TS 535 r B25 , ' 5 Copy 1 ^J THE RELAXING TRIGGER BY MAJOR MURRAY BALDWIN, U.S.A. " Tewpora mmtantur nos Et mu'amur in Mis" THE RELAXING TRIGGER BY MAJOR MURRAY BALDWIN, U.S.A. PRESENTED BY THE EUREKA ARMS COMPANY OF NEVADA The Origin, Description and Application of the Most Epoch-making Invention in the History of Firearms w 'Qlempora ntirfarttur nos Jit mutamur tn idts" BOSTON PRESS OF GEO. H. ELLIS CO, 1920 Copyright, 1920, by Murray Baldwin 101 -3 1920 ©CU601312 *vt CONTENTS PAGE Prolegomena ix-xv Chapter I 1-8 General Description 1-2 Definitions 3-7 Compression Trigger 3 Relaxing Trigger 3 Trigger Distance 4 Finger Rebound 4 Relaxing Distance 4 Safety Firing Factor 4 Finger Grip 5 Disparate Idea 5-7 The Presumption of Probability 8 Chapter II 9-28 How the Trigger Functions 9-10 The Finger Grip 11-14 The Balky Mule . , 14-15 The Obstinate Recruit 15-17 The Use of the Trigger Hand 17-18 Exact Method of Using the Finger Grip .... 18 The Results Attained by the Use of the Finger Grip 18-19 The Safety Latch— Military Model 19-20 Aiming 21-22 Trigger Action 22-23 Cease Firing 23-24 Elimination of Present Safety Latch 25 The Sporting Model, with Automatic Safety . . 25-26 Automatic Safety Latch 26-28 Variations 28 IV PAGE Chapter III ' 29-32 The Claims Made for the Relaxing Trigger . . 29-32 Chapter IV 33-35 The Psychological Difficulty 33 Medical Opinion 33-34 The Exact Difficulty 34-35 Are the Difficulties Exaggerated? 35 Chapter V 36-38 The Radiation of Motor Impulse 37 Chapter VI 39-41 Adaptability to all Firearms 39 The Government Requirements for Rifles . . 40-41 Chapter VII 42-43 The Proposed Test 42 The American Conception of Rifle Fire 43 Chapter VIII 44^46 A Vision of the Future 44-46 The Relaxing Trigger under Exciting Conditions . 46 Chapter IX 47-48 Mechanical Considerations 47 Penny Drill 48 Chapter X 49-53 Eyesight — The New Psychology 49 The Anatomy of the Eye 50-51 How the Relaxing Trigger assists the Action of the Ciliary Muscle 51-53 Chapter XI 54 Crude Attempts to Approximate Relaxation ... 54 V PAGE Chapter XII 55-57 Grasping the Stock ' • • 55 Flinching **« -& Chapter XIII 58-61 Safety 53-59 A Test of Safety 60-61 Chapter XIV 62-67 General Considerations 62 Rapidity 62-63 Sequence of Action 63 General Application to Revolvers, Automatics and Machine Guns 64-66 Specific Application to Automatic Pistols .... 66 Specific Application to Machine Guns .... 66-67 Chapter XV 68-75 Causation and Sensation as Affected by Relaxation 68-70 Weber's Law 70-71 Curve of Actual Eye-Strain 72 Curve of Actual Finger-Strain 73 Curves of Eye-Strain and of Finger-Strain Com- pared when under Compression and when under Relaxation 74-75 Chapter XVI 76-79 Relaxation in General 76 Relaxation in Other Professions 76 Relaxation in Pugilism 77-78 Automobiles 79 Chapter XVII 80-82 The Longbow vs. The Crossbow 80-81 Deductions *** VI PAGE Chapter XVIII 83-91 The Claims and by Whom Endorsed .... 83-84 The Test 84 The Originality 84 Fire Effect 85-86 Specific Questions 87 The Two Schools of Instruction 87-88 "Give it the Rest" 88-89 Continuous Pull Through 89-90 Adaptability to Both of the Above Methods ... 90 Safety 91 Chapter XIX . 92-97 The Relaxing Trigger in Collective Fire .... 92 The Crowd 92 The Mob Spirit 93 The Military Crowd 93-94 Volley Firing 94-95 Why Volley-firing must be Poor with the Com- pression Trigger 95 The Relaxing Trigger in Volley Fire .... 96-97 Conclusion— Q. E. D 98 Appendix 99-126 Nature of the Endorsements 99 Chronological List of the Endorsements Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas B. Seigle, U.S.A. . . 100 Lieutenant-Colonel Townsend Whalen, General Staff, U.S.A 103 Colonel N. H. Hall, U.S. Marine Corps .... 105 Rear Admiral Spencer S. Wood, U.S.N 109 First Lieutenant Thomas W. Jones, Ordnance Department 110 Vll PAGE General John W. Ruckman, U.S.A 113 General Clarence Edwards, U.S.A 115 Mr. Sidney E. Sears (Holder of World's Record with the Revolver) 116 First Lieutenant B. R. Camp, U.S.A. (Distin- guished Marksman and Pistol Shot) . . . . 118 Lieutenant-Colonel T. A. Baldwin, U.S.A. ... 120 Colonel Joseph Garrard, U.S.A 122 General Leonard Wood, U. S. A 123 Lieutenant-General Hunter Liggett, U.S.A. . . . 125 IX PROLEGOMENA The Relaxing Trigger, the Most Revolutionary Invention in the History of Firearms All small arms have a trigger. To discharge the weapon the trigger is retracted. There is to-day but one type of trigger known which may be called the compression trigger, as it must be carefully squeezed backward to effect the discharge. It is immaterial how a trigger mechanism func- tions on a field piece or a large cannon. In this case there is but one thing to be effected ; that is, the firing pin must strike the detonator, and just how this is done has no effect on the accuracy of the fire. Such weapons are, however, not held in the hand, and a field gun is inanimate and has no nerves. When a small arm is held in the hand and the trigger is actuated by the trigger finger a very differ- ent condition is presented. A human being has nerves and a mind, and the mechanism should be so made as to be in harmony with the psychology of the individual using it. The present trigger does not answer these requirements. It is the purpose of this book to make plain the reasons why this is so; to show that the method of firing small arms by compressing the trigger is a psy- chological absurdity; and that the only correct way is to consider the human equation of the individual and discharge small arms by relaxing the trigger, that is, to draw it back, then aim, and while aiming allow the finger to relax or move forward with the trigger. The discharge will take place as the trigger moves forward. This is an entirely new idea. The Eureka Arms Company of Nevada owns the patents for relaxing triggers that function as described herein, and it is desired to present to the military men and sportsmen of America the essential facts regarding the most revo- lutionary invention in the history of firearms. To relax the finger in firing requires more parts in the trigger mechanism. It is consequently some- what more complicated, but the advantage gained lies in the fact that the manipulation of the weapon is made far easier for the user. Many years of study have been devoted to this subject as applied to firearms, during which it was necessary to acquire a knowledge of the psychology of small physical movements and the anatomy of the hand in order that the Relaxing Trigger might be brought to its present state. To change the existing method of firing small arms — a method followed for centuries — is an ambitious task. It is revolutionary, but it will come to pass. The description given of this method and the results attained will prove this beyond a