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Reference.org
Rail integration system
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<p>A rail integration system (RIS; also called a rail accessory system (RAS), rail interface system, rail system, mount, base, gun rail, or simply a rail) is a generic term for any <a href="/facts/Standardization/vS9AhNMS">standardized</a> attachment system for mounting <a href="/facts/Firearm/GuHx4aGE">firearm</a> accessories via <a href="/facts/Bar_stock/6LomonNG">bar</a>-like straight brackets (i.e. "rails") often with regularly spaced slots. </p><p>Rail systems are usually made of strips of metal or polymer <a href="/facts/Screw/Rr0k38TC">screw</a>-fastened onto the gun's <a href="/facts/Receiver_(firearms)/xXoyhXMX">receiver</a>, <a href="/facts/Barrel_shroud/schQR3PB">handguard</a>, or <a href="/facts/Stock_(firearms)/PgD8ochN">fore-end stock</a> to allow variable-position attachments. An advantage of the multiple rail slots is the moveable positions to adjust for optimal placement of each item for a user's preferences, along with the ability to switch different items at different placements due to varying <a href="/facts/Eye_relief/XBTL6KYU">eye reliefs</a> on gun sights. Firearm accessories commonly compatible with or intended for rail systems include <a href="/facts/Tactical_light/qHurQd1l">tactical lights</a>, <a href="/facts/Laser_sight_(firearms)/hL5ShCTe">laser sights</a>, <a href="/facts/Vertical_forward_grip/lS2vl2VC">vertical forward grips</a>, <a href="/facts/Telescopic_sight/P174A0vB">telescopic sights</a>, <a href="/facts/Holographic_weapon_sight/vCzXTyNK">holographic sights</a>, <a href="/facts/Reflex_sight/uRaaCAFL">reflex sights</a>, backup <a href="/facts/Iron_sight/v0NvpvhH">iron sights</a>, <a href="/facts/Bipod/PyvAzNF5">bipods</a>/<a href="/facts/Tripod/E3tHzDe0">tripods</a>, <a href="/facts/Sling_(firearms)/ExajXQjH">slings</a>, and <a href="/facts/Bayonet/YMU1F4IT">bayonets</a>. </p><p>The common types of rail systems for firearms are the <a href="/facts/Dovetail_rail/cS5AEFVJ">dovetail rail</a> (including the <a href="/facts/Soviet_Union/m7wWsPto">Soviet</a> variant known as the <a href="/facts/Warsaw_Pact/SLEsUSAS">Warsaw Pact</a> rail), the <a href="/facts/Weaver_rail/58GznCXp">Weaver rail</a>, the <a href="/facts/Picatinny_rail/ujtT0Mq7">Picatinny rail</a>, the <a href="/facts/SOPMOD/QWbIRpBU">SOPMOD</a>, the <a href="/facts/KeyMod/wCy0cad9">KeyMod</a> and the <a href="/facts/M-LOK/XV3YCfg4">M-LOK</a>. There are also various non-military designs used in shooting sports to attach <a href="/facts/Sling_(firearms)/ExajXQjH">slings</a> and bipods such as the <a href="/facts/UIT_rail/f30YTprc">UIT rail</a>, <a href="/facts/Zeiss_rail/mH0TRQnz">Zeiss rail</a> and Freeland rail. </p>