Original U.S. Vietnam War Era M7 Bayonet by Imperial for M16 Rifle with M8A1 Scabbard
SKU: US M7 RIFLE BAYONET + SCABBARD BY IMPERIAL
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Imperial
Date Manufactured: 1960's
Size / Dimensions:
Overall length: 12.5 in
Blade length: 6.75-inch (17.1 cm)
Crossguard: 3 in
Scabbard Length: 7 1/2 in
Materials / Construction: Blued Steel, Grip Material: Plastic
Condition: Very Good
PRICE: $175.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This Genuine Vietnam War Era U.S. Army M7 bayonet fighting knife for the M-16 Rifle, with an original M8A1 scabbard. This knife-style bayonet was based on the M4 bayonet for the M1 Carbine, which was itself based on the M3 fighting knife. The M7 is almost identical, except for the much larger muzzle ring to go over the M16's flash hider. This example is nicely marked U.S. M7 / IMPERIAL around the blade on the cross guard. This was manufactured by Imperial Knife Co, at the time one of the largest knife manufacturers in the country. They had manufactured many M4 bayonets for the m1 Carbine, as well as the M5 for the M1 Garand, and the M6 for the M-14. All of these featured the same blade, with different handles and other fittings.
History
The U.S. Vietnam War Era M7 Bayonet by Imperial for the M16 Rifle with the M8A1 Scabbard is a historically significant bayonet used during the Vietnam War. Here's some information about this bayonet:
M7 Bayonet: The M7 bayonet is a bayonet that was designed to be used with the M16 family of rifles, including the M16 and later the M16A1. It was adopted by the U.S. military in the early 1960s and was the standard bayonet for these rifles during the Vietnam War. The M7 bayonet has a 6.75-inch (17.1 cm) blade with a Bowie-style clip point and a serrated spine near the hilt. The hilt is designed to attach to the muzzle of the M16 rifle, effectively turning it into a makeshift spear or combat knife.
Imperial: Imperial was one of the companies that manufactured M7 bayonets for the U.S. military during the Vietnam War era. Imperial was one of several manufacturers that produced M7 bayonets, and their products were marked with their name and often the year of manufacture.
M8A1 Scabbard: The M8A1 scabbard was the standard scabbard used to carry and protect the M7 bayonet. It is made of plastic and has a metal throat (the end where the blade enters) and a belt hanger on the back. The M8A1 scabbard allowed soldiers to safely carry their bayonets and easily attach them to their web gear or belts.
Usage in Vietnam War: The M7 bayonet and M8A1 scabbard combination saw widespread use during the Vietnam War. Bayonets were not only used for their primary function but also for various utility purposes in the field. Soldiers would often use them as tools for cutting, digging, and other tasks.
