Enfield number 7 bayonets

[EXCELSIOR03]

I know the No. 7 bayonets fit both the Sten and the No 4 rifles. Does anyone know, since they have a larger ring on them, will they also fit the No. 5 rifle with the flash hider?

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[Peter Laidler]

The short answer is NO. They won't even remotely fit. They used the No5 flash eliminator because they were already in production and available and the size of the crosspiece would ensure that with even the most worn out barrel and rubbish old ammunition, bullets would clear the crosspiece.

But you're sort of right in a way because the earliest EMER SA&MG V whatever it was, actually stated that the No7 bayonet WOULD fit a NO5 rifle and so far as I recallect, it was never amended. But it was a VERY expensive bayonet to make and notorious to keep in a serviceable condition

[browningautorifle]

I always wonder at the question, there's no mortise slot so how could it? The EMER SA&MG V writers must have been so far back in the offices that you had to pump sunshine in. No windows no reality. I figured the large crosspiece would give you a better fighting knife.

[tankhunter]

The short answer is NO. They won't even remotely fit. They used the No5 flash eliminator because they were already in production and available and the size of the crosspiece would ensure that with even the most worn out barrel and rubbish old ammunition, bullets would clear the crosspiece.

But you're sort of right in a way because the earliest EMER SA&MG V whatever it was, actually stated that the No7 bayonet WOULD fit a NO5 rifle and so far as I recallect, it was never amended. But it was a VERY expensive bayonet to make and notorious to keep in a serviceable condition

Peter, wasnt there also a Variant of the No.7 with a Smaller hole in the crossguard? I THINK this was for the EM2 Trials Rifle? You would know having the Rifles there In the Collection.

[Peter Laidler]

We have a couple of those small ringed No7 bayonets but as I understand it, there were several variations. On those, the ring actually encircled the muzzle so the ring size didn't count - if you'll excuse the phrase!

[tankhunter]

We have a couple of those small ringed No7 bayonets but as I understand it, there were several variations. On those, the ring actually encircled the muzzle so the ring size didn't count - if you'll excuse the phrase!

Pete, As I understand it, The relatively short life'd No.7's weak point was the swivelling Pommel & catch Assy. That is why the crossguard was modified with a smaller muzzle ring. It gave MORE support to the Bayonet then, At the muzzle & the attachment point at the rear. They are very rare, as the Rifles were only used for trials & the weapon system not taken into serviece, as you know. The good Old FAL/S.L.R then appeared on the stage into the spotlight!

[Peter Laidler]

When I was speaking to 'big robbie' about these bayonets (he was old when I was just a lad so he's ancient now....., but one of the 1960's small arms examiners) he said that the real problem was where 4x rivets held the blade part to the round handle part very close to the crosspiece - that's under the paxolin grips. Once they'd been used for a bit of bayonet practice on the assault course, that bit became loose and could only be repaired by taking the rivets out and welding it which wasn't successful due to the intense heat tempering that part of the blade.

You're right though Tankie. On the EM rifles the crosspiece was supported and fine but on the Sten gun and rifle, it was truly hopeless........ But a good looking bayonet - if there can ever be such a thing!

[tankhunter]

You're right though Tankie. On the EM rifles the crosspiece was supported and fine but on the Sten gun and rifle, it was truly hopeless........ But a good looking bayonet - if there can ever be such a thing![/QUOTE]

& thats where my No.7 Excell's Peter, Hanging on the Wall & Looking Good!.....Lol

[Albayo]

I have an example of the 1st Type, Prototype, EM1/EM2 bayonet in my collection. It is exactly the same as the one in Ian Skennertons book British & Commonwealth Bayonets, Page 248, B305.

[BlueTrain]

While the No. 7 bayonet may not have had any active service, I do recall noticing them being carried by the musicians of one of the foot guard regiments on one of their tours of the United States several years ago (maybe like 25 years ago!), so in the way of the British, they did get some use after all.