Versions of this two-piece design have been used by other countries, most notably without modification in Poland, and with slight domestic modification in the German DDR and Hungary. Using two plates, the bottom of which is riveted onto the rifle while the top plate is screwed onto the bottom plate. The purpose of AKML and AKMN was the mounting of night vision devices, primarily the NSP-3 (1PN27) and later NSP-3A (1PN28), and after 1980 the use of the NSPU sight (1PN34) which introduced removable ballistic cams. The AKML with sight was index code 6P1L while AKMN was index 6P1N.

There is much debate on what the "L" actually stands for, as even Russian sources are hard pressed to elaborate. However, the designation is found in official texts and even written on the NSP-3 sight themselves (along with RPKL), and seems to indicate a rifle complex using NSP-3 sight and mounting the special long-style bird cage flash hider attachment (rifles using the later NSPU are most often called AKMN, which is the designation found in the 1PN34 manual for this rifle).

This image is of a Polish AKML rifle, patterned after the Soviet model. It uses the same Soviet-designed two-piece rail system, without domestic modifications. It is fitted with a Polish-marked copy of the NSP-3 night vision device, the standard sight for all AKML variants. The Polish AKML is often equipped with an interesting and uniquely Polish Y-pod style bipod, as well as the Soviet type AKML flash hider which we have featured on a page in the Technical Section of this web site.

This is the AKMSN/AKMSL rail, a version of the AKMN rail redesigned to fit the receiver of the AKMS folding stock rifle. The primary differences include the deletion of part of the rear section of the mounting base, and the more central location of the plate. The pivot pin clearance scallops have been repositioned due to the plate location on the receiver. The left side folding stock strut arm is specially modified on these rifles. First, it is slotted for clearance at the section just above the plate when the stock is folded. Also note that the left side strut has a larger angle bend at it's folding pivot point (and also at the baseplate just behind the end of the slot). This forms a rather large bulge on the left strut arm. The combination of the slot and the extra bends in the strut allows the assembly to clear the thick two-piece rail when folded.

AKMSL with NSP-3A night vision scope mounted

This image shows specialized night fighting AKM known as AKMSL, fitted with a Soviet Afghan era NSP-3A night vision scope. NSP-3A is an updated NSP-3 with different range adjustment and filter controls, a gusseted objective lens housing, and in later models, a different diaphragm design similar to that of the NSPU. The AKMSL is usually equipped with a special long style muzzle flash hider designed to help conceal the shooter at night from enemy fighters and deflect blinding flash away from the night vision device. This rifle is still being used heavily (usually without optics) in the current conflict in Chechnya, and have been seen in the hands of many special forces end users. The AKMS with night sight NSPU is referred to as an AKMN in that Soviet optics military manual.

First Pattern Russian Military AK-74 Side Plate Design
(1973-78)

Line drawing of the first pattern AK-74N side plate, mounted to a very early style AKS-74N (circa 1973-75). From the Soviet 1976 AK-74 manual

This is the first production Russian military sight plate used on both the very early AK-74N prototypical models as well as regular series production up until the product improvement program of 1977-78, which resulted in major changes in the AK-74 design to include a newly strengthened and modified rear trunnion block. This earlier side plate was used on early AK-74N's with transitional gas blocks.

Here is another view of the same rail, mounted on a pre-1978 Soviet AK-74N rifle. Note the single rear "racetrack"-shaped cut-out and the AKM-type rivet spacing on the receiver trunnion.

Second Pattern Russian Military AK-74 Side Plate Design
(1977-80)

Russian second pattern AK-74 side plate, mounted to Russian AKS-74N circa 1979

This is the second pattern Russian military sight plate adopted in transitional year 1977-78, the basic design of which was actually used without much change until the advent of the AK-74M prototypes in 1988-89. Up until the transitional year of 1980-81, it was a milled part with oval shaped, straight walled clearance/lightening grooves. It was adopted when the rivet pattern of the AK-74 was changed to allow the addition of strengthening extensions to the rear trunnion, which forced a redesign of the part. This gave the Russians a chance to make improvements to lighten the design by the employment of more clearance cuts while allowing more types of optics to fit. In fact, this pattern was the first Kalashnikov mount base to allow PSO-type daytime optics to be used.

This pattern of the Soviet design served as the basis for the East German version used on the MPiAKS-74N rifle.
(photo copyright Dai-Nippon Kaiga Co., Ltd. and Masami Tokoi)

AKS-74N with PSO-1

This rare AKS-74N is outfitted with a standard PSO-1 that has not had any modifications to allow an improved eye relief (see below). However, as with the Romanian setup of a similar nature, this is usable and field expedient in any case, and may have been seen in Afghanistan in some situations. The AKS-74N is actually a design tailored for the use of night vision applications, and in this role it was primarily seen in many images from the Afghan War.

AKS-74UN with optics plate. From the 1982 Soviet field manual

This rail was also used on the AKS-74UN rifle. It may have been the only correct plate that was ever used with the AKS-74UN. Although it is possible, we have seen no evidence that any newer style plate was used with late versions of the AKSU rifle. Since production was more or less halted in 1992, it seems fairly correct to assume no other plate design was adopted. If anyone could offer any additional information or images of a Russian AKS-74UN, we will of course make changes in this guide.

Romania and Bulgaria have also created domestic versions of this basic rail design (see sections below for more details on their unique characteristics).

Second Pattern (cast) Russian Military AK-74 Side Plate Design
(1980-89)

Russian investment cast 2nd pattern AK-74 side plate, mounted to Russian AKS-74N

This slightly updated version is basically an investment cast copy of the previous model, with few modifications. The only notable difference in cosmetic appearance is the slightly egg-shaped clearance/lightening slots. This plate was used without further changes until at least 1989, when the AK-74M rail was developed and placed into production.

Soviet/Russian Military RPK-74 Side Plate Design
(1973-Current)

Russian RPK-74N, dated 1981, with a slightly modified first-pattern AK-74 optics rail installed. From the book "AK-47 & Kalashnikov Variations", Tokoi, 1991.

This same design was used on the RPK-74N and RPKS-74N (with a minor rounded cut to the bottom rear corner), well into the early 1990's. It had no significant changes since the rivet pattern of the rear trunnion has remained basically unchanged on the rifle.

Late Pattern Russian Military AK-74M Side Plate Design
(1989-Current)

Two variants of the late AK-74M optics plates

These two plate designs represent two variants of the same model, used on various AK-74M and AK-100 based weapons over the 1989-97 time period. (Left) First pattern, here mounted to an Izhmash M3 semi-automatic, circa 1993, identified by having angular rivet tabs and no clearance cuts front or rear; (Right) Second pattern, on an AK-74M, with forward clearance cut and rounded rivet tabs, circa 1991. The latest example of the rounded tab type has an additional rear cut (see image above).

Russian late style AK-74M optics plate on AK-74M receiver.

Russian military AK-74M sight plate, as used with current AK-74M (circa 1999). Note the additional clearance cuts (added to allow the plate to accept more types of optical devices) and the rounded rivet pads. This style is the current production version and is used on numerous Izhmash weapons.

All three versions of this basic design will accept all Russian small arms optics, but in many cases will not accept the original PSO series SVD type clamp. Those with forward clearance cuts on the forward portion of the dovetail will accept the PSO but only if it is mounted from the front of the plate. This is mainly due to the adoption of specialized day optics such as 1P29 and later, Kobra sights. Adopted along with AK-74M in 1992, there has been at least two distinct types of these plates. One has rounded rivet tabs front and rear, and various additional clearance cuts on the dovetail. The other style has angular rivet tabs and no additional clearance cuts.

Russian late style AK-74M optics plate mounted on Izhmash Saiga-12S shotgun.

This plate, with minor modification in some instances, is standard equipment on the AK-100 rifle series, "Groza" OTs-14, "Bizon" SMG, as well as hunting weapons to include the Saiga carbine and some Saiga shotguns. These plates accept Kobra, PSO-1 "V" model, Lynx, MTK-75, NSPU, NSPUM, 1P29, 1PN58, 1PN51, 1PN93, and various other Eastern European optics associated with Kalashnikov small arms.

