Bayonet
Bayonet handle scales
The bayonet's evolution for U.S. service rifles reflects decades of battlefield lessons. For the M1 Garand, early use featured the long M1905 (16" blade) from WWII. In 1943, the Army shortened it to 10" creating the M1 bayonet for better balance in close-quarters combat—many older blades were cut down and reissued
The M14 rifle, adopted in 1957, received the dedicated M6 bayonet with its spear-point blade, designed for thrusting and utility, sharing the proven M8A1 scabbard lineage
When the M16 entered service in 1964 during Vietnam, the M7 bayonet was introduced—based on the earlier M4/M5 series but with a larger muzzle ring for the M16's lug. Later, the M9 (1986) added multi-tool capabilities like wire-cutting
This versatile bayonet system, rooted in WWII ingenuity and refined through Korea and Vietnam, remains a symbol of American resilience—combining lethal effectiveness, durability, and multi-role utility for collectors and enthusiasts alike
