bayonet

A bayonet is a blade designed to be attached to the muzzle end of a rifle, carbine, or musket, turning a firearm into a spear for close-quarters combat. The concept emerged in early modern Europe and became standard infantry equipment for many armies. Bayonets are fixed to the gun so a soldier can threaten or engage targets at point-blank range without lowering or discarding the firearm.

Two broad mounting styles developed: socket bayonets, which fit into a muzzle socket on the firearm and are held in place by a bayonet ring or similar mechanism; and plug or knife-type bayonets, which slide into the muzzle and lock to the weapon. Over time, many variants appeared, including sword bayonets and multipurpose designs that could also serve as utility knives or digging tools. Blade lengths typically ranged from around 6 to 18 inches, with some long ceremonial varieties exceeding practical combat use.

Historically, bayonets became central to infantry tactics from the 17th through the 19th centuries, enabling charges and close combat as firearms used projectiles. They remained standard issue in many armies into the mid-20th century, even as firearms adopted more advanced ammunition and aiming systems. The advent of trench warfare and combined arms reduced their battlefield prominence, but fixed blades continued to influence drill, morale, and hand-to-hand feel in training and ceremonial contexts.

In modern armed forces, bayonets are less commonly used in actual combat but persist for training, ceremonial duties, and certain field tasks. Some contemporary rifles are designed to accept detachable bayonets, while others retain fixed blade designs such as the M7 or M9 bayonet variants used by different nations.