Good Morning:
I note on the Forum that you still may be looking for some information on the Marine Bayonet.
Although I am sure that Bill Porter has this information, I thought I would pass it on to you since I know Bill is quite busy and might not have had time to put it together.
From a Marine Corps Press Release from Quantico dated 08/30/2004:
First issue of new bayonet - January 2003
At the time of the press release, the numbers actually received and issued was (total 89,491):
1st Marine Expeditionary Force - 32,690
2nd Marine Expeditionary Force - 27,271
3rd Marine Expeditionary Force - 22,593
Marine Forces Reserves - 10,080
Training and Education Command - 3,425
Other Support Establishment Units - 2,432
According to Homer Brett in an article written by Harold Kennedy for National Defense Magazine, the first contract to Ontario Knife Company of Franklinville, New York was for 99,987 at about $38.50 each.
In another website of the Marines, it is stated that the Acquisition Objective is 189,416 units. This site also gave the following general description and information:
- "The multi-purpose bayonet has a ""mission style"" serrated edge which will facilitate the cutting of hemp rope, lanyards, or cloth.
- The multi-purpose bayonet scabbard (thermoplastic elastomer) offers both a weight reduction and noise reduction from the current M7 bayonet scabbard.
- The scabbard is fully MOLLE compatible and has a quick release capability. An associated leg strap may be ordered separately.
- Acquisition Objective (AO) is 189,416.
- Due to a limited $$, one time congressional plus-up, only 100,000 bayonets will be purchased during CY 2004/2005"
Here is another great image:
Threaded Mode
