Picatinny rail

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The 1913 rail (MIL-STD-1913 rail) is an American rail integration system designed by Richard Swan^[1] that provides a mounting platform for firearm accessories. It forms part of the NATO standard STANAG 2324 rail. It was originally used for mounting of scopes atop the receivers of larger caliber rifles.

Once established as United States Military Standard, its use expanded to also attaching other accessories, such as: iron sights, tactical lights, laser aiming modules, night vision devices, reflex sights, holographic sights, foregrips, bipods, slings and bayonets.

An updated version of the rail is adopted as a NATO standard as the STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail.