The Surprising Accuracy Boost: Why Bolt Action Rifles Like the Mosin Nagant Shoot Better with a Bayonet

The Mosin Nagant, a heavily favored bolt action rifle used extensively by various nations during World War I and II, has proven to exhibit a remarkable phenomenon: when fired with the bayonet attached, it achieves a higher level of accuracy. This article delves into the mechanics of why this happens and explores the historical context of these rifles, particularly focusing on the Mosin Nagant model.

Historical Context and Barriers to Accurate Shooting

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Mosin Nagant rifle was renowned for its durability and effectiveness in the hands of soldiers. In Russia and the Soviet Union, the bayonet was almost always prepared for quick use, often mounted as an integral part of the rifle in combat. However, this wasn't the universal trend. Some nations, while maintaining their rifles in combat-ready condition, only affixed the bayonet during immediate close quarter combat.

Interestingly, the Russian and Soviet models did not even manufacture scabbards or frogs for their bayonets intended for transport. This implies that the bayonet was primarily used as an offensive weapon and a readiness apparatus for combat, not merely a tool for symbolization or ceremonial use. The need for such a versatile tool was particularly acute during the fierce battles of World War II, exemplified by iconic locales like Stalingrad.

Design and Functionality: The Model 1944 and Its Development

The Model 1944 carbine, a variant of the Mosin Nagant, was designed with a single-leaf blade bayonet that could be folded to one side when not in use. This innovation was a direct response to the perceived need for a bayonet on the Model 1938 carbine. Despite not being originally designed for a bayonet, the Model 1944 proved highly appreciated in close combat scenarios where the extra blade was invaluable.

However, the lack of a bayonet on the M38 carbine, intended for artillery and transport troops, ultimately proved a drawback. The M38 was intended to be more lightweight and convenient for these non-infantry roles and included a spike bayonet that, while useful, was not always attached in widespread operations.

Personal Observations and Experiences

My hands-on experience with the Model 44 with a bayonet attached and in folded configuration revealed a significant shift in point of impact (POI). At 100 meters, the POI shifted to the right by about 12 inches and down by about 4 inches, indicating a substantial difference. Nevertheless, while there was a noticeable change, the accuracy remained within the expected military tolerances.

Similar results were observed with other models like the Model 1891 or 91/30, but I adjusted the sights for optimal performance without the bayonet. The bayonet on the infantry rifles, which is a crude socket attachment, can be quite difficult to remove.

Barrel Harmonics and Mechanical Factors

The shift in POI when the bayonet is attached has much to do with barrel harmonics. The bayonet, being attached directly to the barrel, influences the harmonics, much like bedding an action or free-floating a barrel improves accuracy.

Making a precise statement, the Mosin Nagant does not fire more accurately with the bayonet affixed; the bayonet attachment affects the rifle's accuracy. The same principle applies to other rifles capable of attaching a bayonet, leading to changes in grouping and POI depending on the specific configuration.

Historical Practices and Variations

The practice of mounting the bayonet on bolt-action rifles varied among the nations involved in World War I and II. While the Russians and Soviets always maintained their bayonets, most other nations only mounted the bayonet during the anticipation of close quarter combat. The reasons behind the Russian and Soviet insistence on always keeping the bayonet attached are shrouded in mystery, known as doctrinal reasons, but remain unclear.

Furthermore, testing with other rifles might yield similar results, suggesting that the influence of the bayonet on accuracy applies to a broader range of bolt-action rifles equipped with bayonets.