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<!-- Service history -->
<!-- Service history -->
|service= 1964 – present
|service= 1964–present
|used_by= [[US Military]]
|used_by= [[US Military]]
|wars=
|wars=
Line 17: Line 17:
*[[Operation Urgent Fury]]
*[[Operation Urgent Fury]]
*[[Gulf War]]
*[[Gulf War]]
*[[War in Afghanistan]]
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]]
*[[Iraq War]]
*[[Iraq War]]
<!-- Production history -->
<!-- Production history -->
Line 29: Line 29:
*Columbus Milpar & Mfg. (MIL-PAR)
*Columbus Milpar & Mfg. (MIL-PAR)
*Conetta Mfg.
*Conetta Mfg.
*Eight Dollar Mountain Foundry (EDMF)
*Frazier Mfg.
*Frazier Mfg.
*General Cutlery (GEN CUT)
*General Cutlery (GEN CUT)
*Imperial Knife.
*Imperial Knife.
|production_date= 1964 - present
|production_date= 1964–present
|number= ~3 million
|number= ~3 million
|variants=
|variants=
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|blade_steel=
|blade_steel=
|hilt_type=
|hilt_type=
|sheath_type= M8, M8A1 & M10
|sheath_type= M8, M8A1, & M10
}}
}}


The '''M7 bayonet''' (NSN 1095-00-017-9701) is a [[bayonet]] that was used by the [[Military of the United States|U.S. military]] for the [[M16 rifle]], it can also be used with the [[M4 carbine]] as well as many other assault rifles, carbines and combat shotguns. It can be used as a fighting knife and utility tool. It was introduced in 1964, when the [[M16 rifle]] entered service during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="Phillips2011">{{cite book|author=Russell Phillips|title=This We'll Defend: The Weapons and Equipment of the U.S. Army|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fpJAAPeh3wMC&pg=PT10|date=21 June 2011|publisher=Shilka Publishing|isbn=978-1-4581-0420-5|pages=10–}}</ref>
The '''M7 bayonet''' (NSN 1095-00-017-9701) is a [[bayonet]] that was used by the [[Military of the United States|U.S. military]] for the [[M16 rifle]], it can also be used with the [[M4 carbine]] as well as many other [[assault rifle]]s, [[carbine]]s, and [[combat shotgun]]s. It can be used as a [[fighting knife]] and utility tool. It was introduced in 1964, when the [[M16 rifle]] entered service during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="Phillips2011">{{cite book|first=Russell |last=Phillips|title=This We'll Defend: The Weapons and Equipment of the U.S. Army |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fpJAAPeh3wMC&pg=PT10 |date=21 June 2011|publisher=Shilka Publishing|isbn=978-1-4581-0420-5|page=10}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
[[File:M16A4-JH01.jpg|thumb|left|M16A4 rifle with M7 bayonet affixed]]
[[File:M16A4-JH01.jpg|thumb|left|M16A4 rifle with M7 bayonet affixed]]
[[Image:M590A1Bayonet.jpg|thumb|left|M7 Bayonet mounted on a [[Mossberg 500|Mossberg 590A1]] [[bayonet lug]]]]
[[Image:M590A1Bayonet.jpg|thumb|left|M7 Bayonet mounted on a [[Mossberg 500|Mossberg 590A1]] shotgun]]


The M7 bayonet is very similar to the older [[M4 bayonet]] with the Korean War era plastic grips for the M1/M2 carbines except that the M7 has a much larger muzzle ring. The M7 has the same two-lever locking mechanism as the M4, that connects to a lug on the M16 rifle's barrel. The [[M4 bayonet|M4]] (M1/M2 carbine), [[M5 bayonet|M5]] (M1 rifle), and [[M6 bayonet]] (M14 rifle), are all derived from the World War II [[M3 fighting knife]].
The M7 bayonet is very similar to the older [[M4 bayonet]] with the Korean War era plastic grips for the M1/M2 carbines except that the M7 has a much larger muzzle ring. The M7 has the same two-lever locking mechanism as the M4, that connects to a lug on the M16 rifle's barrel. The [[M4 bayonet|M4]] (M1/M2 carbine), [[M5 bayonet|M5]] (M1 rifle), and [[M6 bayonet]] (M14 rifle), are all derived from the World War II [[M3 fighting knife]].


