M5 Bayonet

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	Weapon: M5 Bayonet Type: Knife Bayonet Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1953 Overall Length (mm): 290.0 Overall Length (in): 11.42 Weight (kg): 0.30 Weight (pounds): 0.66

The M5 bayonet was developed in the early 1950s for use with the M1 Garand rifle, replacing the older M1 and M1905 bayonets. Designed specifically to address the difficulties of attaching bayonets while wearing gloves or in harsh conditions, the M5 featured a 6.75-inch (171 mm) spear-point blade without a muzzle ring. Instead, it used a spring-loaded lever on the crossguard to attach securely to the gas cylinder lock screw beneath the Garand's barrel. The handle consisted of checkered black plastic grips and a steel pommel with a release button, offering a compact and ergonomic design.

The M5 bayonet entered production in 1953 and was manufactured by companies such as Aerial Cutlery, Imperial, and Utica Cutlery. Though not produced in the same numbers as earlier models, tens of thousands were issued to U.S. forces during the Korean War and the early Cold War period. The bayonet was typically paired with the M8A1 scabbard, a standard fiberglass and canvas sheath used across multiple bayonet models. Over time, minor improvements led to the M5A1 variant, which featured a narrower crossguard for easier manufacturing and better rifle compatibility.

Compared to the earlier M1 bayonet, which featured a longer 10-inch blade and a traditional muzzle ring attachment, the M5 was shorter, lighter, and easier to mount under combat conditions. The elimination of the muzzle ring was a major design departure, reflecting lessons learned in Korea, where winter clothing and rapid rifle manipulation posed challenges for traditional bayonets. While the M1 bayonet is more iconic due to its World War II legacy, the M5 is recognized for its practicality and innovation, bridging the gap between WWII-era weapons and modern bayonet design. Notably, several NATO allies-most prominently Turkey-produced their own versions of the M5 bayonet under license or military contract. These Turkish M5 bayonets closely resembled U.S. models but often featured subtle differences in finish or markings, and were used with Turkish-modified M1 Garands well into the Cold War period. Today, both U.S. and foreign-made M5 bayonets are sought after by collectors, offering insight into Cold War military cooperation and arms standardization within NATO.