Bayonet

A bayonet (from French baïonnette) is a bladed weapon similar to a knife or short sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit in, on, over or underneath the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar firearm, augmenting the firearm to allow use as a pike.[1] Starting in the 17th century, it was a weapon of primary importance for infantry attacks, even up to World War II, but more a weapon of last resort since then. In this regard, it is an ancillary close-quarter combat weapon. When detached from the gun barrel, knife-like bayonets have long been utilized by soldiers in the field as a general-purpose survival knife. Some modern bayonets, such as the one used on the British SA80 assault rifle and the one used on the AK47, are designed to be wire cutters when combined with their scabbards.
Category:Weapons
Category:Items