Rifleman Q&A: Correct WWII M1 Bayonets

by
posted on September 12, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
soldier rifle m1 bayonet blade gun war

Q. I would like to get a bayonet for display with my World War II M1 Garand rifle. There are different blade lengths and handle types on bayonets said to be for M1s at my local gun shows. What type of bayonet do I need?


A. For M1 rifles in service up to circa 1943, the M1905 bayonet (16” blade) would be correct. M1905 bayonets were in production from 1905 until the early 1920s at Springfield Armory and from 1905 to 1919 at Rock Island Arsenal.

Large numbers of these bayonets remained in use during World War II. In 1942, the M1905 bayonet was put back into production by several commercial firms. The World War II-vintage M1905 bayonets were not as well crafted as their pre-war, arsenal-made counterparts and were fitted with plastic, rather than walnut, grips.

In early 1943, the M1905 bayonet was superseded by the “M1” bayonet. It was virtually identical to the World War II M1905 bayonet except the blade length was reduced to 10”. Fairly large numbers of M1905 bayonets had their blades shortened to 10”, although many unmodified bayonets remained in use throughout the war.

—Bruce N. Canfield


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the October 2004 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, “Questions & Answers” was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Charles Karwan, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, please visit the NRA membership page and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.