doubt. Any one who forms opinions from evidence and reflection can- not fail to realize what a prodigious change has been XI successfully effected, if he will read this book with intelligent care. For military men and for sportsmen who are in- terested in securing the best results this book is pub- lished. The Elusiveness of the Obvious It is a matter of common knowledge that some of the most obvious things escape our attention. One reason is that convention causes us to regard an act or custom that has been long established as a per- manent solution. To grasp at every new thing with- out due inquiry leads to ruin. Pope's words of sage and sane advice were never more worthy of note than to-day: "Be not the first by whom the new is tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside." Sometimes, however, prudence can operate, not as a brake to restrain rash enthusiasm, but as an abso- lute block to progress. Here as in all things the middle course is the better. The Relaxing Trigger, while new to the world at large, is not new or untried by competent judges. Another reason the obvious is often elusive lies in the fact that the very nearness of an object and familiarity with it prevent its being seen or visualized in proper perspective. Xll The Needle For countless aeons of ages, sewing was done by using a needle with a point at one end and an eye in the other. There was no basic improvement in this idea from the stone age to the nineteenth century. Better needles were made as time wore on and as materials changed successively from bone to stone, bronze, iron, and finally steel, according to the intel- lectual development of the race. The needle was, however, essentially the same — a long thin rod with a point on one end and an eye in the other. The genius of Howe made his sewing-machine pos- sible. The great and revolutionary change was his conception of a needle with the eye in the point. Thus was the sewing-machine born and on this principle it is still dependent. Similarly for centuries since the invention of fire- arms the conception of effecting their discharge was by compressing a trigger, a conception which has undergone no change since the Middle Ages. This conception is fundamentally wrong psychologically, anatomically, and neurologically. In the following pages this conclusion is proved by a reasoning as rigid and exact as any employed in the realm of pure mathematics. Xlll Read and be Convinced. The Argument is Irrefutable The invention of the Relaxing Trigger is as revolu- tionary to firearms as the Howe needle was to the sew- ing-machine. Inability to become a good shot does not warrant an inference of poor mentality. This is now axiomatic. We all know men of great mental acumen who have never been able to become good shots. The reason is that the use of the present type of compression trigger makes marksmanship a meas- ure of nerve stability and reaction. The attention of many able men has been concen- trated on teaching a forefinger technique difficult to acquire but vitally essential to the present type of trig- ger. Forefinger technique, or "trigger squeeze," is absolutely indispensable. Our army boasts many expert riflemen and accomplished authors on target practice. They are all agreed on this subject, as are all civilian riflemen. For over twenty years the author of this book has made a careful study of the psychological reasons affecting target practice, with the endeavor of ascer- taining why every man of average intelligence does not become a good shot without the long and laborious training now necessary, which very rarely results in making every man of an organization a qualified shot. As a result of long study the conclusion was reached that a trigger should not be squeezed at all, but relaxed, that is, the trigger should be quickly com- XIV pressed or even jerked back with impunity without discharging the firearm; and that when the trigger is relaxed after being so compressed, the discharge should then take place. Working on these ideas the author years ago pro- duced a Relaxing Trigger which gave admirable results so far as target practice was concerned and fully justified the principle of relaxation. Owing, however, to the vicissitudes of active ser- vice, time was not available to produce a mechanism that would answer all requirements. The patents of the Eureka Arms Company are now the result of many practical tests, and a very great variety of Relaxing Triggers can be produced under them. Rifle and pistol instruction in our army has been developed to the utmost extent possible with the instru- ments provided. Further and most material progress in accuracy, rapidity of fire, and shortening of the period of instruction are now possible with the use of the Relaxing Trigger, which is now ready as a completed invention needing no change. Flinching, which is the greatest source of error, is thus overcome, and also any tendency from other sources to disturb the alignment of the sights at the moment of firing. The Relaxing Trigger accomplishes all this. It also causes fire to become lower than the normal under exciting conditions, while with the compression trigger excitement always results in higher and less effective fire. XV A rifle equipped with the Relaxing Trigger has been demonstrated on the target range. Soldiers of every grade have been convinced of its merit. Com- missioned officers of experience of all ranks from lieutenants to general officers have expressed their approval. It is impossible that they all can be wrong. The value of such an invention must in its last analysis be determined by the officers and men who are to use and direct infantry lire in battle. Five thousand shots have been fired by scores of men, trained and untrained, at the Marine Corps Rifle Range near Wakefield, Massachusetts. The results are described elsewhere. Attention of the reader is invited to the opinion expressed by General John W. Ruckman, U.S.A., one of the eye-witnesses. A comprehensive test has now been ordered by the United States Government, which will shortly take place at the School of Musketry at Camp Benning, Columbus, Georgia. Tuesday followed Monday last week and will next week and through the ages to come; similarly, the results witnessed at Wakefield cannot fail to be in evidence at Camp Benning. XVI BIBLIOGRAPHY The works of most of the modern psychologists have been studied for years in order to acquire a knowledge of the psychology of small muscular move- ments, and to make due acknowledgment to them all is impossible. To those who are interested in the basic principle of the Relaxing Trigger the work on "Psychology" by Professor William James of Harvard University will be found most helpful, as well as "The Psychology of