M7 bayonet usage

[Chief]

How long was the M7 bayonet issued? Was it used with the M16A2 rifle?
regards,
Chief

[SKIPH]

Chief-I believe they first started issue in 1961-62 time frame, in the earlier versions. My unit turned ours in for M9's in 1989. I would not be surprised to still see them issued. Have yet to hear any praise from troops about the M9. SKIP

[lonewoolf]

The M7 was used on AR-15 and M16 series rifles

[Chief]

Thanks guys. I suppose a better question would have been when was the M9 issued, but Skip took care of that. I know the USMC replaced the M9 with their new blade but does the Army still issue the M9?
regards,
Chief

[SKIPH]

Chief-I believe a lot of army units were getting M9's in 1987. In fact I think the 75th Rangers & 82nd ABN were early recipients. We got ours in 89'. My unit got the M16A2 late 87' or early 88' as I recall. M7's definitely fit on M16A2's. I also think the USMC replacement is better than the M9. SKIP

[Chief]

Skip,
Thanks for pinning that down for me. Do you know if there was an M8 bayonet? In other words why the jump from M7 to M9 types? Something experimental? A prototype maybe? What is, in your opinion, the major cause of dislike of the M9?
regards,
Chief

[SKIPH]

Chief-Good questions. To my knowledge there was no M8 bayonet.I have seen photos of converted MK2 knives adapted w/ an M7 guard and pommel. Don't really know if they were actual prototypes or fantasy items. But I always thought it was a good concept. As far as the M9. In my opinion, it was heavy, awkward, and noisy. I didn't trust the scabbard system not to fall off at the clips.Plus as a jumpmaster it would not attach well to your leg. With the saw teeth on the top of the blade you could be hard pressed to extract it from a bad guy. Just my opinion, nothing more. I'm sure there are a lot of folks w/ extensive experience w/ the M9 would have better and more positive input. SKIP