basis for the KeyMod system. VLTOR VIS KM series polylithic upper receiver using KeyMod interface. It also provides for an excellent return-to-zero when removed and re-installed. The combination of the angled interface of the nut to the KeyMod slot and the recoil lug to the through hole make for a very strong attachment point which will not slip under harsh recoil or counter recoil. The KeyMod specifications call out a "recoil lug" on the accessories which is intended to interface with the larger through hole portion and resist slippage of accessories during counter-recoil. The spacing of the holes is critical and is based on MIL-STD-1913 spacing to allow the greatest modularity with existing accessories. This prevents loss of small parts (screws, nuts or other small parts used in the assembly of the accessory). In most accessories, the screw is swaged after assembly to ensure that it cannot be backed out of the nut. This eliminates the need to align the nuts to the holes prior to accessory installation as well as the need for tools to tighten the screw/nut.
#Vltor keymod accessories full
The full diameter is left intact to create two flats on the nut which align the nut to the slot, and allow it to be indexed to the accessory as well as to the KeyMod slot. The angled face created is meant to interface with the chamfer on the backside of the KeyMod slot. The nut is stepped and the larger diameter end is chamfered around 270 degrees of its diameter.
![vltor keymod accessories vltor keymod accessories](https://soldiersystems.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_9147-300x224.jpg)
The slot is chamfered on the backside while the through hole is sized for clearance of a quick-detach sling swivel (approximately 3/8" diameter). The slot is distinctive with a larger diameter through-hole combined with a narrow slot. The KeyMod system consists of two parts: the KeyMod slot and the KeyMod nut. The goal is to eliminate the need for the heavy and often non-ergonomic MIL-STD-1913 accessory rails. The KeyMod system is intended to be used as a direct attachment method for firearm accessories such as flash light mounts, laser modules, sights, scope mounts, vertical grips, rail panels, hand stops, barricade supports, and many others. KeyMod is an open-source design released for use and distribution in the public domain in an effort to standardize universal attachment systems in the firearm accessories market.
![vltor keymod accessories vltor keymod accessories](https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/dw/image/v2/BDCK_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-ctd-master-catalog/default/dwb7594d67/large/2-vltfre-9.jpg)
Direct attachment of a bipod using KeyMod system