Victory Training Rifle 1942

[Aragorn243]

As promised, photos with the bayonet and comparing the two models. The rifle on the top is the Navy model which is the more common of the two. It is also the more realistic of the two. Much of the Army version is simply painted wood where the Navy model has actual metal fittings.

The bayonet fits snugly. I did not force it on and did not leave it on long. Too concerned with it breaking. I still can't imagine who thought this bayonet was a good idea.

[browningautorifle]

First time I've seen a set together. As for good ideas, they seem good at the time until they flesh out and then they don't work. Like this one...

[Aragorn243]

I've never seen the bayonet actually mounted on the rifle, I've only seen a few examples of a complete bayonet. I'm sure the rifles served their purpose but not the bayonet.

[Aragorn243]

As promised, the third version of the training rifle. These were made after the Navy contracts were finished. 37,000 Army, 300,000 Navy and then 200,000 civilian drill teams, ROTC, etc. These were probably made during WWII, beginning sometime in 1943.

It appears to be an Army version with a few Navy add ons. The barrel is wood, it doesn't have a bayonet lug or band, the barrel bands are painted on but hard to see as this one is pretty dark. Haven't tried cleaning it yet. The Navy addition is the rear sight. Beyond that, the biggest change is the butt plate lettering. They have an added decal on the butt but this is pretty deteriorated.

[browningautorifle]

Nice catch, that took a while. Persistence...

[MAC702]

I still can't imagine who thought this bayonet was a good idea.

The pageantry of fixing bayonets was a big part of recruit parades.

[Tom in N.J.]

The adoption of the plastic Mark I bayonet, for training use, by the Navy allowed thousands of standard model M1910 bayonets and scabbards to enter the supply system. The Mk I's required use of minimum amounts of war critical steel to manufacture. I have one from each of the three contracts.

[browningautorifle]

I have one from each of the three contracts.

We'd love to see those too...

[Aragorn243]

Yeah, great, two more expensive things to find. LOL. It would be nice to see them, so I know what to look for.

[Aragorn243]

Weird how this works out, never see these and find two in a months' time. This is the WWI version of the US Army Training rifle. This is actually almost like a real rifle, much more so than the other three. Basically, looks and feels like the real deal. Same weight also. This one has no markings that I can fine but is unit marked on the stock. It has been repaired which I may address at some point. Not sure why they did it the way they did. All the parts appear to be there, and it looks like an original sling, no markings on that either. Bolt and trigger work but as you can see, the bolt does not open on any type of action.