The M7 Bayonet is a bayonet that was used by the U.S. military for the M16 rifle, it can also be used for the M4A1 carbine. It was introduced in 1964, when the M16 entered service during the Vietnam War.
The M7 is based on the older M6 bayonet for the M14 rifle. The most notable differences between the two are the diameter of the muzzle rings, and the locking mechanism. The M7's release mechanism is on the pommel, while the M6 has a spring-loaded lever near the guard that when depressed releases the bayonet. Both models are approximately the same length, have the same black finish, and use the M8A1, or later M10 sheath.
The NSN for the M7 bayonet is 1095-00-073-9238.
The M-7 bayonet-knife is used as a bayonet on the M-16 series rifle, M4A1 carbine, hand weapon, fighting knife. The M-7 entered service in 1964 when the M-16 was phased in as the U.S. military service rifle.
The M-7 blade and hilt are very similar to the M-4 bayonet with the Korean War era plastic grips for the M-1 Carbine except that the M-7 has a much larger muzzle ring. The M-7 has the same two-lever locking mechanism as the M-4, that connects to a lug on the M-16 barrel. The M-7 will fit the AR-15 as well as the M-16 family of rifles, including the M-4 Carbine. Other military firearms, such as combat shotguns, have been fitted with this bayonet.
M-7 bayonet markings
The M-7 1095 carbon steel blade is 6 3/4 inches long, with an overall length of 11.9 inches. Blade width is 7/8 inch and it weighs about 9.6 ounces. One edge is sharpened its full length while to opposite side of the blade has approximately 3 inches sharpened. There are no markings on the blade itself. The manufacturer's initials or name along with "US M7" will be found stamped under the crossguard (see photo, right). The non-slip grips are molded black plastic. The steel parts have a uniform dark grey/black parkerized finish.
The M-7 bayonet is NSN 1005-00-017-9701. The initial contrator was Bauer Ord Company. Colt (manufacturer of the M-16) and Ontario Knife Company made many of the M-7 bayonets for the military and continue to make and sell them commercially. Other manufacturers included Carl Eickhorn [for Colt], Columbus Milpar & Mfg. (MIL-PAR), Conetta Mfg., Frazier Mfg., General Cutlery (GEN CUT), and Imperial Knife. About 3 million M-7 bayonets were delivered.