Suggestion" by Boris Sidis. Murray Baldwin, Major U.S.A. (Rtd.) Charlestown, Massachusetts. June 26, 1920. CHAPTER I This is not a military book, but a description of a new trigger movement attachable to all firearms actu- ated by a separate pull of the trigger for each shot. It is called the Relaxing Trigger. It is one of the most revolutionary concepts that has ever been ad- vanced in the whole history of firearms. It is of interest to all who use firearms. The mili- tary man will find herein the solution of the trigger- squeeze difficulty. The sportsman is equally inter- ested in this, for although he does not have to instruct others, as the military man does, he is equally inter- ested in accurate shooting and in anything that will make it more easily attainable. The Relaxing Trigger is a psychological mechani- cal invention, and it is thought that there is no other where psychological reasons alone lead to its construc- tion. The author became greatly interested in trying to find out why the trigger squeeze was such a bugbear and so hard to learn, and once learned so hard to re- tain a mastery of without incessant practice. With the sole idea of facilitating the instruction of recruits, a The Relaxing Trigger is constructed on a principle as old as the hills and as immutable, but for the first time finds expression in mechanism. study of the psychology of small physical movements was undertaken, which finally necessitated some study of neurology and anatomy as soon as his attention was directed to the possibilities of the Relaxing Trigger. The reason why the trigger squeeze is hard is ex- pressed in "The Definition of the Psychological Diffi- culty," on page 33. This difficulty exists with fire- arms because the shooting of firearms is almost the only sport where aim has to be taken while the muscles are in a state of progressive tension. It will be seen on page 77 how the scientific pugilist avoids being in tension while leading a blow. Subcon- sciously every one tries to avoid doing two things at once, but in firearms this seemed inevitable. Such is the power of conventionality. It was accepted as an unescapable difficulty that one must aim and squeeze trigger simultaneously, and many were the ingenious stratagems employed by instructors to take the mind of the rifleman from the very intense con- centration on the trigger finger so that the eye and trigger finger would work harmoniously. These methods while painstaking and thorough did not solve the difficulty. It still remained hard work to instruct a large number of recruits. The real nature of the difficulty was not apprehended and has The principles deducible from a consideration of relaxation alone are sufficient to establish more than a reasonable presumption. Actual demonstration has supplied full proof. never prior to the first edition of this book found expression in printed form. This book is the result of twenty years' study and explains the difficulty as it has never before been explained and moreover provides the remedy — a rem- edy so simple and efficacious that good shooting is now within the reach of any one with normal eyesight. Before proceeding further, a careful examination of the following definitions will be of material assist- ance to the reader: Compression Trigger. This is the only type now in use by the world. As the trigger is retracted which compresses the trigger spring the firearm is discharged. Hence the name "compression trigger." This is practically in almost the same shape as at the time of the introduction of firearms. The fundamental idea has not changed. In the use of this trigger the human element of the firer is entirely ignored. Relaxing Trigger. This is the only correct type. Extensive tests have proved its superiority over the compression trigger. As the trigger is retracted the trigger spring is com- pressed, but the firearm is not discharged. As the trig- ger is allowed to relax by letting the trigger finger yield to the tension of the compressed trigger, the trigger moves forward and the firearm is discharged. Hence the name "relaxing trigger." In the use of this trig- ger the human element is considered in every phase of its functioning. 4 Trigger Distance. The distance the trigger moves over in passing from its normal position to the position it occupies when fully retracted, or the reverse. Finger Rebound. If a trigger of the relaxing type is suddenly and quickly retracted as far as possible, the finger will encounter a solid resistance when the trigger can be no longer retracted, and the finger will naturally move forward a slight distance. This distance as determined by many observations is called finger rebound. It is of impor- tance with the Relaxing Trigger. Relaxing Distance. The distance the Relaxing Trigger passes over from the position of maximum retraction until in its forward movement the firearm is discharged. Safety Firing Factor. In a Relaxing Trigger the ratio existing between the finger rebound and the relaxing distance. The relax- ing distance must be at least twice that of the finger rebound. Otherwise the Relaxing Trigger would be dangerous. When the Relaxing Trigger is pulled or jerked back roughly, for this can be done with im- punity, the rifle is not discharged, but if the motion is rough the finger will rebound. When the trigger is retracted and aim taken, if the firer is fatigued or excited, a slight quivering of the finger muscles takes place, but not otherwise. Excitement or fatigue, how- ever, always induces slight muscular movements. The relaxing distance must therefore be greater than that of finger rebound as well as greater than that caused by the slight and often involuntary movements induced by either excitement or fatigue. As a mean of several hundred observations it has been definitely determined that the relaxing distance must be at least twice that of the finger rebound of the most nervous men. Finger Grip. A most useful feature with which a rifle with the Relax- ing Trigger is equipped. It is placed back of the safety latch. It is convex on a horizontal section but concave on its anterior vertical face. The finger next to the trigger finger fits snugly into the anterior surface. It materially assists in pulling the rifle straight back against the shoulder and also to a great extent prevents the tendency of the recruit to squeeze the gunstock too hard with all the muscles of the trigger hand. Disparate Idea This is the last definition and the most important for an accurate understanding of the underlying prin- ciple of the Relaxing Trigger. It is thus defined in the Standard Dictionary: Disparate Idea. Logic. Having no definitive relation in common with another idea, connected only by some notion of great generality; divergent, tending