Bayonet 6X5
By the end of the sixties, the Kalashnikov assault rifle modernized AKM received a new bayonet-knife model 6X4. From their predecessors this weapon differed in the design of the handle and scabbard, facilitating the implementation of some auxiliary tasks. About ten years later, the AK-74, which was fully compatible with the existing bayonet, went into the series. Due to this, most of the AK-74 with the release was equipped with exactly bayonets 6X4. However, the last installments of these weapons, released in the late eighties and early nineties, received new bayonets like 6X5.
For several decades, automata were produced with bayonet knives of the original form with a beveled butt: 6X3 and 6X4. Such swords generally suited the military, but their form was often the subject of controversy. By the end of the eighties, these discussions reached the point that in the new draft of the bayonet it was decided to abandon the existing spent structure. Perspective bayonet was supposed to get a symmetrical blade dagger-shaped. Also, the handle should be reworked using modern materials and technologies. At the same time, the project 6X5 was supposed to preserve all the capabilities of the existing weapon for cutting various materials.
The main difference between the 6X5 bayonet and its predecessors was the shape and configuration of the blade. It was decided to abandon the asymmetrical shape and use the combat end with rounded edges. Both edges of this part of the blade received sharpening for stabbing. Like the previous samples of its class, the blade 6X5 received a one-sided sharpening, and a notch in the form of teeth was provided on the butt. There is also a rectangular hole in the blade, intended for connection with the scabbard when used as pliers.
6XX5 bayonet in the sheath. Photo Rusknife.com
Despite the design changes, the overall dimensions of the blade remained the same. Its length has increased from 150 to 160 mm, and its width has been reduced to 29 mm. Thus, differences in combat qualities should have been conditioned only by a new form of the blade. The overall dimensions of the weapon also did not change: the total length of the 6XXNNXX bayonet was 5 mm. Due to the use of new materials, it was possible to reduce the weight of the bayonet to 290 g - by about 220-50 g less than the 60X6.
The change in the design of the handle had the most effect on reducing the weight of cold arms. She retained the overall layout of the units, worked on the predecessors, but received a number of characteristic features. In the project 6X5 it was proposed to abandon a separate cross, lining and head. The new bayonet was supposed to get a plastic handle with the necessary elements integrated into it.
The main part of the handle, which served as a casing, was made of glass-filled polyamide. The central part of the plastic part had a smaller thickness in comparison with others and was designed to conveniently hold the bayonet, for which it had a groove and several transverse ribs. In the front of the extended part of the lining, it was proposed to fasten a metal crosspiece with a ring for mounting on the weapon barrel. As before, the ring had an inside diameter of 17,7 mm.
Bayonet knife without scabbard. The new shape of the handle is clearly visible. Photo Rusknife.com
Snap lock is still left in the head of the handle. The new bayonet had to be used with existing machines, because of which the design of its mounts was unified with the 6X3 and 6X4. Thus, he retained the main features of the installation systems, in particular, the internal elements of the head of the handle. In the upper surface (when installing the bayonet into the firing position) of the head, there was a groove in the form of an inverted “T” letter, which should have included the corresponding fastening under the barrel of the weapon. Inside the head there was a coil spring and a button with a latch. The control button was displayed on the right (in a firing position) side of the handle. In order to avoid abnormal operation, the button was in a small recess, protected by a collar.
By way of installation on the bayonet, the 6X5 type did not differ from its predecessors. The bayonet should be brought under the barrel of the weapon and put the cross ring on the muzzle of the barrel (in the case of the AK-74 - on the brake-compensator), and the slot in the handle to connect with the influx. Then, moving backwards, the ring was placed on the brake-compensator, and the handle latch was engaged with the influx of the barrel. In the combat position, the main blade of the blade was located on top, allowing to apply cutting blows. The double-edged, symmetrical combat end, in turn, made it possible to prick the enemy. To remove the bayonet, you had to press a button and pull it forward.
Over time, the value of the bayonet in its original quality gradually declined, which for a long time led to a change in views on its use. The bayonet 6X5 was no exception to the rule, because of which it was proposed to join the weapon only when it was possible to enter hand-to-hand combat. In all other cases, it was supposed to be in the sheath, performing the functions of an auxiliary cutting tool. For this reason, the new bayonet received a sheath, based on previous developments.
Bayonet and sheath. Photo Russianguns.ru
The sheath for the 6X5 bayonet had minimal differences from the sheath of the previous 6X4, which allowed not only to store the blade, but also to cut the wire barriers. The main element of the design of the scabbard was an elongated part that contained the blade. Its outer surface was covered with a polyamide pad with stiffeners, which also helped hold the sheath. On the bottom of the sheath there was a block with fasteners for a bayonet and a blade of nippers. By installing the bayonet on the mount, some materials could be cut using the bayonet and sheath as nippers.