The M7 differs from [[M6 bayonet]] for the [[M14 rifle]].<ref name="Rottman2011">{{cite book|author=Gordon Rottman|title=The M16|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oRhIaYrN3sYC&pg=PA49|year=2011|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-84908-690-5|pages=49–}}</ref> Most notably, the diameter of the muzzle rings, and the locking mechanism. The M7's release mechanism is on the [[hilt#Pommel|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) [[Scabbard|sheath]].
The M7 differs from [[M6 bayonet]] for the [[M14 rifle]].<ref name="Rottman2011">{{cite book |first=Gordon |last=Rottman|title=The M16|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oRhIaYrN3sYC&pg=PA49|year=2011|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-84908-690-5|page=49}}</ref> Most notably, the diameter of the muzzle rings, and the locking mechanism. The M7's release mechanism is on the [[hilt#Pommel|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) [[Scabbard|sheath]].


The M7's 1095 carbon steel blade is 6 3/4 inches long, with an overall length of 11.9 inches. Blade width is 3/16 inch and it weighs about 9.6 ounces. One edge is sharpened its full length while the opposite side of the blade has approximately 3 inches 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's 1095 carbon steel blade is {{convert|6.75|in|cm|abbr=on}} long, with an overall length of {{convert|11.75|in|cm|abbr=on}}. Blade width is {{convert|0.1875|in|cm|abbr=on}} and it weighs about {{convert|9.6|oz|g|abbr=on}}. One edge is sharpened its full length while the opposite side of the blade has approximately {{convert|3|in|cm|abbr=on}} 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 [[NATO Stock Number|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 bayonet [[NATO Stock Number|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), [[Ontario Knife Company]], 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 by the [[M9 bayonet]] in Army service, and the [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] replaced it with the [[OKC-3S Bayonet|OKC-3S bayonet]]. The Army, Navy, and USAF still use M7s and may do so for years to come.
The M7 has been partially replaced with the [[M9 bayonet]] by the [[United States Army]], and the [[United States Marine Corps]] replaced it with the [[OKC-3S Bayonet|OKC-3S bayonet]]. The Army, Navy, and USAF still use M7s and may do so for many years.


==M8 and M8A1 Scabbard==
==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 [[Haversack#U.S. Army Haversack|M1910 Haversack]]. The improved M8A1 scabbard manufactured later in WW II has the M1910 bent wire hook. The scabbard throat flange is stamped "US M8" or "US M8A1" on the flat steel part along with manufacturer initials. Some M8 scabbards were later modified by adding the M1910 hook. Later M8A1 scabbards were manufactured with a modified extended tab on the web hanger to provide more clearance for the M5 bayonet which rubbed against the wider bayonet handle.<ref>http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/bayo_points_18.htm</ref> This sheath is correct for all post-war US bayonets including the [[M4 bayonet|M4]], [[M5 Bayonet|M5]], [[M6 Bayonet|M6]], and [[M7 Bayonet|M7]]. It was also used with the [[M3 fighting knife]].
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 [[Haversack#U.S. Army Haversack|M1910 Haversack]]. The improved M8A1 scabbard manufactured later in WWII has the M1910 bent wire hook. The scabbard throat flange is stamped "US M8" or "US M8A1" on the flat steel part along with manufacturer initials. Some M8 scabbards were later modified by adding the M1910 hook. Later M8A1 scabbards were manufactured with a modified extended tab on the web hanger to provide more clearance for the M5 bayonet which rubbed against the wider bayonet handle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/bayo_points_18.htm |title=Notes on the M8A1 Scabbard |last=Cunningham |first=Gary |date=April 2004 |website=Bayonet Points |access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> This sheath is correct for all post-war US bayonets including the [[M4 bayonet|M4]], [[M5 Bayonet|M5]], [[M6 Bayonet|M6]], and M7. It was also used with the [[M3 fighting knife]].


==Exploded view==
==Exploded view==
[[File:Bayonet-Knife M7 Expl.jpg|400px|right]]
[[File:Bayonet-Knife M7 Expl.jpg|400px|right]]
{| class="prettytable"
{| class="wikitable"
! width="170" | Bayonet-Knife M7
! width="170" | Bayonet-Knife M7
! width="50" | Item number
! width="50" | Item number
Line 91: Line 92:
|-
|-
|Lever, Lock-Release, LH
|Lever, Lock-Release, LH
| align="center"|7
|align="center"|7
|-
|-
|<small>Lever, Lock-Release, RH</small>
|Lever, Lock-Release, RH
| align="center"|<small>8</small>
|align="center"|8
|-
|-
|<small>Spring, Helical, Compression</small>
|Spring, Helical, Compression
|align="center"|<small>9</small>
|align="center"|9
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 114: Line 115:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/m4_thru_m7_series/m4_m7_series_p2.html#m7nm M7 Bayonet]
* {{cite web |url=https://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/m4_thru_m7_series/m4_m7_series_p2.html#m7nm |title=M5 & M6 Bayonets (U.S. & Foreign), U.S. M7 Bayonets, M8, M8A1, & M10 Scabbards |website=World Bayonets.com |date=2011 |first=Ralph E. |last=Cobb}}


[[Category:Bayonets of the United States]]
[[Category:Bayonets of the United States]]
[[Category:Infantry weapons of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1960s]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1960s]]

Latest revision as of 21:37, 5 August 2024

M7 Bayonet
M7 Bayonet & M8A1 Sheath
TypeBayonet
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1964–present
Used byUS Military
Wars
Production history
Designed1944 for M4 bayonet
Manufacturer
  • Bauer Ord Company
  • Colt (manufacturer of the M16)
  • Ontario Knife Company
  • Carl Eickhorn [for Colt]
  • Columbus Milpar & Mfg. (MIL-PAR)
  • Conetta Mfg.
  • Eight Dollar Mountain Foundry (EDMF)
  • Frazier Mfg.
  • General Cutlery (GEN CUT)
  • Imperial Knife.
Produced1964–present
No. built~3 million
Specifications
Length11.75 in (29.8 cm)
Blade length6.75 in (17.1 cm)
Blade typeSpear Point
Scabbard/sheathM8, M8A1, & M10

The M7 bayonet (NSN 1095-00-017-9701) is a bayonet that was used by the U.S. military for the M16 rifle, it can also be used with the M4 carbine as well as many other assault rifles, carbines, and combat shotguns. It can be used as a fighting knife and utility tool. It was introduced in 1964, when the M16 rifle entered service during the Vietnam War.[1]

Description

[edit]
M16A4 rifle with M7 bayonet affixed
M7 Bayonet mounted on a Mossberg 590A1 shotgun

The M7 bayonet is very similar to the older M4 bayonet with the Korean War era plastic grips for the M1/M2 carbines except that the M7 has a much larger muzzle ring. The M7 has the same two-lever locking mechanism as the M4, that connects to a lug on the M16 rifle's barrel. The M4 (M1/M2 carbine), M5 (M1 rifle), and M6 bayonet (M14 rifle), are all derived from the World War II M3 fighting knife.

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), Ontario Knife Company, 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 M9 bayonet by the United States Army, and the United States Marine Corps replaced it with the OKC-3S bayonet. The Army, Navy, and USAF still use M7s and may do so for many years.

M8 and M8A1 Scabbard

[edit]

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 M1910 Haversack. The improved M8A1 scabbard manufactured later in WWII has the M1910 bent wire hook. The scabbard throat flange is stamped "US M8" or "US M8A1" on the flat steel part along with manufacturer initials. Some M8 scabbards were later modified by adding the M1910 hook. Later M8A1 scabbards were manufactured with a modified extended tab on the web hanger to provide more clearance for the M5 bayonet which rubbed against the wider bayonet handle.[3] This sheath is correct for all post-war US bayonets including the M4, M5, M6, and M7. It was also used with the M3 fighting knife.

Exploded view

[edit]
Bayonet-Knife M7 Item number
Screw, Machine, Grip 1
Washer, Lock 2
Grip, Bayonet-Knife, LH 3
Grip, Bayonet-Knife, RH 4
Blade Assembly M7 5
Pin, Spring 6
Lever, Lock-Release, LH 7
Lever, Lock-Release, RH 8
Spring, Helical, Compression 9

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Phillips, Russell (21 June 2011). This We'll Defend: The Weapons and Equipment of the U.S. Army. Shilka Publishing. p. 10. ISBN 978-1-4581-0420-5.
  2. ^ Rottman, Gordon (2011). The M16. Osprey Publishing. p. 49. ISBN 978-1-84908-690-5.
  3. ^ Cunningham, Gary (April 2004). "Notes on the M8A1 Scabbard". Bayonet Points. Retrieved 2024-08-05.
[edit]
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