Indian RFI 12" bayonet

[tankhunter]

I was thinking SLR rifles with the long 10" bayonets Doug.

They are quite interesting because while they are for the Indian made UK spec L1A1 rifle with our flash eliminator configuration, they are made to the No5 spec with regards to the grip screw hole centres. That is approx .85" between centres for the No5 and Indian 10" L1A1 bayonet and 1.25" approx for the L1A1 rivet hole centres

Peter, Does' this mean that you are Officially 'A Rivit Counter' now?.....................LOL!

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Yes..... I've got to watch it in case I turn into a bit of a bayonet train spotter!

[tankhunter]

Yes..... I've got to watch it in case I turn into a bit of a bayonet train spotter!

Ok Mate, Iv'e 'Got the point'.... Now!...Groan! You 'Cut a Dash' with your reply, you 'Gay Blade' you! No 'Cutting Remarks' now, You already 'Have the Edge'! We dont want to hear you getting 'Fuller' yourself! 'Socket' to 'em Peter! No, there's no 'Catch'. Id' better stop now as I dont want to risk getting 'Pommeled'!.....

[old-smithy]

[old-smithy]

Just got the long scabbard from IMA, very nice paid for the choice option and it is near mint. It also came with an excellent catelog that clearly states the blued No5's from IMA marked with RFI are copies

[nzl1a1collector]

Here's some Indian's using the long bayonet on their 1A1 SL Rifles



RFI-66 marked Bayonet.



Top to Bottom
10 inch Blade marked R.F.I-66
7-3/4 inch Blade unmarked in scabbard
10 inch Blade marked RFI66 in scabbard

[Peter Laidler]

Thanks for that NZ. Interesting photo. Passing Out Parade at Dera Dun I suspect. A few of those sloppy blokes need to be told to get the right thumb, gripping the pistol grip, down in line with the seam of their trousers. And the scond one along in the front row, next to the right marker, needs to get his hat fixed or pulled down a bit so that the tip of the peak is 1" above his nose. In fact Sergeant Major, he looks like a xxxxing bus conductor...... have him parade again in 10 minutes properly dressed................................

Of the long bladed L1A1 bayonetss, did you notice that the grip screw holes are to the No5 configuration.

As for the 'new' RFI No5 bayonets being copies, I have this jaundiced view that if they're GOOD copies, the repro & real parts interchange and the steel is within the acceptable metallurgical envelope, then what the heck..............

[tankhunter]

And the scond one along in the front row, next to the right marker, needs to get his hat fixed or pulled down a bit so that the tip of the peak is 1" above his nose. In fact Sergeant Major, he looks like a xxxxing bus conductor...... have him parade again in 10 minutes properly dressed................................ In fact Peter, I think haircuts all round would be in order here!...........

[Peter Laidler]

I think the one you're referring to, the bloke at the end of the leading platoon is a woman! Obviously at the slow march as there's no arm swinging but nice to see anyway. We used to have bih high gaiters like that in Australia, but blackened (in the RAR) with a leather strap under the instep to keep them down. Do you still use such gaiters in Oz chaps?

The Indian Army are VERY smart and earlier this year we had a battalion (the Jat Regiment) training on Salisbury Plain. All of theor orders for fire control and drill are still given in English and the drill movements are pretty well identical

[tankhunter]

]I think the one you're referring to, the bloke at the end of the leading platoon is a woman! . [/B]

You know what they say Peter, 'They all look the same to me'! The Officer with the sword could be mistaken for a Woman as well at first glance!

The Indian Army are VERY smart and earlier this year we had a battalion (the Jat Regiment) training on Salisbury Plain. All of theor orders for fire control and drill are still given in English and the drill movements are pretty well identical

If it 'Aint broke, Dont fix it'! Obviously our tried & tested system works for them! Nice to know a little somthing Positive was left for them, from 'The Empire'!..............