bayonets don't fit

[sbo80]

So I decided I needed proper bayonets to go with some rifles, and I've picked up a couple, but they just don't fit at all. Muzzle rings are ok but the lugs on the rifles don't fit the handles, too tight. Is this common? I know they're old and all, but I would have though there'd be a bit more commonality on military parts. Both bayonets are of the same manufacturer and same time frame as their rifle. One is a Remington Model of 1917, late 1918 serial, 3/18 barrel, and a 1918 dated Remington Model 1917 bayonet. The other is a Gew98 1917 Waffenfabrik Mauser, and a 98/05 Waffenfabrik Mauser "butcher" bayonet with a 15 inspection stamp. These are a bit pricey to keep buying until I find one that fits, but I don't want to file on anything either.

[sbo80]

I should add, the first two I got bayonets for, a No1 Enfield and a M39 Mosin, both bayonets fit just fine, so I'm disappointed the trend didn't continue.

[Syntax Error]

Check to see if there is gunk in the channels for the bayonet slot, sometimes years of accumulation of god knows what can impede the fit of the bayonet. You shouldn't have to take a file to anything assuming the bayonet and your bayonet lug are in good condition. Maybe put a bit of oil in the lug to help lubricate it a little, and just put it on and off again and it should break in over time.

[hambam105]

If the pig-stickers don't fit then they are either $ totally worthless or very valuable.

[19K]

If the rifles were refurbed they’ve probably had extra parkerization, bluing, or new old stock parts that are extremely tight

[Rogerbutthead]

I recall buying an Arisaka Type 38 at a gun show in the 80's and walking a few tables down and buying a bayonet for it - and being disappointed that it rattled it was so loose. The bayonet seller - he had buckets of bayonets - said not every bayonet fit tightly, so I guess some won't fit at all either.

The disappointment I guess is more severe as you were waiting for some time to get the two together.

What else is there to say?

[23 Blast]

Hmm. I guess men and women have the same problem. Too tight, or too loose.

The best solution is to try many different bayonets to find the right fit.

[CinnamonBear723]

Bayonets for older rifles can be finicky. Especially when some parts are newer and some older. I've got a few that take a good bit of work to get on and off.

[MasterChief]

Endless apologies if you already knew this: On those rifle/bayonet combinations where the bayonet fits over the cleaning rod, make sure the cleaning rod isn't the cause of your fitment problem. Guess how I know this...

[FeuerFrei]

Old hardened cosmoline in the bayonet locking mechanism is my wag.
Give it a good soak in lighter fuel and see what comes out. Try to fit it on the rifle when it's still wet and see if it will knock the crap loose. Rinse and repeat... blah...blah...etc..
My cmp Garand needed a bayonet and the one I bought for it was really nice. Except for the locking mechanism notch. It would not go on far enough to lock.
Mil surp rifles should all have their own bayonet.

[Ura]

[BrokerB]

my isahpore 21a bayo does not go on. There is a very thick coat of BBQ paint though, not much of a reason to scrape paint off as this will be pretty far if not last on my list to use if a bayo is needed: )

[loademup]

I've got a number of bayonets for my military curio and relic rifles. All of my bayonets are genuine military issue. and some fit loose and some fit tight on the lug. I think this is pretty common given the condition of your rifle's attachment points (service wear, replacement parts...etc.) and the bayonet locking mechanism. Things like re-Parkerization may also cause tight fitting issues. As some have noted, a thorough cleaning may help.

[DennisCA]

(Just kidding - sort of)

[FeuerFrei]

(Just kidding - sort of)

Never underestimate the power of percussive maintenance. [emoji16]

Sent using a long string and 2 used soup cans