to depart from the train of thought of the primary idea. This is put in practice by nearly every one daily, although subconsciously. It is the central idea — a knowledge of which has led to the development of the Relaxing Trigger. As the term is to many un- known, a thorough explanation is necessary, for unless the term is thoroughly understood, the following pages will to some degree at least fail to interpret the message which is for the first time presented to the public as the practical application of psychology to concrete results of the utmost practical utility. Rob- ert Fitzsimmons, a personal friend of the author in his youth, and one of the great lights of the pugilistic firmament of that time, was intimately acquainted with the practical value of eliminating disparate ideas when a single act was to be accomplished. He could not have defined the expression and doubtless it would have been meaningless to him. Yet as set forth in chapter XVI he made practical application of the principle the very name of which he did not know. The following illustrations will make clear what is meant by disparate ideas — ideas that disturb and dis- tract the mind while performing an act. Let us suppose a famous lawyer is preparing a brief. He is giving it his careful attention. The noise of the street is to him but a confused hum. He is oblivious to the draft of an open window. A book falls to the floor. He does not hear it. His entire mind is concentrated on the case before him. Sud- denly before his mental vision the image of his dearly beloved child obtrudes. The child has just been op- erated upon that morning in a distant city. Life and death are in the balance. In his mind's eye he sees the child toddling to Daddy with outstretched arms, sees him with his toys, sees him in a thousand acts dear to the memory. A tear falls slowly to the page. The case of law is forgotten while his thoughts are in a turmoil of anxiety. The disparate idea evoked by the thought of his child prevents any attention being given to the legal matter. Time passes. The intensity of the emotion reaches its acme. The sensa- tion of grief cannot now increase. He starts, looks up, realizes the passage of time, and by a resolute effort once more gives his attention to the case before him. This illustrates what is meant by a disparate idea at its greatest intensity. The mental image of the sick child entirely prevented any attention to another matter. It was for the time completely absorbing. Now any idea that interferes with the accomplish- ment of an act which occupies the mind is disparate. The steady squeezing of a trigger while aiming with the compression trigger is a very nice operation and requires so much care that it is very hard to do and at the same time pay adequate attention to the act of aim- ing. Two things are to be done at the same time, and this is difficult even when they are related; but, as will be more fully illustrated, the act of squeezing a trigger while aiming is absolutely disparate (that is, conflicting and disturbing) with regard to eyesight. Eminent psychologists, neurologists, and the best brains of our army have agreed with the line of rea- soning here set forth. Officers of all ranks of the line of the army, and non-commissioned officers of years of service and ex- perienced in instructing men in rifle practice, alike 3 testify to the correctness of the diagnosis of the great difficulty of instruction and also testify to the fact that the remedy here explained is a real remedy — that it really does surmount the hitherto insurmountable difficulty. The reasoning is endorsed by well-quali- fied men. The results are attested by the testimony of expert witnesses. The mechanism by which the results were attained was developed in consonance with the principles discovered by study and reason- ing. The results show what has never before been attained. The presumption, then, is that the reasoning is cor- rect. Considered from a severe logical viewpoint this conclusion is not rigidly exact, but when the char- acter and experience of the witnesses are considered and the nature of the results, the conclusion is war- ranted that the reasoning is right. The chance that so many can all be wrong is small. The evidence of the results is overwhelming. Certainly by considering the laws of chance in connection with the laws of evi- dence the fact that the reasoning is true indubitably approximates certainty. The ballistic qualities of firearms are susceptible of but little improvement, but the method by which their discharge is effected is an archaic absurdity- through which the hampering hand of conventionality impedes real progress in the most essential part of musketry-training, the act of aiming. CHAPTER II HOW THE TRIGGER FUNCTIONS FIGURE I A — Location of safety latch rendered unnecessary and which is there- fore removed. B — New safety latch. T — Trigger. (Another form of safety latch is also available) . C — Finger grip. A revolutionary idea developed with the utmost care where nothing is left to chance. Such is the Relaxing Trigger. FIGURE II A — Location of safety latch rendered unnecessary and which is there- fore removed. B — New safety latch. T — Trigger. C — Finger guard on stock is hidden from view by grasp of hand. The finger next to trigger finger is in front of finger guard and back of safety latch. To execute, "cease firing," pull back the trigger finger a little harder; shift the first joint (the one nearest the palm of the hand) of the second finger in front of the "safety latch," then pull both fingers up and backwards, returning the "safety latch" to the position of "safe." This is done almost instantaneously. To fire, pull the trigger back, — the quicker the better, — then relax the trigger finger smoothly. When relaxing after compressing the trigger, concentrate the entire attention on the sights — forget the trigger finger. Relaxing should not take over half a second, and should be done smoothly and continuously and never by a series of successive relaxations; in other words, the trigger finger should yield smoothly to the tension of the compressed trigger. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Relaxing Trigger has proved its value. The 11 The appearance of the rifle is unchanged. The mechanism is entirely contained in the stock. The only new parts to be seen are the new safety latch "B" and the finger grip "C" on the stock. On old rifles this finger grip is easily applied as a separate piece, and on new ones the master pattern for the lathe can easily have this small part added. It is necessary, not as a protection to the device, but in order to prevent the hand from coming in con- tact with the safety latch in bayonet work, and thereby abrading the finger. The Finger Grip The finger grip provides another and very material advantage. This is it. In aiming, a recruit always tends to grip the small of the stock with too much force, thus setting up the muscles of the forearm with great tenseness. It has been found that, by using the finger next to the trigger finger as a hook and pulling firmly against the finger grip, this finger will be kept from contact with the safety latch during the recoil. A great advantage results, as there is a straight pull exerted in a straight line with the butt, which is thus pressed snugly against the shoulder, and the tendency to grasp the small of the stock with a spasmodic and violent pressure is entirely obviated. The Relaxing Trigger will revolutionize the teach- ing of musketry and instruction in the use of all fire- arms. This is as inevitable as the sunrise. 12 While a pistol grip effects something of this nature, a comparison with the finger grip discloses a marked difference. The only value of the pistol grip is to cause the muscular force pressing the butt against the shoulder to operate in a right line nearly parallel to axis of symmetry of the gunstock. The same effect is produced by the finger grip. There is, however, another advantage. The tendency to grip the stock with a violent pressure of the trigger hand (so notice- able with recruits and novices) is entirely overcome. The reason is that a disparate idea is evoked in the mind of the rifleman while aiming. The finger grip is convex on a longitudinal section, but is con- cave on a vertical section. The trigger finger alone presses against the finger grip, which from its shape is made very comfortable for the trigger finger. The recruit is instructed to pull straight back. This idea of pulling straight back occupies his mind so strongly that there is almost no tendency to squeeze the gun- stock with the other fingers of the hand, and further- more a consideration of the position the hand and fingers then occupy and the anatomy of the hand will make it evident that it is not comfortable to do so. Two things are therefore accomplished, — a straight pull against the shoulder is assured, and the tendency to grasp the stock too tightly, which makes the whole hand act as a group and destroys individual flexibility of the trigger finger, is to a great measure overcome. The pistol grip helped to a straight pull against the shoulder, but did nothing to prevent the intense grasp- 13 ing of the gunstock. The finger grip efficiently accom- plishes both these ends. A disparate idea in the mind of a man using a mechanism always impedes muscular movement, mak- ing it difficult. In this case it is usefully employed and deliberately introduced to prevent the rifleman from doing something which it is desired he should not do — squeezing the stock too hard with the trigger hand. When it is desired that a man should do something involving muscular movement and the mechanism by any chance will evoke a disparate idea, then to get the best results possible the mechanism must be changed so that the disparate idea will not be evoked. Tn using the trigger while aiming, a disparate idea is evoked which impedes the rifleman if the trigger has to be pulled back while aiming. This difficulty will later be fully explained. To avoid this disparate idea while aiming, the mechanism of the trigger has been changed for the first time in history by causing the discharge to take place as the trigger is relaxed. In the latter case the mechanism has been changed to eliminate a disparate idea which impedes mental concentration. In the former case of the finger grip, the mechanism has been deliberately made so as to cause a disparate idea in the mind of the rifleman, for it is desired to impede the mental idea of squeezing the muscles of the whole trigger hand upon the gunstock. Mechanisms that require exact effort should always 14 be made with the human equation constantly in mind. Anything causing a disparate idea should be elimi- nated if its effect is to impede the desired result, and introduced if it is desired to impede or diminish the effect produced by a harmful factor. The attention of the reader is directed to the dis- cussion of disparate ideas in the list of definitions given in the preface. Additional Remarks on the Finger Grip The entire idea of the Relaxing Trigger is so new that the following illustration is submitted relative to the finger grip even though some repetition is in- volved. There is in this book no attempt at literary grace. The controlling thought is to represent the great and inherent merits of the new method. The Balky Mule The mule is an animal without pride of ancestry or hope of progeny. He has many interesting char- acteristics. The obstinacy of the mule is proverbial. One concept, and one only, occupies his mind at a time. Consequently when the idea to balk and "pre- serve a masterly inactivity" is present, persuasions and entreaties, imprecations and blows are alike futile to move him from his insensate obduracy. Nevertheless there is a solution. It is to occupy his mind with another thought — to give him some- 15 thing else to think about and he will cease to balk. In other words, consider his psychology and apply the appropriate remedy. One solution and a highly successful one is, after the usual methods as indicated have failed, to tie a cord firmly about each ear, firsl folding this organ. This does not hurt the mule, but the treatment is uncomfortable. His mind is now occupied with the thought of the disagreeable feeling induced in the ear. He wags his head from side to side, sorely perplexed, and when urged forward will invariably proceed, hav- ing forgotten to balk. The cords on his ears have given him a divergent thought — a disparate idea as previously explained. Man, who is at the top of creation, is as susceptible to the same treatment as the humble mule. The Obstinate Recruit Every recruit wishes to fire well and to be a good marksman. In all of the author's experience he has never seen a man who did not wish to attain as high a qualification as possible on the target range. Some- times after making apparently every effort and not being able to respond to the patient instruction he re- ceives, the recruit becomes discouraged, and, realizing that he will never be a good shot, pretends to an indif- ference that he does not feel. It is a treat to see the expression of delight that comes over the face of a man who has never previously been able to qualify, 16 when he first uses the Relaxing Trigger. What has never before been attainable is now within his mas- tery, and every lineament of his physiognomy radiates joy. The recruit is, however, very obstinate if he is not a "natural shot." This is by no