AKM Variants of Russian AK-74M Pattern

AK-74M style plate with AKM rivet accommodations

These appear to be European variants of the Russian late pattern plate in existence, modified for use on the earlier AKM pattern rivet receivers. The rear rivet tab on these plates has been lengthened, to accommodate the forward rivet location of an AKM receiver. Whether these pattern plates are made in Russia is up for conjecture, but they have floated around for several years and do surface from time to time. They are perfect for converting a Romanian AK-74 to Russian specs using the correct rivet locations. Other than the rear rivet locating hole, these plates conform to Russian standards of the early AK-74M.

Russian Threaded "MTK/MPK" Type Systems

Izhmash JSC manufactured MTK-01B side plate kit, including instructions, tool and special shouldered screws. rifle

Since many early rifles (as well as those made in other countries) did not always have factory installed optics plates, the Russian MTK side mounting plate was engineered as a version of the military style rail but modified to be easily installed to rifles without removing and installing rivets. These plates are threaded and are retained with special screws. There have been a few various designs of these plates, dealing mainly with the style of screws and addition of extra cuts to allow them to use more models of optics than the Russians allowed for in the original.

Compared to the Russian military model, differences apply to the deletion of the rivet pads at the front and rear, which are not needed and would interfere with some existing rivet heads on the rifle. All military versions are riveted to the assembly of the rifle when it is originally manufactured, using the rivets that actually hold the rifle together. Unless you are willing to drill out rivets and re-assemble the rifle with these types of plates, these plates are the best choice. Once completed, the plate has the look, style, and function of the original factory design.

These plates accept optics such as PK-01V, PK-01, PK-AS, PK-S01, Soviet night vision, Kobra, MTK-75 and Lynx models of sights. The latest versions will also allow mounting of PSO-series "V" prefix models.

MOLOT JSC "Vepr" Side Rail Patterns

Two versions of the Vepr and Vepr II optics mounting side plates, both manufactured by Molot JSC

Molot JSC (Vyatskiye Palyani) is best known for being the manufacturer of the RPK/RPK-74 series of squad automatic/light machine guns. Currently, they are heavily involved in the production of the Vepr hunting rifle, imported to the US in several versions. Thus far, at least three variants of Molot-designed optics side plates are known to have been used in their production. These plates, although similar in style and identical in location to military standard AK side plates seen in the past, have specific features unique to themselves. Latest models have a central horizontal groove for the clearance of the PSO forward mounted stop pin. Earlier plates had an inverted design (open space at the front) which was less likely to stop the scope from walking during recoil. It appears the factory also realized this, as later patterns have a forward wall and an open at the rear, which is much more logical.

The latest version of the Vepr rail, with both vertical stop pin groove and horizontal center notch.

The latest Vepr optics plate style also includes a central vertical groove, in the Russian military fashion, which is needed to mount optics which have a cammed center shaft lever. This groove is essentially a positioning guide and not a clamping surface. This plate would seemingly mount any Russian optic imaginable.

Vepr side plates will mount all varieties of Russian night vision and daytime optics designed for AK's, to include Kobra sights, 1P29, 1P21, MTK-75, and others. The Vepr will also accept standard PSO-1 4x24mm scopes with the normal SVD clamp, although PSO's of larger sized objectives using this clamp will not fit due to clearance problems with the receiver cover or rear sight base. Third model Vepr rails will accept optics which use clamps with cammed center shafts, such as Soviet night vision, 1P21 and "V" series PSO's.

Romanian Early Pattern AKM

Romanian WUM-1 with SVD-type side optics plate

This early Romanian AKM modification is actually a good solution to mounting the standard Romanian PS-01 (PSO-1) to the AK frame. The rifle has a shortened version of the SVD rail installed (see below), and the plate has been raised and positioned forward to provide adequate eye relief and height to clear the rear sight base. These were imported on many WUM-1 and early Romak-1 rifles. I have read reports that many of these became loose, either due to the fact there is little support in this area of the receiver, or to improperly installed rivets. Later models have been retrofitted with the Romanian standard AK-74 side plates.

