I'm sure you guys know LOTS more about this than I do, so, let me tell you what I'm looking for.
I don't need "authentic" except that it be a real bayonet, and not a chintzy "replica".
I don't need "period correct" for the rifle, but it has to fit properly, and a scabbard would be nice.
What I'm looking for is a functional bayonet that could be used in combat. God forbid I ever have to "Fix Bayonets!", but if I do, I want one that works as intended.
Beans' article about "Knives ona- Stick!" got me thinking again about getting one, so I've been looking into it.
My (limited) research shows that there are five available that fit properly.
The Model 1905 "WWI" version - 16"
The Model 1905 "WWII" version - 16", Parkerized
The Bayonet, M1 - 10"
The Model 1905E1 - 10" Basically a cut-down version of the Model 1905.
The Bayonet, M5 - 7"
I think with my level (lack?) of skill, the shorter bayonet would be better. A bit easier to maneuver in tight quarters, too. Yeah, I know, why am I using a Garand for CQB when I have an AR. Well because it's the hardest hitting caliber I have access to, and besides, it needs a bayonet!
The CMP has ZERO. It looks like they got out of the accessory business entirely. Great history of all the different bayonets, though.
Atlanta Cutlery has most of the types, along with some specials for Reenactors.
And I've found several other places that have them.
I'm tending to stay away from eBay and Amazon on items like this, as there's too much Chinesium junk out there that goes for far more than it's worth.
Ideas? Suggestions? Reliable vendors?
TIA....
I have a 10" PAL cutlery that was manufactured as a 10", not cut down from 16". If the groove runs past the tip it is cut down, otherwise it will be an elongated oval. They also cut down scabbards. If the sheath sides fit flush to the metal lock and hanger, it has been cut down and refitted. If there are notches on both sides where the sheath meets the metal, it was always a 10" scabbard. I paid $99 for mine at a gun show countless years ago, and it is period correct for my Summer of `44 rifle. I can't imagine what it may be worth now, but would have no problem using it to skewer PANTIFA terrorists and then shooting them off of it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been in here for awhile but you might call them.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.arvadasurplus.com/
In 1963 when we went to M-14s we used the same bayonets from our M-1s.
We had a week of bayonet training in 1963 along with using the rifle as a bludgeon. What we learned wasn't a lot different than this 1938 training film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ygwgX8H3S0&ab_channel=WWIIPublicDomain
Bay'nets!
ReplyDeleteWell it's all fun and games till some guys trying to stab you in the midriff with his knife on the end of a rifle.
I enjoyed bayonet training because I imagined the various targets were our training team.
Sorry I can't give practical advice!
You should be good if the manufacturer is a reputable one.
ReplyDeleteProblem with the Atlanta cutlery stuff is most of it is either ChiCom or Pakistani manufactured. Which means that quality is all over the board.
Your best bet, I hate to say, is either E-Bay or from a seller you track down from Amazon. And contact them. Ask for manufacturer, ask for a picture of the actual one they want to sell to you, and just really question the snot out of the seller. If they have a Garand available, get them to take a video of the bayonet mounted and have them jiggle it.
It's worth asking. And some of the 'surplus' bayonets on E-bay are cheap enough it might be worth the risk to just say screw it and go for it. Worse that happens is you return it or it's a good knife that doesn't fit.
And, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the article. The time playing with the 'muh militia' guys made me swear off militias for life. I'd do better by myself. Pushing them around for 2 hours doing bayonet drills was one thing. But when me, who have never had 'military' training, knew more squad tactics and that when something flies through the air followed by a shower of sparks meant "incoming" and to get down.
But I loved doing bayonet drills, especially since the guy who had me doing them handed me an M1 Garand with bayonet (with the scabbard wired on) to do it with. Loved the feel of the Garand in my hands. It was an organic bond that the AR15s I got to handle just didn't have.
And, of course, as soon as I got enough scratch together, prices doubled or tripled on them. Dangit.
They have some originals over at Gunbroker. Some are pretty pricy. This guy has five available to buy now......
ReplyDeletehttps://www.gunbroker.com/item/876669916
I hope it never comes to that.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the "low-capacity" Garand needing a bayonet.
An AR with 30 rounds and another in the pocket may alleviate the need for a bayonet in my life.
Garands are easy to feed, with a little practice you can be as fast or faster than a conventional box-mag.
DeleteThe Garand and other 'classic' battle rifles are built for close quarters fighting and using the rifle as a pike, from butt-punches and but-spiking, to bayoneting.
It's something that the shorter versions of the classic AR-15 just can't do well. Too much plastic-fantastic and not enough length. So keep an entrenching tool or hawk or short sword instead.
If you are mobile enough, bayonet drills are actually fun to do, especially if you have a partner. Good exercise and it teaches the concept of your whole body is a weapon, not just the thing in your hands.
Thanks for all the comments!
ReplyDeleteI've decided to go with an M5 as you can still get USGI ones, new in the wrappers, for a reasonable price.