M7 bayonet

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The M7 bayonet (NSN 1095-00-017-9701) is a

The M7 bayonet is very similar to the older

The M7 differs from M6 bayonet for the M14 rifle.^[2] Most notably, the diameter of the muzzle rings, and the locking mechanism. The M7's release mechanism is on the pommel, while the M6 has a spring-loaded lever near the guard that when depressed releases the bayonet. Both models are approximately the same length, have the same black finish, and use the M8A1 (NSN 1095-508-0339), or later M10 (NSN 1095-00-223-7164) sheath.

The M7's 1095 carbon steel blade is 6.75 in (17.1 cm) long, with an overall length of 11.75 in (29.8 cm). Blade width is 0.1875 in (0.476 cm) and it weighs about 9.6 oz (270 g). One edge is sharpened its full length while the opposite side of the blade has approximately 3 in (7.6 cm) sharpened. There are no markings on the blade itself. The manufacturer's initials or name, along with "US M7", will be found stamped under the crossguard (see photo, right). The non-slip grips are molded black plastic. The steel parts have a uniform dark grey/black parkerized finish.

The M7 bayonet NSN is NSN 1095-00-017-9701. The initial contractor was Bauer Ord Company. Colt (manufacturer of the M16) and Ontario Knife Company made many of the M7 bayonets for the military and continue to make and sell them commercially. Other manufacturers included Carl Eickhorn [for Colt], Columbus Milpar & Mfg. (MIL-PAR), Conetta Mfg., Frazier Mfg., General Cutlery (GEN CUT), and Imperial Knife. The M7 was also manufactured in Canada, West Germany, the Philippines, Singapore, Israel, South Korea, and Australia.

The M7 has been partially replaced with the

M8 and M8A1 Scabbard

There are two variations of this scabbard, both with an olive drab fiberglass body with steel throat. The early version M8 scabbard only a had a belt loop and lacked the double hook that earlier bayonet scabbards had for attaching to load carrying equipment such as the

Exploded view

See also

• FN FNC
• M3 fighting knife
• M4 bayonet used by the M1 carbine
• M5 bayonet used by the M1 Garand
• M6 bayonet used by the M14 rifle
• M9 bayonet used by the M16 rifle and M4 carbine
• List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces

References