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As crude as the PT 3-98 appears, I believe it was more of a "concept piece". Had the modifications been considered worthy improvements, and lead towards the potential adoption of the M9 by the USMC, undoubtedly a more refined pattern would have been issued. On the other hand, "one can never make another first impression". If the bayonet by it's appearance looks poorly constructed or crude, it may send the wrong signal to those in a position to evaluate it's merits, and likely never receive serious consideration.
By 1998, (if not years earlier) it was apparent The Corps was no longer interested in the MPBS M9... period! The later ergonomic grip, which from all indications is an improvement over the original pattern, was produced with slightly flattened sides. I understand the idea was to assist the user, by feel, to orient the bayonet properly while in the dark. This was introduced on the PT 3-98. In holding the M9 with "PI" grip, one notices the slight difference in feel, with the blade oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the ground. However, the difference is marginal, and not as evident as is the case with the grip on the PT 3-98.
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Threaded Mode