The new production bayonets were made with black plastic grips similar to those seen on the M5/M5A1 bayonets. Like the M3, the leather handle of the M4 was susceptible to mildew and rot. Cracking around the muzzle ring was still a problem, so it was widened further. In 1951, Springfield Armory developed a new guard that was thicker and wider to resolve this issue.īeginning in 1954, the M4 bayonet received further improvements. Another concern that arose were the cracks that could develop on the guard in the area of the muzzle ring.
