M7 bayonet
The M7 Bayonet is a bayonet that was used by the U.S. military for the M16 rifle, it can also be used for the M4A1 carbine. It was introduced in 1964, when the M16 entered service during the Vietnam War.[1]
The M7 is based on the older M6 bayonet for the M14 rifle.[2] The most notable differences between the two are 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, or later M10 sheath.
The NSN for the M7 bayonet is 1095-00-073-9238.
The M7 was partially replaced by the M9 bayonet in Army service, and the Marine Corps replaced it with the OKC-3S bayonet. The Army, Navy, and USAF still use M7s and may do so for years to come.
The M7 was manufactured in the United States, Canada, West Germany, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea.
The M7 bayonet-knife is used as a bayonet on the M-16 series rifle, M4A1 carbine, hand weapon, fighting knife. The M7 entered service in 1964 when the M-16 was phased in as the U.S. military service rifle.
The M7 blade and hilt are very similar to the M4 bayonet with the Korean War era plastic grips for the M1 Carbine 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 barrel. The M7 will fit the AR-15 as well as the M16 family of rifles, including the M4 Carbine. Other military firearms, such as combat shotguns, have been fitted with this bayonet.
M7 bayonet markings
The M7 1095 carbon steel blade is 6 3/4 inches long, with an overall length of 11.9 inches. Blade width is 7/8 inch and it weighs about 9.6 ounces. One edge is sharpened its full length while to 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 bayonet is NSN 1005-00-017-9701. The initial contrator was Bauer Ord Company. Colt (manufacturer of the M-16) 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. About 3 million M7 bayonets were delivered.