If you’re reading this, you might own a firearm or a tactical setup. If that is the case, you may also understand the importance of maintaining your equipment in optimal conditions.
Something as minor as a bent Picatinny rail can severely offset the accuracy and reliability of your setup. But do not worry because this blog post is focused on solving that problem.
In this article, we will discuss how to check for bent Picatinny rails and the accessories you need to ensure they stay properly aligned with the rest of your firearm. So, let’s get started!
What Is the Picatinny Rail System?
Before getting to the bend checking, let us remind you once about them. In brief, the Picatinny rail system is a standard platform used to mount assorted accessories on firearms. Some examples include:
- Flashlights.
- Red-dot sights.
- Scopes, etc.
It has a rail with notched accessory mounts spaced equally across the surface. The placed rail must be accurate. Otherwise, your misaligned equipment will yield incorrect results. This emphasizes the importance of knowing how to check for bent Picatinny rails, right?
Different Ways to Check for Bent Picatinny Rails
Now that you understand what bent Picatinny rails are, we can move on to the more practical implementations of this discussion. To check for bent Picture rails, you can implement these techniques:
Technique # 1: Visual Inspection Comes First
First of all, thoroughly inspect your Picatinny rail. During the examination, search for signs of bending or warping along the rail.
For example, a bent rail can appear as a slight curve. But checking for bending is difficult to see with the naked eye. Therefore, it is necessary to take a closer look. In reality, both the top and bottom faces of the rail and both ends need to be inspected for any irregularities.
Strategy # 2: Employ a Ruler or a Straight Edge for Measurement and Alignment
The most basic and simplistic way to test whether a Picatinny rail is bent is to use a ruler or straight edge. Place the test edge on the deflection of the rail or surface in question.
If there is no contact between the straight edge or ruler and the surface, this will indicate deflection along the longitudinal axis of that particular section. The washout condition indicates the deformation of the specific section of either rail.
Method # 3: Alignment Check With Mounts
Another alternative method that is arguably easier is checking the alignment and/or attachment of external accessories. You may mount your scope and flashlight on the rail for attachment.
If post-fixing fittings are flush in one position but centric or stable in another, the rail supports the hypothesized malfunction. This method is simple and quick for diagnosing physical damage during the device’s functional use.
Technique # 4: Take Caliper Measurement
Measuring with a caliper provides a more accurate reading. Measure the caliper at different points along the rail’s length. Noticeable increases in width could mean that the rail has warped or bent.
Technique # 5: Examine for Accuracy Problems
The strategies we’ve discussed so far relate to measurement and visual tests. However, outside the above-specified checks, the oblique deformation of Picatinny rails is recognized primarily by a drop in the weapon’s accuracy.
For example, if you notice your shots are wide apart, it’s a hint that the rail is misaligned or bent.
What to Do if Your Picatinny Rail Is Bent
After implementing any of the tests mentioned above, if you’ve found that your Picatinny rails are bent, you don’t need to panic at all. There are still various things you can do to recover from the damage. Here’s an explanation of those things:
● Rail Repair
Some users try to fix the bent rail by straightening them out. If you feel confident in doing this yourself, that’s good!
However, implementing this fix can be difficult due to the risk of doing more harm than good. So, seeking professional assistance is the best course of action if you’re unsure of the process.
● Replacement
If the bend is too pronounced, it is often easier to replace the Picatinny rail entirely. Depending on your firearm, this is sometimes more affordable and easier than attempting a repair.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to check for bent Picatinny rails is a requisite skill set for any responsible firearm owner. It does not matter whether you do a bare visual inspection, use a ruler, or check the placement of accessories. The most critical thing is that the rail does not show signs of bending. Always remember that thorough maintenance and inspections can help avoid further issues and guarantee that your firearm will function accurately and reliably. But in case there are any uncertainties, always obtain professional help or replacement to best preserve your setup.