Together with the main design features, the sheath for the 6X5 is "inherited" and a successful suspension system. On one of the side surfaces of the plastic lining, a thickening was provided with a metal axis for the carbine. The suspension consisted of a carbine, a metal plate with a loop, as well as two leather or textile straps. For suspension on the belt soldier offered a loop. Another strap with a clasp was supposed to be used to fix the bayonet in the stowed position.
The bayonet-type 6X5 was put into service in 1989 year, and at the same time mass production of such weapons began. The site for the production of new blades was Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. On the blade of the bayonet and the sheath were applied the marks of the manufacturer and stamps of technical control. In addition, serial numbers of products were engraved on plastic parts. All such marks were applied according to the same scheme, regardless of the series. In this case, the bayonets of different series could have some external differences. Thus, plastic parts, depending on the raw materials used, could have a black or dark purple color. In addition, the shape of the grooves on the handle, depending on the foundry equipment, could be different.
Handles bayonets, visible latch control buttons. Photo Bayonet.lv
Initially, the 6X5 bayonets were supplied with AK-74 assault rifles. However, the new bayonets received a relatively small number of similar weapons, released in 1989-91 years. In the future, the production of automata of this model was discontinued due to the start of production of the upgraded AK-74M. The updated machine had a number of differences from the basic design, however, it retained compatibility with the bayonet of the existing model. For the use of the bayonet 6X5, the diameter of the muzzle of the brake-compensator was retained, as well as the influx under the front sight. It is noteworthy that the unification of fastenings allows using not only 74X6, but also bayonets of previous models with the AK-5М, but this is not a standard additional weapon.
There is information about the transfer of a license for the production of AK-74 machines and 6XXNNXX bayonets to the Bulgarian industry. The bayonets produced in Bulgaria had some differences from the base sample. They differed in the shape of the blade, the configuration of plastic parts and marking. Overall dimensions, architecture, mounting method, etc. remained unchanged.
AK-74 machines of different modifications with 6XXNNXX bayonet knives. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
In the early nineties, work was carried out on the creation of a promising automaton of the construction, GN Nikonov AN-94. Like other domestic machines, AN-94 had to be completed with a bayonet, as which the existing 6X5 was chosen. AN-94 received the original automation with a moving firing unit, because of which it was necessary to revise the methods of fastening the bayonet. The muzzle part of the brake-compensator of the new machine received the standard external diameter 17,7 mm, corresponding to the ring of the bayonet. The T-shaped influx, in turn, was transferred from under the trunk to the right lateral surface of the base of the front sight.
Such fastenings allowed to maintain full compatibility with bayonet-knife type 6X5, however, led to some changes in the appearance of the weapon. On Kalashnikov rifles, the blade of the bayonet was placed vertically under the barrel. On the Nikonov machine, in turn, the blade was proposed to be installed horizontally and to the right of the trunk. In this case, the main blade of the bayonet was directed to the trunk. Some sources mention some advantages of such a bayonet arrangement in comparison with the “traditional” one. In particular, it was argued that the “horizontal” bayonet simplifies the attack of the enemy, since it does not allow the blade to get stuck between the ribs, and also simplifies its removal for a second strike.
When developing Kalashnikov assault rifles, The hundredth series compatibility with existing bayonets has been maintained. At the request of the customer, such weapons can be equipped with 6X5 bayonet knives and fasteners for their installation. Mounts remain the same: the muzzle of a standard diameter barrel and the influx under the base of the front sight.
The bayonet 6X5 on the automatic machine AN-94. Photo Army.lv
On the basis of the combat knife bayonet 6X5, several civilian products were developed. Available mass-dimensional layouts, which is a modified version of the basic design. In addition, there are several options for knives, which differ from the bayonet by the design of the blade and scabbard, as well as not equipped with devices for mounting on the weapon. According to some information, similar products are produced both in our country and abroad.
The bayonet 6X5 was adopted and put into series in the late eighties. Such additional weapons were equipped with AK-74 late-series, AK-74M and “100th series” assault rifles. In addition, the use of such bayonets with the AH-94 was envisaged, however, in terms of their quantity, such weapons were significantly inferior to other samples. Thus, most of the bayonets of the new model were supplied with AK-74M guns.
At the moment, the bayonet 6X5 is the last weapon of its class, created and put into service in our country. Since the end of the eighties, attempts have been repeatedly made to develop new combat blades, but the army has not yet received a single new bayonet. The specificity of the use of bayonet knives affects their operation in the army, which, among other things, leads to a reduction in their role in combat tactics, and also affects operation. Thus, it cannot be excluded that 6X5 together with the previous 6X4 will form the basis of the “bayonet fleet” over the next few years, after which new samples of this class will appear, or the use of bayonet knives will be completely discontinued.
