Why Is It Called Picatinny?.
Picatinny Rails: The Rugged Backbone of Modern Firearms
Introduction:
Picatinny rails are a ubiquitous sight on modern firearms, from military rifles to civilian hunting rifles and sporting shotguns. They provide a standardized mounting platform for a wide range of accessories, such as scopes, sights, lasers, lights, and bipods. But why is it called Picatinny, and how did it become the standard for firearm mounting systems?
The History of Picatinny Rails:
The Picatinny rail was developed in the late 1980s by the United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. The Army was looking for a standardized mounting system that would allow a wide range of accessories to be mounted on a variety of firearms, regardless of manufacturer.
Prior to the Picatinny rail, there was no standard mounting system for firearm accessories. Each manufacturer used its own proprietary system, which made it difficult to mount accessories on firearms from different manufacturers. This was particularly problematic for the military, which used a wide range of firearms from different manufacturers.
The Picatinny rail was designed to be a universal mounting system that would work with all types of firearms. It is a long, thin rail with a series of slots that allow accessories to be mounted using screws or clamps. The Picatinny rail is also designed to be self-centering, so accessories will always be aligned correctly.
The Picatinny rail was adopted by the US military in 1995 as the MIL-STD-1913 rail. It quickly became the standard mounting system for firearm accessories, and is now used by militaries and law enforcement agencies around the world.
Why Is It Called Picatinny?
The Picatinny rail is named after Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, where it was developed. Picatinny Arsenal is a United States Army installation that is responsible for developing and testing weapons and ammunition.
Why Are Picatinny Rails So Popular?
There are a number of reasons why Picatinny rails are so popular. First, they are a standardized mounting system, so accessories from different manufacturers will work on all firearms with Picatinny rails. This makes it easy to add and remove accessories without having to worry about compatibility issues.
Second, Picatinny rails are very versatile. They can be used to mount a wide range of accessories, from scopes and sights to lasers and lights. This makes them ideal for a variety of shooting applications.
Third, Picatinny rails are very durable. They are made from strong materials and are designed to withstand the recoil of even the most powerful firearms.
How to Use Picatinny Rails:
To use a Picatinny rail, simply attach the accessory to the rail using screws or clamps. Most accessories will come with instructions on how to attach them to a Picatinny rail.
Once the accessory is attached, simply tighten the screws or clamps until the accessory is secure. Be careful not to overtighten the screws or clamps, as this could damage the accessory or the rail.
Benefits of Using Picatinny Rails:
There are a number of benefits to using Picatinny rails, including:
- Versatility: Picatinny rails can be used to mount a wide range of accessories, from scopes and sights to lasers and lights. This makes them ideal for a variety of shooting applications.
- Durability: Picatinny rails are very durable and are designed to withstand the recoil of even the most powerful firearms.
- Standardization: Picatinny rails are a standardized mounting system, so accessories from different manufacturers will work on all firearms with Picatinny rails. This makes it easy to add and remove accessories without having to worry about compatibility issues.
Conclusion:
Picatinny rails are a rugged and versatile mounting system for firearm accessories. They are used by militaries and law enforcement agencies around the world, and are also becoming increasingly popular among civilian shooters. If you are looking for a way to mount accessories to your firearm, a Picatinny rail is a great option to consider.
Here are some additional tips for using Picatinny rails:
- When choosing accessories for your Picatinny rail, make sure to select accessories that are compatible with MIL-STD-1913 rails.
- When attaching accessories to your Picatinny rail, use the correct screws or clamps for the accessory. Be careful not to overtighten the screws or clamps, as this could damage the accessory or the rail.
- If you are mounting multiple accessories to your Picatinny rail, place them in a way that does not interfere with each other.
- Make sure to clean and lubricate your Picatinny rail regularly. This will help to prevent rust and wear and tear.
Some examples of accessories that can be mounted to Picatinny rails:
- Scopes
- Sights
- Lasers