Thread: Sharp pointy objects

Why don't they have bayonets on modern military weaponry? What if you run out of bullets? Are you just suposed to throw the gun at them? A bayonet is a much more effective stabbing thing that a combat knife. So why no bayonets?

I am not clear what makes you think they don't. The M16 is the principal weapon used by US infantry - it can be equipped with a bayonet. For example, http://www.army.mil/fact_files_site/bayonet/

But... Wouldn't that kill the opponent? :?

Mr U

[quote="HomoUniversalis"]But... Wouldn't that kill the opponent? :?

It's not that it wouldn't kill people, but it is a lot harder to kill someone with a 10" knife, than with a 6" blade on the end of a gun, because the gun gives more leverage and more reach (putting the user further away from the enemy)

The reason I thought that bayonets were no longer being used is because I haven't seen any recently. I supose that they are still being made but I doubt that they are used very much (past training). Thank you

Originally Posted by biohazard87

Why don't they have bayonets on modern military weaponry? What if you run out of bullets? Are you just suposed to throw the gun at them? A bayonet is a much more effective stabbing thing that a combat knife. So why no bayonets?

i expect that i would be to do with the situations encountered in modern combat. or a lack thereof where a bayonet is required.

Houm...


It is more practical to teach soldiers to use a combat knife, as a bayonet creates a no-kill zone between the tip of the gun muzzle and the torso of the soldier. If the enemy gets closer than the length of the gun, then the soldier is toast unless he haves a knife which can be used in close combat. Using a knife on the tip of a "stick" nearly a meter long and weigthing 3-4 kg isn't easy, anyway. Try it at home with a broomstick... the closer the target, the more mass you got to slip to your back, the more you have to bend your right arm to the back, and the less maneuverability is left for the left arm controlling the tip of the "bayonet".

Back when soldiers hadn't got training in using knifes and only had bayonets, it worked out, but as soon as was invented the knife-bayonet the pure bayonet lost all appeal. In modern rifles like the G36 the "bayonet" is a combat knife which can be attached to the muzzle, yet isn't intended to replace the soldier's knife. Also there are rules on when to attach the knife as it alters the balance of the gun.

Originally Posted by Ophiolite

I am not clear what makes you think they don't. The M16 is the principal weapon used by US infantry - it can be equipped with a bayonet.

My friend how just joined the Army told me that he was very disapointed when the told him that the gun he is to be issued doesn't have the possibility for a bayonet. When I asked if he recevied a knife that could be attached, he told me no, he was issued a gun and some knives, and that he may get better guns later, but no bayonets or any knife that could be used a one. Whats the deal with that? Is he just crazy or did the army change its policy on blade assinments?

I'm pretty sure the army focuses on marksmanship, and a bayonet can severely hamper rifle accuracy.

Besides, bayonets were originally invented in like the 1500s to bridge the gap between firearms and the pike. After firing a volley (where individual shots were so inaccurate that firing a single weapon was pointless) the men could then put the butt of their firearm into the ground and point the bayonet out from the formation to repel infantry advances or cavalry charges. Such tactics just aren't used in any form anymore. So really, the bayonet became irrelevant around the turn of the 19-20th century when the machine gun removed the infantry charge as a viable tactic.

I offer an opinion based on 12 years of military experience in the U.S. Army.

The bayonet isn't as important a weapon in the military arsenal as it once was, but modern soldiers certainly train with it (to varied degrees depending upon your military occupational specialty).

The bayonet does not impede accuracy in any way. In fact, the bayonet typically remains fixed to your web-belt until needed. The reasons for keeping the bayonet in modern military are several: 1) the bayonet is a great psychological weapon. It can pump the motivation in a soldier wielding it and scare the bejesus out of an enemy being threatened with it. 2) the bayonet has utilitarian purposes. It can be used as a wire cutter when used with the scabbard and as a knife if sharpened. 3) ammo runs out in war. Many a modern battle has been reduced to "fixed bayonetts" on both sides.

I would think that it is due to the fact that there is very little CLOSE combat anymore. Why stab when you can shoot?

Originally Posted by profcain

I would think that it is due to the fact that there is very little CLOSE combat anymore. Why stab when you can shoot?

unlike playstation theres no infinite ammo cheat.

yes, I know.

Most primary infantry weapons can be equipped with a bayonet, The light infantry support weapons cannot because they provide the cyclic fire. The bayonet has been changed since the geneva convention. They used to have a groove inbeded into the metal which used to inject air into the bloodstream. Causing serious pain death and agony. Most armies train with a bayonet for ceramonial purposes only. Most modern military carry one.

The groove in bayonets was to let blood flow out, so you could pull the bayonet out. If there isnt a groove, sometimes it gets stuck.

Bah, let's just go back to swords. Much cooler and gorier.

Originally Posted by The P-manator

Bah, let's just go back to swords. Much cooler and gorier.

And a lot cheaper.

The MArines still use swords, if anyone tries to disrespect them when they have a gun :wink: