Reconsidering the Bayonet in Modern Riot Control

[26 Inf]

This is a terrible idea.

[OH58D]

This is a terrible idea.

The re-introduction of the bayonet onto a modern weapon? The optics of the bayonet for use as propaganda against the user? The effectiveness of the bayonet when used in an offensive or defensive situation?

[FightinQ]

Pretty sure Geissele did at one point. It mounted to a picatinny rail if memory serves.

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I saw while googling to see what's out there. The rest that can be bought right now looks like crap though. I did see a stubby bayonet for both SBR's and dissipators, but it didn't last long.

[26 Inf]

The re-introduction of the bayonet onto a modern weapon? The optics of the bayonet for use as propaganda against the user? The effectiveness of the bayonet when used in an offensive or defensive situation?

The bayonet used in riot control.

Kind of going along the law of the instrument which is typified by this statement - if the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

[Arik]

Remember that scene in Braveheart when they use those long spikes to stop the cavalry? Those 5ft long Mosins with 2ft long bayonets aren't so comical anymore, are they?!?!?!

[Slater]

Doesn't the USMC still issue bayonets?

[OH58D]

The bayonet used in riot control.

Kind of going along the law of the instrument which is typified by this statement - if the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

I guess you could phrase it: "If you have a bayonet on your weapon, every brick throwing rioter could use an introduction to a sharp point".


Since I'm not LE, I look at the bayonet as something that could deter rioters from getting up close and personal against the officers. As a private citizen, I see the bayonet as giving me an additional tool in the defense of property and life, and the possibility that just the look of the thing would deter their actions, and save me from having to fire the weapon.

I remember a fight in High School I had as a Freshman. The attacker was twice my size and two years older. I compensated by removing my belt with a recently earned rodeo buckle and went after the dude, holding the leather end while swinging it and hitting him with the brass buckle. He stumbled and I picked up piece of broken concrete along the sidewalk and chucked it at him, hitting him in the left shoulder. Never had any problems again.

Had a fight with another guy - a Mexican named Raul. I was in an electronics shop class and this Raul was a Chollo type with the tan khaki pants, white T-Shirt and a hair net. He kept putting his hand on my left shoulder when coming up from behind me. Kind of an intimidation thing. After a couple of different times with him doing the same thing and ignoring my protests, I had a Bic Ballpoint pen hidden in my right hand and I quickly brought it to use, stabbing Raul in the top of his right hand, causing quite the stir with lots of blood. Raul had to be taken to the hospital, and I went to see the vice Principal, followed by a week of in-school suspension.

The point I am making is to utilize any and all means of defense or deterrence when dealing with a violent enemy.

[Aetius]

Yet another reason to have an FSB

[SteyrAUG]

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

It wasn't gurkhas with rifles that made the Japanese shit their pants in WWII. Of course they come from a blade culture so that could have something to do with it. I guess that is also true from much of Africa where the machete is more likely to be used on unarmed villagers than a rifle.

[Danus ex]

Since I'm not LE, I look at the bayonet as something that could deter rioters from getting up close and personal against the officers.

Close-in defense isn't really the problem, though. Here in Minneapolis, the closest protesters to the officers were the non-violent ones, with the violent ones using them as a barricade while throwing missile weapons hoping to instigate an escalated response.

Screw cold steel, we need the brown note!