However, they have some limitations in terms of sight features. These are the simplest when it comes to designs. The original 1911 cut dovetail is called GI, or Government dovetail. Usually the purpose of the 1911 in question regulates the type of dovetail the manufacturer installs. There are different sizes available on the market depending on the manufacturer, the most common of them being 11 mm and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).Īgain, there are many types of dovetail sights, four of them being the most common types. When it comes to size, unlike picatinny rails, there are no standardised versions of dovetail rails. There are different sizes of dovetail rails and sights.

Types and Sizes of Dovetail Rails and Sights.Types and Sizes of Dovetail Rails and Sights Additionally, you can check our review on Choke for Buckshot. The same technology is used while making the dovetail railing system in firearms so that it ensures security and correct alignment of the sights.īecause there are no official standardized version of dovetails you need to be careful while installing the rails and measuring the sights in order to ensure that you’re using the proper size and thus, having the best experience while attaching and removing mounted optics. The name dovetail originally comes from the triangular shape of the joint that resembles the shape of the fanned-out tail of a dove.ĭovetails are one of the oldest systems historically and are commonly used in the woodworking system, often joining corners in furniture. These are commonly used on rimfire rifles and airguns. The term “dovetail rail” or “dovetail mount” can refer to different types of sliding rail systems that are found on firearms primarily for mounting telescopic sights.

Dovetail front sight