a bit of help...........

Looking to make/fabricate from two old No5 type scabbards 1x longer No5 type scabbard for an Indian longer bladed L1A1 bayonet. Intend to sleeve two into one. Has anyone got one or two tatty old heap of pure shi........er, cra........., er poor quality old No5/L1A1 scabbard cases that they want to sell cheap. Dings and dents perfectly acceptable. Don't need the mouthpieces/screws or springs so feel free to keep as valuable spare parts

Must be cheap as there's a more than good chance that the project will fail. In fact, with me doing the cutting and brazing, there's a VERY good chance that it'll fail!!!!

Thanks

PS. If the project is successful. I'll photograph it in stages and add it to the bayonet forum

Hello Peter,

I do not have a no 5 scabbard to donate but i thought i should tell you that You can buy the scabbard you are looking to make from IMA in the USA

Military Antiques, Military Collectibles and Militaria Indian Army Bowie Bayonet Scabbard- 1960?s FAL Rifle IMA-USA.COM

I looked into buying one of those scabbards from IMA for a scabbardless Indian L1A1 bayonet I had, but their high shipping prices to the UK rather killed the deal. I eventually managed to get one in the UK which had a 'fighting knife' conversion of one of the bayonets in it. (muzzle ring removed)

What about joining two FN scabbards? They're sooooo close?? You MAY have two of those around...

You just solved the problem Amatikulu. And I know just who's going to ship it at the going rate too!

Thanks all!

Hi I have had a look at the IMA site and there are a few tempting bayonet buys Being so far from the action is their stock genuine? Bayonets are difficult to get here and the few on our Bid or Buy site real rubbish. An opinion would be appreciated as I am so scared of purchasing a cat in the bag!!!!

not all IMA stuff is real, the common stuff is, you have to read caefully, style, period etc. tend to be give aways

Before I order, please give us your opinion on the longer L1A1 rifle bayonet scabbards we're talking about Smithy........ Thanks

I purchased one of the longer scabbards a couple of years ago and if I remember correctly I was not unhappy with it. I can't remember if it was a modern remake or not, but I do remember that it fit the bayonet very well.

I think these are correct, IMA says they are original nto original pattern or original type which are often the give aways. Like World Wide Arms (is there a link between the two?) they hae enormous buying power and contacts and buy en mass and then distribute. I would gladely have one of these if I hadnt already got the long scabbard for mine

I think Old Smithy's ansqwer there speaks volumes if you need a long scabbard. I have mine on order.......

The remainder of the actual bayonet attachment parts are directly interchangeable with the L1A1 as a matter of interest

Pete, That is EXACTLY what I did for my own Indian L1A1 Bayonet. Got one from IMA in the US. Made sure I bought some other items as well. To sell on & the profit Covered the shipping cost. Which IS quite high!
It save a LOT of Fuc...ERrrrr, Messing about. Like trying to weld Two Scabbards together!

The IMA NO.5 Bayonets for the Jungle Carbine/ L2A3 SMG are GENUINE. They are Factory made in the R.F.I Arsenal for the Indian Army. Obviously, Christian Cranmer who Owns I.M.A, has got a lot of clout. Buying in Bulk direct. And YES< Les, at World Wide Arms & Chris Cranmer are VERY Good Friends!.........Hence, a lot of what is in WWA Catalogue, is similar stock to I.MA's Offerings!.......;)