AlexanderA
Member
In the 1980's, I was involved in Civil War reenacting. Back then, most of us used the Indian-made reproduction socket bayonets. While they could not be confused with originals, they were acceptable for our purposes. Especially if the locking rings were replaced with the then-plentiful original locking rings.
Recently, I had occasion to shop for a bayonet for an Armi Sport M1842 musket (which, incidentally, is a very close copy of the original). I made a big mistake in paying $95 for an Indian bayonet for this gun. What can I say? The quality of the Indian makers has really gone downhill since the 1980's. The only upside is that the steel is so soft that it can be easily straightened when it inevitably gets bent out of shape. Even the replacement of the locking ring is not enough to save this piece of junk.
I finally just bought an original for $225. It's like the difference between night and day. In the long run you are better off buying an original.
Recently, I had occasion to shop for a bayonet for an Armi Sport M1842 musket (which, incidentally, is a very close copy of the original). I made a big mistake in paying $95 for an Indian bayonet for this gun. What can I say? The quality of the Indian makers has really gone downhill since the 1980's. The only upside is that the steel is so soft that it can be easily straightened when it inevitably gets bent out of shape. Even the replacement of the locking ring is not enough to save this piece of junk.
I finally just bought an original for $225. It's like the difference between night and day. In the long run you are better off buying an original.
