From 1943 to 1945, a shorter, 10 in (25 cm), bladed version was produced with either black or dark red molded plastic grips, and designated the M1 bayonet.

Also fit early pre-M1941 Johnson rifle model R.[2] In mid-1941, it was decided to restart production of the M1905 bayonet.

To simplify production, these later bayonets had handles with black or dark red ribbed grips, made of phenol formaldehyde resin, the earliest type of synthetic plastic.

Despite initial setbacks, the M1905 bayonet was manufactured in sufficient numbers to keep up with the widespread introduction of the new M1 Garand rifle in 1942.

The later version of the M1905 bayonet with plastic grips is sometimes referred to as the "M1942" by collectors and historians, but this designation was never used by the Army.

The first shortened bayonets were delivered in September 1943, and deliveries continued at a rate of 40,000-50,000 per month until August 1945.

The original M1905 scabbard had a wooden body with a rawhide cover and employed a wire belt-hanger which went over and around the belt.

The M3 scabbard had a body made of resin-impregnated cotton duck canvas with a metal throat, and was equipped with a wire hook hanger.