M7 Bayonet

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	Weapon: M7 Bayonet Type: Knife Bayonet Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1964 Overall Length (mm): 290.0 Overall Length (in): 11.42 Weight (kg): 0.30 Weight (pounds): 0.66

The M7 bayonet was introduced in 1964 for use with the U.S. M16 rifle, replacing the earlier M6 bayonet designed for the M14. Featuring a 6.6-inch (168 mm) spear-point blade with a sharpened false edge, the M7 combined compactness with combat functionality. Its design included a steel crossguard with a muzzle ring, a push-button release on the pommel, and molded black plastic grips for a secure hold. It was designed to mount securely to the M16's bayonet lug and could be paired with the M8A1 scabbard, which included a fiberglass body and belt hook for field use.

The M7 was produced in large quantities by a variety of contractors including Bauer Ordnance, General Cutlery, Imperial, and Ontario Knife Company. Tens of millions were manufactured from the 1960s into the 1980s to equip U.S. and allied forces during the Vietnam War and beyond. The bayonet's simple, reliable construction and compatibility with the widely fielded M16 platform ensured its broad adoption and long service life. Over time, several minor production variations emerged, mainly in scabbard fittings and grip textures.

The M7 bayonet served as the standard U.S. military bayonet through much of the Cold War and into the early 2000s before being gradually replaced by newer models such as the M9 and OKC-3S. It saw extensive use in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and numerous smaller conflicts, and remains in service in some military and reserve units worldwide. Known for its ruggedness and versatility, the M7 is a widely recognized and collected piece of modern military history, emblematic of the M16's prominence in 20th-century warfare.