Victory Training Rifle 1942

[Aragorn243]

I'm wondering if the plastic on these was just fine when made but with age became brittle.

[Flying10uk]

Here is my US Navy plastic training bayonet.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread....345#post465345

[browningautorifle]

my US Navy plastic training bayonet

Seen...

[Aragorn243]

It's quite a bit of time between the two but I acquired the Navy version of the US WWII training rifles today. This is the more common version. It is also the one that takes the plastic bayonet that was discussed.

This rifle has a bayonet lug, an original sling which is a lightweight canvas type a rear adjustable sight and a trigger that works (makes noise) The trigger mechanism is re-cocked by operating the bolt.

Unfortunately I can't find the other one so I can't do a side by side description of them. This one seems more solidly built and I like that the bolt/trigger makes it more realistic.

[browningautorifle]

The sling is even a representation of the M1 sling.

[erich51]

I've wanted one of these for a while but they were either in rough condition or priced too high or both. This one was at the Auction from Hell as I like to call it but I took a chance showed up about a half hour before it went up and got it for $65 which I thought was pretty decent considering it has a sling on it that might be worth a good portion of that.

It is complete, in decent condition with a little rust on the metal and some wear on the wood but no cracks.

Sling has several markings on it I can read and several I can't, appears supple and uncracked. One end has a clear W.D. with a possible O following. Other end is less clear. There is a small O.O.K. at a slight angle and then Something that starts with L then possibly - F C O and possible date of 1910 or 1918-9. Partial logo with rounded bottom CON? with a distinct H.E. stamped below it. Any sling specialists?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../34TJrY6-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../6ORHz6x-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../3DxT2aM-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../ghKpouI-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../CM315Ug-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../IqgI1HU-1.jpg

Hard to imagine they actually used these for training. These were produced by the Parris-Dunn Corporation. The Army ordered 35,000 of these, the Navy with a bayonet lug ordered 300,000 and all contracts were completed. This one is the Army version. After the war they produced an additional 200,000 for the civilian market

You've got a good deal on this. They looks great

[Aragorn243]

I acquired the correct bayonet for the rifle today. I'll get some photos posted when I can take them when the wife isn't around. I don't want her asking questions on this one as I paid a ridiculous amount for a near mint example.

As stated by Flying10uk, this is probably the worst training aid ever concocted. I don't see how you could do anything with this without breaking it. I'm not sure I even want to put it on the rifle for a photo shoot. It works like a US 1903 bayonet, locks in the scabbard in the same way but it is very light. This went straight from the shipping box into my bayonet drawer after a quick look. Everything looks good except the blade which looks like it could break if a fly lands on it and the muzzle ring. Who figured plastic could work on something like this? I'm pretty sure I know exactly where both the training rifles are so I'll do a compare and contrast along with the bayonet.

[Merle]

I acquired the correct bayonet for the rifle today. I'll get some photos posted when I can take them when the wife isn't around. I don't want her asking questions on this one as I paid a ridiculous amount for a near mint example.

As stated by Flying10uk, this is probably the worst training aid ever concocted. I don't see how you could do anything with this without breaking it. I'm not sure I even want to put it on the rifle for a photo shoot. It works like a US 1903 bayonet, locks in the scabbard in the same way but it is very light. This went straight from the shipping box into my bayonet drawer after a quick look. Everything looks good except the blade which looks like it could break if a fly lands on it and the muzzle ring. Who figured plastic could work on something like this? I'm pretty sure I know exactly where both the training rifles are so I'll do a compare and contrast along with the bayonet.

Yeah, plus the plastic has gotten brittle over the years!

[Flying10uk]

I expect that the plastic bayonet was designed by someone "very clever and highly qualified" but with little practical experience in the real world. The best part of them was the scabbard, hence there are now more scabbards about for this type of bayonet than the bayonet.

[browningautorifle]

The best part of them was the scabbard, hence there are now more scabbards about for this type of bayonet than the bayonet.

True that. I'm not so sure it's only job was for the training bayonet but they sure did make lots. There was a cut down crimped back together version of the long one. Here... Bayo Points 6