means the result of deliberate wilfulness as displayed by the mule, but because a most essential part of his instruction is against every natural instinct instead of being in harmony with the human psychology. The compression trigger is least inefficient in the hands of men who are not nervous — men of the phlegmatic type. But the American temperament is a nervous one and this should be taken into account. This the Relaxing Trigger does. The compression trigger never can. Any one who has taught musketry knows how hard it is to teach the "trigger squeeze." One reason is that the recruit will almost invariably press the stock convulsively with the trigger hand, whereas he should hold it with moderate firmness and draw it back against the shoulder by the action of the biceps muscles of the upper arm and the deltoid muscles of the shoulder. The author has frequently seen men while firing tense every muscle of the forearm and of the hand. This is not only useless, but destroys for the time the individual flexibility and movement of the trigger finger so that to compress a trigger of only three and a half pounds pull, the recruit really employs a force 17 of twenty pounds and often more. Now if he could be induced to grasp the stock with a moderate pressure and exert the force he uses in the proper way by pull- ing straight back with the biceps and deltoid muscles, the rifle would be held more steadily and the free movement of the trigger finger would be unimpaired. The advantage of a straight pull back is afforded by the pistol grip on some rifles and by the protuber- ance on the stock of the Enfield Rifle, but neither of these devices prevents the grasping of the stock with too great an intensity. This tendency which the re- cruit so obstinately persists in is to a remarkable ex- tent obviated by the finger grip as applied to the Relaxing Trigger. The finger grip is not essential to the use of the Relaxing Trigger, but is a most valuable assistance. The Use of the Trigger Hand In aiming and firing, both arms and hands are used. The left hand is flat under the rifle near the lower swivel. The fingers of this hand do no work, merely sustaining the rifle vertically. The pressure of the sling against the left arm will press the butt firmly against the shoulder. The trigger hand manip- ulates the trigger and holds up the butt against the shoulder. The thumb should be extended along the stock and never around it. The face should be held firmly against the stock. The trigger hand should 18 supply some force in holding the butt in place on the shoulder, but it should never grasp the stick with extreme tightness. Exact Method of Using the Finger Grip The finger grip is designed to fit the finger next to the trigger finger. The recruit is instructed to pull straight back, pressing the second joint of this finger against the finger grip, and is told that this force is all that the trigger hand should exert towards maintain- ing the rifle against the shoulder. When so doing he will pull straight back, using the biceps and deltoid muscles, using his trigger finger to manipulate the trigger, and the thumb and the other fingers sustaining the rifle in the vertical plane, and, last and most im- portant of all, he will not grip the stock convulsively. The Results These beneficial results are attained for two reasons. The first is psychological. The mind of the recruit is occupied with a disparate idea so far as grasping the stock is concerned. The principal sensation is that of pressure against the finger grip. This distracts his attention from the persistent squeez- ing of the stock so characteristic of recruits. The dis- parate idea distracts him as it does the mule. The second reason is that the human hand is so con- structed that, when pressure is thus maintained with 19 one finger against the finger grip, the physical capacity of the remaining fingers to grip with much force is greatly diminished and the recruit cannot grip tightly with these fingers even if he would. To those who are familiar with the anatomy of the hand this will be evident, but it is easily demonstrable by actual trial. We have here another illustration of how carefully the Relaxing Trigger has been developed and of how it is in harmony with every psychological and anatom- ical peculiarity of the individual. The act of firing is a complex one. The most im- portant factor — that of the use of the entire trigger hand — has never before received scientific analysis. The Relaxing Trigger is not the result of empirical experimentation, but it is the embodiment of the con- clusions reached by abstract analysis and discrimina- tion, although, as in all inventions, certain empirical ameliorations were perfected after the early models were produced. The Safety Latch — Military Model The new safety latch for the Relaxing Trigger is shown at "B." When this latch is placed parallel with the longer dimension of the stock, as shown, the rifle is at the "safe"; that is, the rifle is loaded and locked, and no manipulation of the trigger will dis- charge it. The safety latch in this position cannot be placed in the position of "ready" without movements of volition. When moved up and turned sideways, which is done instantaneously, the rifle is at the posi- 20 tion of "ready"; that is, loaded and ready to fire. Moving the safety latch up and pulling back the trig- ger will not discharge the piece. The safety latch must be moved up and then turned to the left (for right-handed men, to the right for left-handed men), which cannot take place accidentally. About two men per hundred are left-handed, and this safety latch has been placed in its position in order to make no special training necessary for the left-handed man, who already has enough disadvan- tages, as the bolt is on the right-hand side. Should a man lose his thumb, his efficiency as a rifleman is in no way impaired, which would not be the case were the latch controlled by the thumb. This is only one of the many evidences of the painstaking care with which this invention has been presented. To fire the rifle, the trigger "T" is pulled against the pressure of a spring inside the stock. It is imma- terial how this is done. It should, however, be done quickly to save time, as the aim is not effected. The trigger may be jerked back with impunity. So long as the trigger is held back against the re- sistance of this spring, the rifle cannot be discharged. During the act of aiming, the soldier has no anxiety about "trigger squeeze" ; he can concentrate his entire attention upon the act of aiming. Let us reverence our ancestors as admonished by Holy Writ, but let us not reject an idea because great- grandpapa had not heard of it. 21 Aiming When the aim is accurately adjusted, the