A powered rail system is provided for a weapon that includes a barrel. The powered rail system includes a base having a longitudinal opening. The base is configured to be mounted to the weapon such that the barrel is received within the longitudinal opening and the base extends around at least a segment of a length of the barrel. A rail extends from the base. An electrical component is mounted to the rail. An electrical power source is held by the base. The electrical power source is electrically connected to the electrical component for supplying the electrical component with electrical power.