On the materials of the sites:
http://bayonet.lv/
http://bratishka.ru/
http://rusknife.com/
http://army.lv/
For several decades, automata were produced with bayonet knives of the original form with a beveled butt: 6X3 and 6X4. Such swords generally suited the military, but their form was often the subject of controversy. By the end of the eighties, these discussions reached the point that in the new draft of the bayonet it was decided to abandon the existing spent structure. Perspective bayonet was supposed to get a symmetrical blade dagger-shaped. Also, the handle should be reworked using modern materials and technologies. At the same time, the project 6X5 was supposed to preserve all the capabilities of the existing weapon for cutting various materials.
The main difference between the 6X5 bayonet and its predecessors was the shape and configuration of the blade. It was decided to abandon the asymmetrical shape and use the combat end with rounded edges. Both edges of this part of the blade received sharpening for stabbing. Like the previous samples of its class, the blade 6X5 received a one-sided sharpening, and a notch in the form of teeth was provided on the butt. There is also a rectangular hole in the blade, intended for connection with the scabbard when used as pliers.
6XX5 bayonet in the sheath. Photo Rusknife.com
Despite the design changes, the overall dimensions of the blade remained the same. Its length has increased from 150 to 160 mm, and its width has been reduced to 29 mm. Thus, differences in combat qualities should have been conditioned only by a new form of the blade. The overall dimensions of the weapon also did not change: the total length of the 6XXNNXX bayonet was 5 mm. Due to the use of new materials, it was possible to reduce the weight of the bayonet to 290 g - by about 220-50 g less than the 60X6.
The change in the design of the handle had the most effect on reducing the weight of cold arms. She retained the overall layout of the units, worked on the predecessors, but received a number of characteristic features. In the project 6X5 it was proposed to abandon a separate cross, lining and head. The new bayonet was supposed to get a plastic handle with the necessary elements integrated into it.
The main part of the handle, which served as a casing, was made of glass-filled polyamide. The central part of the plastic part had a smaller thickness in comparison with others and was designed to conveniently hold the bayonet, for which it had a groove and several transverse ribs. In the front of the extended part of the lining, it was proposed to fasten a metal crosspiece with a ring for mounting on the weapon barrel. As before, the ring had an inside diameter of 17,7 mm.
Bayonet knife without scabbard. The new shape of the handle is clearly visible. Photo Rusknife.com
Snap lock is still left in the head of the handle. The new bayonet had to be used with existing machines, because of which the design of its mounts was unified with the 6X3 and 6X4. Thus, he retained the main features of the installation systems, in particular, the internal elements of the head of the handle. In the upper surface (when installing the bayonet into the firing position) of the head, there was a groove in the form of an inverted “T” letter, which should have included the corresponding fastening under the barrel of the weapon. Inside the head there was a coil spring and a button with a latch. The control button was displayed on the right (in a firing position) side of the handle. In order to avoid abnormal operation, the button was in a small recess, protected by a collar.
By way of installation on the bayonet, the 6X5 type did not differ from its predecessors. The bayonet should be brought under the barrel of the weapon and put the cross ring on the muzzle of the barrel (in the case of the AK-74 - on the brake-compensator), and the slot in the handle to connect with the influx. Then, moving backwards, the ring was placed on the brake-compensator, and the handle latch was engaged with the influx of the barrel. In the combat position, the main blade of the blade was located on top, allowing to apply cutting blows. The double-edged, symmetrical combat end, in turn, made it possible to prick the enemy. To remove the bayonet, you had to press a button and pull it forward.
Over time, the value of the bayonet in its original quality gradually declined, which for a long time led to a change in views on its use. The bayonet 6X5 was no exception to the rule, because of which it was proposed to join the weapon only when it was possible to enter hand-to-hand combat. In all other cases, it was supposed to be in the sheath, performing the functions of an auxiliary cutting tool. For this reason, the new bayonet received a sheath, based on previous developments.
Bayonet and sheath. Photo Russianguns.ru
The sheath for the 6X5 bayonet had minimal differences from the sheath of the previous 6X4, which allowed not only to store the blade, but also to cut the wire barriers. The main element of the design of the scabbard was an elongated part that contained the blade. Its outer surface was covered with a polyamide pad with stiffeners, which also helped hold the sheath. On the bottom of the sheath there was a block with fasteners for a bayonet and a blade of nippers. By installing the bayonet on the mount, some materials could be cut using the bayonet and sheath as nippers.