soldier then allows his trigger finger to yield smoothly to the tension of the compressed trigger, and while so doing the rifle is discharged. This movement of relaxation need not take over half a second, but can be made almost instantaneously without impairing the accuracy of the shot. The relaxation may also be made as slowly as desired. To get the best results, do not make several successive movements of relaxation, as it is unneces- sary. This action is so smooth that it is impossible to tell the precise moment when the discharge will take place. This constitutes a great advantage, as the constant endeavor of instructors has been to have the rifleman acquire a forefinger technique that will permit him to discharge his rifle, equipped with the present trigger, so that the exact moment of discharge cannot be fore- told. This relaxation requires no muscular force nor mental effort, the aim is merely maintained while the trigger finger is relaxed, or, in other words, allowed to yield to the force of the compressed trigger. There Relax and rest, tense and you worry. This ex- plains the principle in a nutshell. Relaxing the body relaxes the mind, and the relaxed mind concentrates to better advantage. 22 is, therefore, no tendency to flinch or pull the rifle to one side, thus deranging the aim, which is a prolific source of error with the present (compression) type of trigger. The relaxation may be made quickly as long as it is done smoothly. It should, of course, be done smoothly to get the best results. This movement of relaxation is distinctly percep- tible and is in no sense like a hair trigger. It can be made as great as desired. Trigger Action The trigger is a positive action trigger. When the rifle is cocked, the trigger may be compressed to over eighty per cent, of its movement relaxed without dis- charging the rifle, as the relaxing mechanism is not engaged. During this time but little resistance is encountered, but during the last twenty per cent, the resistance suddenly and perceptibly increases. It is then that the relaxing mechanism is engaged. After this is done, relaxing the trigger will discharge the rifle. The amount of relaxation is distinctly perceptible, but may be made with rapidity as long as it is done To make the Relaxing Trigger safe a mechanism had to be produced as resilient as the human finger and as precise in its functioning, — a hard task, but successfully accomplished. 23 smoothly. The safety latch may be applied at any time prior to discharge, and, as stated elsewhere, the trigger is in no sense a hair trigger, which is dangerous. The finger next to the trigger finger is against the stock and near the trigger guard during the act of aiming, as is the case with the present trigger. When the rifle is at the "safe," as above defined, the safety latch "B" fills up most of the space between the trigger guard and the finger guard "C." The attention of the rifleman is thus attracted to the fact that the rifle is at the "safe," and in this position the rifle cannot be discharged. When the safety latch "B" is pushed up, the rifle is still at the safe. Such a movement might easily be made under excitement. When, however, the safety latch is moved up and then turned to the left or right as a man is right or left handed, the mechanism engages, due to these two motions, so as to bring the rifle to the "ready." The finger next to the trigger finger can now grasp the stock near the trigger guard, which the safety latch pre- vented when it was in the position of "safe." Cease Firing When the trigger is fully compressed, relaxing it will discharge the rifle. Should the command "cease firing" be given while in this position, the following is the procedure: Maintain the pressure on the trigger with the trigger 24 finger. The back of the finger next to the trigger finger is near or touching the safety latch and behind it. Bring this finger in front of the safety latch, pull both fingers backward, and while so doing do not relax the trigger finger. The safety latch will then be at the "safe" ; that is, parallel to the longer dimen- sion of the stock. No difficulty has been experienced in doing this. A man with hard hands and stiffened fingers does it as easily as a youth who has never done hard manual labor and whose fingers are consequently flexible. It is vital to the successful employment of the relax- ing trigger that the operation of "cease firing" should be easily and rapidly performed without any danger of discharging the rifle or other firearm. This result has been absolutely attained, even when heavy gloves are worn. When the safety latch has been brought to the posi- tion of "safe," the trigger can then be relaxed with- out discharging the rifle, which is then at the "safe," that is, loaded and locked. The rifle is now in the same position that it was before preparing to fire, and to fire again, the rifle must be first brought to the position of "ready," as described above. The Relaxing Trigger marks an epoch in rifle, pistol, and revolver fire — the beginning of a new era, ivith skill within the reach of all. 25 Elimination of Present Safety Latch It will be seen that the present safety latch or lock "A" may be discarded, as it has no part in the func- tions above described. The Relaxing Trigger costs in quantity production but little more than the present trigger mechanism, and the cost of the present safety latch should be de- ducted, which makes the cost of the Relaxing Trigger about the same as the present inefficient compression trigger. The Sporting Model, with Automatic Safety The description given in the preceding pages is of the military model. The sporting model differs only in the arrangement of the safety latch. The safety latch on the military model cannot be applied when the rifle is in the safe position by a single movement. Two movements are required: the first motion is up; the second motion is to the left or The most annihilating effect of infantry fire the world has ever known can be attained by the Relaxing Trigger. Under exciting conditions, the present type of trigger is apt to result in high and consequently ineffective fire effect; with the Relaxing Trigger, excitement must result in lower fire in action. This is the result every one who directs collective fire en- deavors to attain. It is accomplished by the Relaxing Trigger. 