What's that little sharp knife thing on the end of a gun called?

Question

I thought it started with a b...but i can't remember what it's called.
and, by the way, does anyone know when it was used?

Answer 1

Bayonet.

It's been used since the mid 17th century and were originally started by farmers who ran out of gunpowder and the bayonet became an impropmtu spear. Originally Bayonets fit right into the barrel of the gun and prevented them from shooting. Ring Bayonets came soon after and were fitted on the outside of the gun.

Muzzleloading rifles with bayonets became useless though because every time that the shooter would reload, they'd have to remove to bayonet to prevent slicing open their fingers when packing the bullet.

Hope I helped!

Answer 2

Bayonete
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=Bayonet

Answer 3

It's called a bayonet. As far as I am aware the last bayonet charge was by members of the 'Royal Scots' in Iraq 2005.

Answer 4

I dont want to bust your bubble
On a gun it is a site and it is not sharp/
On a rifle u can attach a bayonet used for hand to hand combat used many years ago because it took to long to reload your rifle.

Answer 5

A Bayonet is still used by the US army today. But not necessarily in combat. However, they still train soldiers how to use it during BCT (Basic combat training) and it's a lot of fun!!!!

Answer 6

It is called a bayonet, it is used in close combat, when removed it is a knife or a dagger.

Answer 7

Bayonet. It was used extensively during the mid-17th century.

Answer 8

Bayonet.

Answer 9

a bayonet

Answer 10

It is a bayonet.