Romanian AK-74 Standard Optics Plate

SAR-2 with standard Romanian AK-74 optics plate

Standardized Romanian AK-74 optics plate, copied and modified from the late 70's/early 80's Soviet AK-74 version. The dovetail, bisected in the middle by a depression which mounts the center rivet, has two distinctive oval cut outs. The one on the front section of the dovetail has a lower opening which allows the front stop pin of a standard PSO-1 to enter the rail, and thus slide onto the rifle. The rear of the rail is lengthened form the Russian original because the Romanian AK-74 continues to use the standard AKM rear trunnion (and it's associated rivet pattern).

Although the plate does little to enable adequate eye relief with this arrangement (PSO-1) due to it's central position on the rifle receiver, it is marginally useful with this set-up. This can be corrected by using longer stocks or stock pads. The correct method of attachment is by placing the sight about 1/3 the way on the plate, making sure the front stop pin on the clamp is engaged into the forward clearance slot on the plate. Once located in this manner, mate the dovetail clamps onto the plate and slid on as far forward as it will go. This location allows the forward stop pin to do it's job during recoil, and allows the scope's clamping pad enough grip on the plate to work. Some people have mounted these from the front of the rifles' plate, but this method is poorly suited and it is reported the scope will walk during recoil, no matter how tight the scope clamp is set.

Romanian side plates will of course also mount Kobra sights, Russian night vision, 1P21, PSO-1"V" and other optics perfectly, with the correct eye relief and mating surfaces for proper clamping. In fact, using the PSO-1V will give at least 1.75-2.00 inches more eye relief and head room on these Romanian rifles than any other PSO models can provide.

Bulgarian AK47M1 Variant

(Left) SLR-100 w/original Bulgarian AK47M1 optics plate installed; (Right) Romanian plate (top) compared to Bulgarian milled receiver side plate (bottom) un-installed

The latest versions of the Bulgarian AK47M1 modernized milled receiver AK rifles are sporting a new design side mounting optics plate, which is a modified version of the previous models. This plate is an investment casting, has squared lightening cuts, and will accept all forms of optics, to include Kobra, MTK, Lynx and PSO-1 series. This plate is installed by rivets. It can be modified for use with stamped receivers, if a rear clearance cut for clearing the center support pin are added. Also, mounting holes are misplaced for AKM style rifles.

Belarussian Early AK-74 Styled Optics Rail

Copy of early style Soviet AK-74 optics plate made in Belarus.

This mounting rail is a near direct copy of the first pattern Soviet AK-74 rail, and has the correct holes and clearance scallops for an AKM pattern receiver. It will mount all types of Russian night vision as well as most daytime optics, to include the Kobra sight and PK series collimators. It is made form steel and has has the correct elongated grooves and lightening cuts on the rear. The vertical center groove is also slightly offset to the rear as original.

The only variations this plate has that is different from the Soviet original is the bevelled top and bottom edge, angular rivet tabs (easily rounded with a file), and and extra angled mill cut on the lower area of the forward face of the dovetail section. This is no doubt an attempt to allow the clearance of a PSO-1 stop pin if it is mounted from the front of the rail.

This rail has only recently been produced and should be very useful to collectors who want to obtain the correct early 74 look, or just want to easily install a military, rivet style rail to an AKM pattern receiver.

SVD Dragunov/Chinese NDM-86/Romanian PSL(FPK)

The SVD Dragunov style mounting rail is milled into the rifle receiver, and will mount all types of Soviet day and night optics. Day optics such as the PSO-1 will slide fully to the forward section of the rail and this provides good eye relief because the scope is at the front of the rifle's receiver.

Night vision and other Soviet sights made to work with several types of weapons such as the AK, are positioned on the rear section of the SVD's mounting rail, which is extra long for just this reason. This is done to get the exact amount of eye relief spacing on these particular sights.

The Romanian PSL mounting rail is almost identical to the Soviet SVD pattern, but it welded onto the Romanian sheet metal receiver, instead of being milled into the receiver.

