Reconsidering the Bayonet in Modern Riot Control

[OH58D]

As someone who has purchased AK's and AR's since the early 1980's, the bayonet was always a cool accessory to add to your collection. You'd put it on, play with it, then put it away in a box somewhere. For me, I always thought it would be a nice addition to your defensive position in a riot or defense of home or business.

I was in the African Countries of Chad (1988) and Somalia (1993). Just talking to the locals and soldiers from other nations, I was informed that the African Black has a phobia of getting stabbed or cut with a blade. They will charge a position facing gunfire, but they will think twice about running headlong into a rifle with a bayonet attached. I heard this from more than one source. I have always wondered if it was in the DNA and would be something to consider for the American rioting population?

A bayonet can give you stand off capability when dealing with a violent mob. Grabbing the barrel of your weapon with a mounted bayonet increases the risk of getting cut or seriously injured with a puncture wound. It can buy you time as well when doing a mag dump ammo reload. It could also be an ammo saver - a dead person you just shot during a riot is not the focus of a fellow rioter and they will return later to deal with the corpse. A stabbed rioter rolling around on the ground in pain and bleeding demands the focus of fellow rioters, and could take them out of the action in providing assistance.

Finally, you wonder about the mindset of a rioter when they see an armed defender sporting a bayonet on their weapon. Probably no different than a White guy in the hood sporting a big-ass Hillbilly Bowie knife which advertises this guy is someone not to mess with.

[Diamondback]

"RAAAAAAAAAAAACIST!"

In all seriousness, as an armchair student I've been thinking along similar lines--I recalled having read something about the Marines still teaching bayonet fighting for psychological reasons, and wondered if there were any really good reads on the psychological and other effects of Fixing Bayonets.

[militarymoron]

I don't have enough (any) expertise in this area to comment on a bayonet for riot control, but I always thought that the clear riot-control shields that police use should have a few pokey attachments facing the front. They could be non-lethal, but uncomfortable enough to prevent people from pushing against or touching the shield.

[WickedWillis]

I can't wait for chainsaw bayonets

[WickedWillis]

I don't have enough (any) expertise in this area to comment on a bayonet for riot control, but I always thought that the clear riot-control shields that police use should have a few pokey attachments facing the front. They could be non-lethal, but uncomfortable enough to prevent people from pushing against or touching the shield.

I have thought of this as well. Almost like those little spikes in punk leather gear. Something pokey enough to get a response

[mrbieler]

I remember a conversation with a buddy who ran convoy security in Iraq early on. He said it was always interesting how pointing an M4 or a M9 at a driver often didn't get much a response, but folks sure moved fast when you tapped on their window with a bayonet. Big knives tend to get attention from people. Way out of my lane, but his experience was one I found interesting.

[FightinQ]

I like the idea. Does anyone make a lug adapter for the modern rifle with the free float tubes?

[Wildcat]

A bayonet can give you stand off capability when dealing with a violent mob. Grabbing the barrel of your weapon with a mounted bayonet increases the risk of getting cut or seriously injured with a puncture wound. It can buy you time as well when doing a mag dump ammo reload.

A squad with fixed bayonets perhaps.
One guy depending on a fixed bayonet is in serious trouble if the mob gets close enough that he needs to make a point with it. Unless he has some way to funnel the crowd down (like at a gate or a door) to reduce the number of attackers he's facing at any given time.

There was footage of a guy with a recurve bow trying to keep people away from his car. It worked for a short period of time but the mob swarmed him from multiple sides and it went badly.

A stabbed rioter rolling around on the ground in pain and bleeding demands the focus of fellow rioters, and could take them out of the action in providing assistance.

Don't overestimate the bond between rioters.

[markm]

Bayo might add a deterrent to predators trolling for easy victims. Overall, buttoned up appearance/posture would help too.

[czgunner]

I remember a conversation with a buddy who ran convoy security in Iraq early on. He said it was always interesting how pointing an M4 or a M9 at a driver often didn't get much a response, but folks sure moved fast when you tapped on their window with a bayonet. Big knives tend to get attention from people. Way out of my lane, but his experience was one I found interesting.

My experience was the same. No concern for my m16, but when knives were out, they took notice. I always thought it was strange.