Wanted: Crossguard Retaining Bars for a US M5A1 Bayonet

Hi,

I bought this Milpar Col M5A1 bayonet yesterday at what seemed like a good price, but dismantling it today has revealed it is missing the two U shaped retaining bars that secure the crossguard. (So THAT’S why the crossguard was loose…) I don’t suppose there is a source of these? (Plus the hollow pin that secures them to the tang)

Thanks for any help.

Mark

http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/5-4.jpg

Attachment 132747

I would suggest making the retaining plates. From what I can see from your pic they are flat, not formed. You might want to start by cutting the shape out of cardboard to begin with and then using it as a template once you have got it somewhere near to the required shape/size. If you don't have access to a lathe, perhaps a roll-pin would suffice to locate the plates on the tang if you can find one of a suitable diameter.

That had occurred to me, but I only have access to basic hand tools which would make it quite time consuming. I may feel more enthusiastic if I find a suitable piece of metal tube that has the correct dimensions to fit the tang hole and the bolt width.

A placeholder fix I am considering is joining the tang and the crossguard together with small dollops of epoxy under the grips. It should secure the crossguard, but be reversible should I ever find or make the missing parts.

PS. Why did I buy it? It was because I found a very reasonably priced Vietnam era M8A1 scabbard in an army surplus shop in Bremen, Germany whilst on holiday there in July and was looking for something to fill it. :) The other option was a repro M3 knife.
Attachment 132845

Quote:

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Originally Posted by peregrinvs

I only have access to basic hand tools which would make it quite time consuming.

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You could invest in a high speed rotary mini-drill, something like a Dremel.

I would probably make a cardboard template first if you are not sure of the size/shape of the location plates as I have already suggested.