What is M-Lok®? A Modern Attachment System

Walk through any gun store today and you’ll notice that modern rifles look a little different than they did decades ago. Forends that used to be plain, featureless wood or polymer now feature rows of small rectangular slots running along their length. That’s M-Lok®, and it’s become a popular accessory standard over the last decade. 

Let’s dive into what sets this system apart from other standards in the industry, why we’re using it on our latest 110 rifles, and what new Model 110 rifles you’ll find this system being used on. 

The Two Main Accessory Mounting Systems 

Picatinny Rail: The Industry Standard

The Picatinny rail, also known as a MIL-STD-1913 rail or simply a “Pic rail”, has been the dominant accessory mounting standard in firearms for decades. Developed in the early 1990s and formally standardized by the U.S. military, Picatinny rails consist of a series of raised, evenly spaced crosswise slots machined into a metal rail. Accessories attach by clamping directly onto these slots with a nut or lever system. It’s a versatile system that’s been used for mounting lights, lasers, optics, and other accessories for decades. 

On hunting rifles, Picatinny rails tend to only be found atop the receiver for mounting optics. This is because entire rail sections along the length of the forend would be bulky, uncomfortable to hold, and add extra weight that’s not necessary.  

M-Lok®: A Smarter, More Modern Approach

M-Lok® was developed by Magpul Industries and introduced in 2014. The name stands for “Modular Lock,” and it takes a fundamentally different approach to accessory mounting. Rather than adding raised external rails to a forend, M-Lok® uses a negative space design: slots are cut directly into the forend material itself, creating a smooth, flush surface when no accessories are attached. 

Accessories attach using T-nuts that insert through the slots and rotate 90 degrees to lock behind the forend material. When tightened, the accessory is pulled tightly against the forend surface, creating a rigid, stable connection across a broader contact area. This direct contact between the accessory and the forend is a core part of what makes M-Lok® a more secure and rigid mounting solution. 

Today, M-Lok® slots appear on rifles from dozens of manufacturers and compatible accessories are produced by hundreds of aftermarket companies, making it one of the most well-supported accessory standards in the modern firearm market. 

Why M-Lok® Makes Sense for Hunting Rifles 

While M-Lok® has found wide adoption across tactical and competitive shooting platforms, it’s can also be a great fit for your hunting rifle. Here’s why. 

Cleaner, Snag-Free Profile in the Field

When you’re pushing through thick brush, climbing over deadfall, or slinging a rifle while navigating rough backcountry terrain, M-Lok®’s low profile helps prevent snags and catches on clothing and brush. Without accessories installed, an M-Lok® forend is smooth to the touch and won’t snag on anything. If you do have an accessory attached, the direct mount within the forend allows for a lower profile than if you were using a rail to attach accessories. 

Weight Savings That Matter on Long Hunts

Every ounce matters on a backcountry hunt. Whether you’re packing into high country for elk, hiking mountain ridges for mule deer, or covering miles of public land on a DIY hunt, a lighter rifle is a real advantage over the course of a long day. Using M-Lok® in the forend helps keep weight down for a better balanced, easier to carry rifle. 

Access to a Wide Range of Accessories 

The M-Lok® ecosystem has grown rapidly since its introduction, and hunters can now find M-Lok® compatible versions of nearly any accessory they might want to mount on a forend. Bipods are among the most popular M-Lok® accessories for hunting, especially since the direct-to-forend mounting provides a more rigid, wobble-free platform than a sling stud attachment. Sling mounts, lighting systems, and grip accessories are all widely available in M-Lok® formats. If you have Picatinny attachments, you can easily buy rail sections for using those accessories as well. 

M-Lok® on the New Savage Model 110 

We’ve made M-Lok® a central feature of the new Model 110 rifle lineup, integrating it across several models to help make your accessory mounting smoother and more streamlined. Depending on the model, you’ll see either 2 or 4 slots.  

• 2 slot models: The 110 Core Hunter, 110 Core Hunter Pro, and 110 Ultralite Pro all come with 2 M-Lok® slots on their forend. Since these rifles are primarily meant for hunting, they have a more rounded forend that utilizes fewer slots. This configuration is great for attaching a bipod or adapters for shooting sticks to help stabilize your rifle in the field. 
• 4 slot models: The 110 Core Tactical, 110 Core Predator, 110 Ultralite Predator, and 110 Scout V2 all have forends with four M-Lok® slots included. These models have a wider beavertail forend, allowing for additional slots to be used for mounting larger tripods, or mounting a bipod and other accessories. Stability is the king with these rifles, and having additional slot space will help you get even more usage out of your attachments.

Pairing M-Lok® with the Savage Bipod

If you need a bipod to pair with your new Model 110 rifle, you’re in luck! The Savage bipod comes with M-Lok® mounting options, making it the perfect companion for your Model 110 rifle. It has adjustable legs, adjustable cant, and deploys and stows quickly to help you get setup quickly in the field when you need to adapt and get ready for a quick shot opportunity.  

The Bottom Line on M-Lok® 

M-Lok® is an excellent attachment system for both hunting and target shooting. It’s lighter than a full Picatinny rail system, has a cleaner profile, and is more secure in how it connects accessories to the forend.  

Whether you’re mounting a bipod for added stability for long range shooting, adding a a tactical light during a predator hunt, or simply appreciate a sleek design that won’t snag on brush during a hunt, M-Lok® is a perfect system for you.