Together with the main design features, the sheath for the 6X5 is "inherited" and a successful suspension system. On one of the side surfaces of the plastic lining, a thickening was provided with a metal axis for the carbine. The suspension consisted of a carbine, a metal plate with a loop, as well as two leather or textile straps. For suspension on the belt soldier offered a loop. Another strap with a clasp was supposed to be used to fix the bayonet in the stowed position.
The bayonet-type 6X5 was put into service in 1989 year, and at the same time mass production of such weapons began. The site for the production of new blades was Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant. On the blade of the bayonet and the sheath were applied the marks of the manufacturer and stamps of technical control. In addition, serial numbers of products were engraved on plastic parts. All such marks were applied according to the same scheme, regardless of the series. In this case, the bayonets of different series could have some external differences. Thus, plastic parts, depending on the raw materials used, could have a black or dark purple color. In addition, the shape of the grooves on the handle, depending on the foundry equipment, could be different.
Handles bayonets, visible latch control buttons. Photo Bayonet.lv
Initially, the 6X5 bayonets were supplied with AK-74 assault rifles. However, the new bayonets received a relatively small number of similar weapons, released in 1989-91 years. In the future, the production of automata of this model was discontinued due to the start of production of the upgraded AK-74M. The updated machine had a number of differences from the basic design, however, it retained compatibility with the bayonet of the existing model. For the use of the bayonet 6X5, the diameter of the muzzle of the brake-compensator was retained, as well as the influx under the front sight. It is noteworthy that the unification of fastenings allows using not only 74X6, but also bayonets of previous models with the AK-5М, but this is not a standard additional weapon.
There is information about the transfer of a license for the production of AK-74 machines and 6XXNNXX bayonets to the Bulgarian industry. The bayonets produced in Bulgaria had some differences from the base sample. They differed in the shape of the blade, the configuration of plastic parts and marking. Overall dimensions, architecture, mounting method, etc. remained unchanged.
AK-74 machines of different modifications with 6XXNNXX bayonet knives. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
In the early nineties, work was carried out on the creation of a promising automaton of the construction, GN Nikonov AN-94. Like other domestic machines, AN-94 had to be completed with a bayonet, as which the existing 6X5 was chosen. AN-94 received the original automation with a moving firing unit, because of which it was necessary to revise the methods of fastening the bayonet. The muzzle part of the brake-compensator of the new machine received the standard external diameter 17,7 mm, corresponding to the ring of the bayonet. The T-shaped influx, in turn, was transferred from under the trunk to the right lateral surface of the base of the front sight.
Such fastenings allowed to maintain full compatibility with bayonet-knife type 6X5, however, led to some changes in the appearance of the weapon. On Kalashnikov rifles, the blade of the bayonet was placed vertically under the barrel. On the Nikonov machine, in turn, the blade was proposed to be installed horizontally and to the right of the trunk. In this case, the main blade of the bayonet was directed to the trunk. Some sources mention some advantages of such a bayonet arrangement in comparison with the “traditional” one. In particular, it was argued that the “horizontal” bayonet simplifies the attack of the enemy, since it does not allow the blade to get stuck between the ribs, and also simplifies its removal for a second strike.
When developing Kalashnikov assault rifles, The hundredth series compatibility with existing bayonets has been maintained. At the request of the customer, such weapons can be equipped with 6X5 bayonet knives and fasteners for their installation. Mounts remain the same: the muzzle of a standard diameter barrel and the influx under the base of the front sight.
The bayonet 6X5 on the automatic machine AN-94. Photo Army.lv
On the basis of the combat knife bayonet 6X5, several civilian products were developed. Available mass-dimensional layouts, which is a modified version of the basic design. In addition, there are several options for knives, which differ from the bayonet by the design of the blade and scabbard, as well as not equipped with devices for mounting on the weapon. According to some information, similar products are produced both in our country and abroad.
The bayonet 6X5 was adopted and put into series in the late eighties. Such additional weapons were equipped with AK-74 late-series, AK-74M and “100th series” assault rifles. In addition, the use of such bayonets with the AH-94 was envisaged, however, in terms of their quantity, such weapons were significantly inferior to other samples. Thus, most of the bayonets of the new model were supplied with AK-74M guns.
At the moment, the bayonet 6X5 is the last weapon of its class, created and put into service in our country. Since the end of the eighties, attempts have been repeatedly made to develop new combat blades, but the army has not yet received a single new bayonet. The specificity of the use of bayonet knives affects their operation in the army, which, among other things, leads to a reduction in their role in combat tactics, and also affects operation. Thus, it cannot be excluded that 6X5 together with the previous 6X4 will form the basis of the “bayonet fleet” over the next few years, after which new samples of this class will appear, or the use of bayonet knives will be completely discontinued.
On the materials of the sites:
http://bayonet.lv/
http://bratishka.ru/
http://rusknife.com/
http://army.lv/
Information