Phrobis M9A1 Prototypes

[pwcosol]

Been busy with a lot of other activities, but had time to come up with another submission for the M9 Forum. This time it regards the first M9A1 pattern bayonets. Information provided from Homer Brett states when the M9A1 concept was taking form (which basically centered around the new scabbard system), Phrobis wanted to evaluate the durability of the M9A1 scabbard. To do this, three lots with 25 bayonets in each were assembled. Although no mention was made of the grips, each lot of M9A1 scabbards was composed of a different chemical formula. The first lot was numbered #3, the second #9, & the last #23. The assigned number was placed on the lip of the scabbard belt clip and two other locations for all 25 scabbards in each of the three lots. All bayonets had black fittings.

The bayonets & scabbards were subjected to extensive tests, resulting in a number of them being tested to destruction. Of the three lots, #9 was determined to have held up the best, & composition #3 & #23 rejected. All subsequent M9A1 bayonet scabbards were made from the formula used for Lot #9. Not long thereafter, the M9A1 was offered to both the U.S. Army & USMC, with slight modifications. Unfortunately the timing was against Phrobis because the military was involved in the first Gulf conflict. Although well received, the M9A1 was overshadowed by larger issues facing the U.S armed forces at the time.

[Carlo]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
I never heard about these M9A1s before, many thanks for sharing the pictures and for your accurate description!!!!

[Chris Johnson]

Thought I would post a few pics of the ARMY / USMC “Trials” bayonets that pwcosol has mentioned. They were made with the No. 9 composition, in both Black and Green, the scabbards had an “O” ring type keeper, the grips and scabbards were bead blasted for a non-reflective finish. Both the crossguard and latch plate (no Phrobis logos) were specially made of stainless steel with a dark parkerized finish. The bayonet blades were standard Army contract blades with markings to suit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/Hefa/usmc%20m9%20blades/DSC00584.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/Hefa/usmc%20m9%20blades/DSC00585.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/Hefa/usmc%20m9%20blades/DSC00587.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/Hefa/usmc%20m9%20blades/DSC00593.jpg

[Mister Moon]

MAGNIFIQUE ! Can u tell me how many made of that ??

[Chris Johnson]

Good question, I have checked my reference and can find no details on how many of the trial bayonets were made.

[porterkids]

25 OD and 25 black were shipped to the USMC at Quantico, VA. 16 NOV 88. These were also submitted to the Army for evaluation. I do not know how many units went to the Army.

[Chris Johnson]

Thanks Bill...:smile:

[Mister Moon]

... one of the 25 OD ... one of the 25 black

[Carlo]

Nice bayonets Fabrizio! :nanabang:
My only question is about the pommell screw.
Since, as Bill reported, these bayonets were submitted in 1988, why did they use the screw usually seen on the Buck 1991 USMC M9?
I'm referring to the one without the "cut" in the middle.
I posted pictures of both screw types on this topic
http://www.quarterbore.net/forums/showthread.php?p=11506#post11506

[rexmeyer]

Where do you all come up with these M-9's? I haven't even heard about these you are talking about.

[Carlo]

Where do you all come up with these M-9's? I haven't even heard about these you are talking about.
I knew about them (but not about the ones that pwcosol showed in the first post) only because I saw a picture in the Brett's book.

[rexmeyer]

I think I am going to have to get Homer Bretts book, would you happen to know the title of it Carlo?

[Carlo]

Here you are
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3640/brettn.jpg

I see there are several copies available on ebay, the cheapest is around $65.
Perhaps you can find it at a lower price.
Don't expect hundreds of pages on the M9 (but most variants are covered). Still a very nice book with small captions but really beautiful pictures.
In my opinion a must have.

[pwcosol]

I agree with Carlo. HB's book is a "must-have" reference if you are interested in bayonet/knives in general. IMO, it also covers a large number of M9 bayonets, which makes it the most informative on the subject thus far in print (The book "American Gladius" notwithstanding with it's detailed coverage on a few very specific patterns).