Bayonet Tolerances Not Tolerant of Dirt

[Fiziwater]

I've seen in two cases where what appears to be an insignificant amount of dirt can prevent bayonets from working properly.

One was an S84/98 that would fit my 98 but not my K98k. I had another S84/98 bayonet by a different manufacturer that fit both rifles just fine. I was perplexed. Someone suggested cleaning the groove that the lug slides into. I didn't see how that would make much difference as the dirt was not more than a film on the metal. Using a Q-tip and a small pen knife did the trick.

I also had an M1 cutdown that wouldn't release from my Garand lug. Again, the dirt seemed miniscule but I twisted several Q-tips up in the spring hole and cleaned the the end where the catch is. Now the bayonet unlatches from the rifle pretty as you please.

If you're having an issue with your bayonet misbehaving, don't underestimate the power of clean!