The SVD style PSO-1 scope clamp is provided with a forward movement stop pin to position the scope at the proper location, stop it from sliding all the way off the front of the rail, and to keep it from walking forward when the rifle recoils.

Only models of AK's that have been specifically adapted to accept these mounting clamps can use the PSO with a standard clamp, with much success. This would include the Romanian design optics plates, as standard on the Romanian AK-74, WUM, Romak, and SAR series. Although the standard 4x PSO with original SVD clamp will normally fit these plates, clamp engagement is minimal and eye relief issues make using these on the Romanian rifles less than ideal (see above).

The latest versions of the Molot JSC "Vepr" rifle uses a side plate with a long, horizontal groove added across the center of it's main dovetail. This will allow the proper mounting of PSO 4x models without further modifications to the rifle (see Vepr section).

Standard Russian SVD optics mounting attachment, milled into the receiver.

In the photo above, you will see the standard SVD sight mounting rail. Both the original Russian design, as well as Chinese copies (NDM-86) have the same design. You will notice the longitudinal groove down the middle of the plate,. This is for clearance of the front mounted stop pin on the sight's clamp. The PSO would ride on this plate until the stop pin contacts the left end of the groove, and stop. The rear of this plate is for mounting NVD that incorporate the Russian standard small arms clamp, such as 1PN58. The length of the plate ensures correct eye relief is retained whether the PSO is mounted to the front of the rifle (needs more eye relief) or if the NVD are mounted to the rear of the plate. This plate will also mount Kobra.

Side plate used with Romanian PSL ("FPK", Romak 3, SSG-97) is identical in most respects, and allows the same optics applications. Some early Romanian WUM and Romak rifles used a short version of this plate, riveted to a central location above the magazine dimples. Many Belarus sights have been furnished with a short version (front section) of this plate design as well. This plate was not supplied with holes, attaching hardware, or instructions.

Russian Standard Small Arms Optics Mounting Clamp System

The 1P29 "Trilux" is fitted with the standard Russian optics clamp.

The Russian standard small arms clamp is universal to all traditional Russian night vision scopes, such as the NSPU, NSPUM, 1PN58, 1PN58-2, 1PN51, and 1PN93. It is also used on the 1P21, 1P29, and the Kobra sight. It uses a rear lip to stop the clamp from moving further forward after it is seated. In some cases the locking lever mechanism also has a cammed center arm, This ensures the sight does not move, even slightly, due to recoil forces. The clamp is fully adjustable for any variations in manufacturing tolerances among rifle producers.

This clamp secures by a squeezing action of the clamp itself, top to bottom. The locking lever center shaft is threaded, and when the lever is turned, the shaft screws into the top of the clamp and becomes shorter. The thin strut on the bottom actually flexes to tighten around the dovetail of the side plate. Although the design is almost bullet proof, it is not necessary to over tighten these types of clamps.

In many cases, the L-shaped stop arm on the clamp has a cammed surface where it attaches to the lever center shaft. This mates to a vertical groove in the center of the plate, and ensures the user has properly located the optic on the plate. Using this type of arrangement on plates without this center groove will not allow the lever to lock. The solution, as seen on Kobra sight, is to remove the camming surface of the stop arm. Most forms of Russian military optics side plates have the correct vertical groove standard. Early models of MTK-75 side plates do not.

Generally speaking, this mounting clamp will fit all Russian designs of plates, including the SVD, AK, Saiga, and Vepr. This includes all other European military AK optics plates as well.

Izhevsk Wartime PSO-1 Scope Modifications
for Eye Relief Correction on AK-74

Soviet PSO-1 modified to be used on AK-74 has an auxiliary stop hook added, and is marked with Izhevsk arsenal codes rather than normal optical factory marks. (photo and measurements courtesy of Martin Ivie)

During the Afghan War, the Soviet Army procured a very few modified PSO-1 models that were used on the AK-74 rifle. These models were marked with an Izhevsk factory logo, instead of one of the more commonly seen optics factory logo's. These were reportedly fitted with reticles calibrated for the 5.45mm cartridge, and the mounting plate was adapted to fit the AK-74 style optics plate.

SLR-95 with PSO-1, MTK side plate, w/modified clamp with rear stop bracket copied from Soviet design

To do this, the forward stop pin was omitted or removed, and a special sheet metal bracket with a hook at it's end was attached to the rear of the sight clamp. This bracket served to act as a stop point for the sight, and used the top rear clamp screw as an attaching point. By using this set-up, the PSO-1 could be positioned onto the AK rifle as far forward as possible while allowing it to sit low to the receiver cover. These scopes are very rare, and an original example would be expensive. I have made a pattern for this bracket, and am in the process of producing some of these for sale to anyone who is interested. This is a simple way to adopt a cheaper PSO-1 4x24 to an AK to allow an original look and fairly good eye relief.

PSO-1 Base Clamps

The PSO-1 series was specially designed for use on the 7.62x54R SVD Dragunov sniper rifle. It has a long military history and is known worldwide as a rugged, battle worthy optical aid. Because of this reputation, it is logical that it would be sought after as an accessory for many types of sporting arms and collectors' weapons.

Novosibirsk, the original manufacturer of the military variants, sought to enable the PSO's use on the modern versions of the Saiga rifle, the sporting AK built in the original Kalashnikov arms factories in Izhevsk, Russia. Mounting the PSO-1 onto the standard AK frame, which has a different optics plate from the SVD, necessitated the design of a new, totally interchangeable mounting clamp. This clamp makes it possible to mount the PSO series onto the Saiga, Vepr, and other rifles incorporating a standard AK optics. Even so, it places the PSO further back on the receiver than even the original PSO would have, and eye relief suffers because of this. These clamps were best used with Saiga rifles in original configuration with long, conventional stocks. plate.

Saiga/AK PSO-1 Adapter

Saiga rifle with PSO 6x36 w/ early style Saiga clamp. Note removed rear sight leaf

This design is specialized to Izhmash JSC "Saiga" rifle, but would also fit the plates of all standard AK rifles as well. This clamp adapts the PSO to fit a Saiga series weapon, or other AK-based systems such as Vepr, and the MTK sight attaching assemblies. It uses a rear mounted stop pin, and also raises the scope slightly higher than normal to help it clear the rear sight base of the AK.

Two variants were available, the earlier model was short and designed mainly for the 4x version. The later style had higher risers and allowed the use of large objective scopes (PO 6x36/40mm) models to be mounted to AK without the removal of the rear sight leaf. In both instances, eye relief on standard AK models with shorter military style stocks was less than perfect. The Saiga rifle in original trim has a long, conventional hunting stock that gave very good ergonomics with this scope setup.

One thing to remember is that this clamp should not be used with standard SVD type side plates, such as on the Dragunov, or Romak3.

BELARUS "Zenit" PSO Clamp "V" Type
for Eye Relief Correction on AK Rifles

Front and rear view of specialized PSO "V" model clamp bracket. Note AK style clamp design and slightly extended risers.

This design was released sometime in early 2000, and is manufactured by the considerable optics works "Zenit" located in Belarus. This factory is a major producer of many military optics products, to include 1P21 and various PSO designs. The "V" clamp has been specifically designed to correct the ergonomic difficulty of adapting the PSO to the AK receiver frame using the factory located side plate. This modified clamp not only properly mates to the AK optics plates (most PSO's do not), it also repositions the scope forward to provide proper eye relief and head room for comfortable shooting stance. The amount of extra head room depends on the rifle and the PSO it is compared to, but averages at least 1.75-2.50 inches in most situations, more than enough to enable the shooter to find his comfort zone.

Slightly extended risers make sure the bottom mounted illumination bulb/LED housing, or the front of the scope, does not contact the receiver cover, rear sight base or rear leaf sight of the rifle. The clamp is fully adjustable and is patterned after well tested military patterns used on some types of Russian night vision devices.

Izhmash JSC AK Optics Mounting Accessories

If you are interested in purchasing any of these optics at a good price.