Dovetail

The side Dovetail rail is a specific type of mounting rail placed on the left side of AK and SVD rifle receivers. It is used for attaching optics, night-vision devices, or additional targeting systems. This system allows the mount to slide in from the side and lock securely using a robust latch mechanism. The Dovetail setup is strong, simple, reliable, and resistant to rough handling — fully in line with Soviet design philosophy. The side Dovetail rail is therefore a rugged Soviet mounting system from the 1960s that allows easy and solid attachment of optics to AK and SVD platforms. The name “dovetail” comes from the wedge-shaped profile of the rail. SVD and AK rifles use a similar principle, but the rail is not always identical. The Dovetail system is dependable, sturdy, and built for extreme conditions — which is why it is still used on modern Russian weapons today.

Who created the Dovetail rail and when was it introduced?

The side rail was developed in the Soviet Union during the 1960s (1954 – Warsaw Pact rails) to enable more accurate shooting with the SVD Dragunov rifle (from 1963). It was later adapted for AK-74 rifles and newer variants such as the AKM/AK-100 series.

It first appeared on:

The SVD Dragunov (1963) — for mounting the PSO-1 optic,
AK-74N — the night-optics-ready version,
AKMN — the modernized AKM.

Since then, the side rail has become the standard on most Russian rifles and their licensed clones.

Why is it called a “dovetail”?

The term Dovetail comes from English and literally means “swallow’s tail.” The shape of the rail resembles this type of wedged joint:

the top part is narrower,
the bottom part is wider,
it forms a wedge profile that prevents slipping out.

This naming convention is used throughout the firearms industry — the same principle appears on air rifles, revolvers, and hunting rifles.

Is the rail on AK rifles the same as on the SVD?

Yes and no — depending on interpretation:

The SVD Dragunov uses a longer and more robust Dovetail rail designed for heavier optics such as the PSO-1.
AK rifles use the same mechanical principle.

The mechanism is similar, but mounts are not always 100% cross-compatible between AK and SVD rifles. Modern manufacturers often design universal mounts, however.

Why did the Soviets choose a side rail?

It does not interfere with the dust-cover mechanism (which is not rigid on AK rifles).
It is unaffected by moving parts of the weapon.
It provides more space for large, heavy optics — the PSO-1 is big and heavy.
It is extremely strong and durable and holds zero even in harsh conditions.

The Dovetail system proved so effective that it remains in use on most Russian and Eastern-bloc rifles to this day.