M6 bayonet

• Name — M6 bayonet • Origin — United States • Type — Bayonet • Is Bladed — yes • Service — 1961–present • Used By — US Military • Wars — *Vietnam War • Design Date — 1944 for M4 bayonet • Manufacturer — *Aerial Cutlery Co. • Columbus Milpar and Mfg. Co. • Imperial Knife Co • Production Date — 1961–1969 • Variants — M7 bayonet • Length — 11.75 in • Part Length — 6.75 in • Blade Type — Spear Point • Sheath Type — M8 & M8A1

There are two variations of this scabbard, both with an olive drab fiberglass body with steel throat. The early version M8 scabbard only had a belt loop and lacked the double hook that earlier bayonet scabbards had for attaching to load carrying equipment such as the M1910 Haversack.

The improved M8A1 scabbard manufactured later in WW II has the M1910 bent wire hook. The scabbard throat flange is stamped "US M8" or "US M8A1" on the flat steel part along with manufacturer initials. Some M8 scabbards were later modified by adding the M1910 hook. Later M8A1 scabbards were manufactured with a modified extended tab on the web hanger to provide more clearance for the M5 bayonet which rubbed against the wider bayonet handle. This sheath is correct for all post-war US bayonets including the M4, M5, M6, and M7. It was also used with the M3 fighting knife.

The M7 bayonet which succeeded the M6 bayonet was introduced in 1964 for the M16 rifle. The most notable differences between the two are the diameter of the muzzle rings, the shape of the handle, and the locking mechanism. The M6 has a spring-loaded lever near the guard which when depressed releases the bayonet, and the M7's release mechanism is on the pommel. Both models are the same length, have the same black finish, and use the M8A1 sheath. Today, the M6 is mainly used for ceremonial purposes, particularly by the Army and Marine Corps, both of which still use the M14 rifle for exhibition drill.