Blade that may be Attached to the Muzzle of a Rifle

Blade that may be attached to the muzzle of a rifle. A crossword clue in The Mail on Sunday newspaper on 10 September 2017, 8 letters.

The answer: Bayonet

Blade that may be attached to the muzzle of a rifle in example

A Bayonet was a sword-like stabbing blade that may be attached to the muzzle of a rifle. It was used for hand-to-hand fighting. The Minié Ball was the riffle shot bullet that had a huge effect on the war. Made out of lead, when brought to contact with any body part, the Minié Ball would give and reshaped itself. Upon entry, the Minié Ball would create a clean hole. But when it exited a body, the effects were devastating and always much worse. The ball would leave a giant open wound and shrapnel to remain in the body.