26 right (according as a man is right or left handed). In excitement an individual may make one movement suddenly or a composite movement, but never makes two absolutely different movements. The safety latch of the military model was con- structed with this idea in mind, so that the rifle would be at the "safe" normally and could not be brought to the "ready" except by movements of deliberate volition. To execute these two movements takes only about a quarter of a second, but, as they are distinct, any single movement of excitement will not bring the rifle from the safe position. Automatic Safety Latch Description of Automatic Safety Latch for the Re- laxing Trigger (Sporting Model) produced in com- pliance with the suggestion of Major General Leonard Wood, U.S.A. Immediately in rear of the trigger bow is a latch movable to and fro into the stock. This safety latch is held immovable when the rifle is locked, and no manipulation of the trigger can result in discharge. When it is desired to bring the rifle to the position of "ready" a small cam is touched and the automatic safety can then be moved. The rifle is carried "locked" only when on the march with the rifle loaded, as is now the case with the present type of compression trigger. To fire, the rifle if locked is brought to the "ready" 27 in about one-eighth of a second. It is then brought to the shoulder, and while holding it in this position the automatic safety will be engaged without any effort of volition on the part of the rifleman. The trigger is then retracted, even jerked back, and no discharge can take place. Aim is then taken, and the trigger finger is allowed to yield to the tension of the compressed trigger. During this time the mind of the rifleman is occupied only with maintaining the alignment, and the discharge will take place on the forward movement of the trigger. Should it be desired to execute "cease firing" after the trigger has been retracted, all that has to be done is to extend the middle finger towards the trigger guard and the rifle will be absolutely safe, for the automatic safety is then no longer sustained in the operative position. The rifle cannot be fired unless this safety latch is held up (that is, pushed into the stock) during the entire time the trigger moves for- ward. Both in firing and in ceasing firing the middle finger functions exactly as the trigger finger does now with the present compression trigger, and the action is just the same. It does not matter with this safety latch what the trigger finger has done, is doing, or is going to do. When the automatic safety is released by extending the middle finger the rifle cannot be fired, which is exactly analogous to the use of the trigger finger with the present type of compression trigger. 28 Should the Relaxing Trigger be retracted and the rifle then dropped from the hands, it will not be dis- charged, as the automatic safety would be no longer sustained in operative position. The same thing ob- tains if the rifle is jerked from the hands of the rifle- man while in the act of aiming. This was not the case with the former model designated previously as the military model, and has caused this sporting model to be preferred by many officers for military use. After firing, if an advance is to be made, the rifle is loaded and the automatic safety is then locked in position. While in this position no movement of the trigger will discharge the rifle, just as is the case with the present mechanism, except that it can be locked and unlocked in about one-quarter the time now neces- sary. Variations The Relaxing Trigger can be arranged in many different ways. The Eureka Arms Company can place a Relaxing Trigger upon any small arm, rifle, revolver, shotgun, or automatic. Any change that the individual may desire can be effected, but the trigger will always operate by relaxation. 29 CHAPTER III CLAIMS The Relaxing Trigger has been subjected to exhaus- tive tests on the target range, where it has evoked enthusiasm. Its principle is endorsed by instructors and good shots from privates to general officers. One instance among many may be cited : With this device at Fort Banks on June 13, 1918, a soldier, who had never qualified in several seasons, made 23 in five shots at both slow and rapid fire at 200 yards. He had never seen the Relaxing Trigger before, and was instructed in its use for only a few minutes. Among the greatest advantages the Relaxing Trig- ger presents, the following are the most important: 1. The average recruit can be trained in one-half the time that it would take with the present arm. 2. Increased accuracy in both slow and rapid fire will be attained by eliminating the fault of flinching entirely, as well as any tendency to derange the aim by an improper manner of squeezing the trigger. In firing at a moving target, the Relaxing Trigger is especially valuable, as the alignment of the sights can be maintained on the target and the piece discharged Greater rapidity and greater accuracy are attained by the Relaxing Trigger. 30 without deranging the aim at the moment of discharge. This is a great advantage for a sharpshooter in an advanced post. 3. With this device any healthy and intelligent person should become a good shot, as the flinching and trigger troubles we now have to contend with are elim- inated. 4. It requires but a few minutes' instruction for a man trained to use the present style of compression trigger to become adept with the Relaxing Trigger. 5. In firing from an unstable platform, as a ship, boat, or aeroplane, the errors due to having to pull the trigger smoothly are overcome, as the relaxation in such cases can be practically instantaneous with- out deranging the aim. 6. Under excitement, men fire high when using a compression trigger. With the Relaxing Trigger, ex- citement might induce a slight movement of the trigger finger downward, thus depressing the muzzle. Excite- ment would tend, therefore, to make the fire low instead of high. This advantage is so obvious that it is not considered necessary to do more than call atten- tion to it and to the saving in ammunition and its cost. 7. This trigger is adaptable to any firearm. It involves no change in the manufacture of the firearm, The Relaxing Trigger has five principal advantages : (1) instruction can be given in one-fourth the time; (2) greater accuracy; (3) greater rapidity; (4) low fire in battle instead of high fire; (5) greater safety. 31 as it affects only the trigger mechanism. These claims have already been conclusively demonstrated on target ranges. The Only Positive Determination of these Claims There is only one way that these claims can be sub- stantiated; that is, in competitive test with the old or compression trigger on the target range. Their validity cannot be controverted by any ab- stract study or examination. These claims are either true or they are in error. No middle ground is pos- sible. Officers and enlisted men with years of experi- ence on the target range have been convinced after seeing the results gained by the use of the Relaxing Trigger. One objection to the Relaxing Trigger is worthy of note, because it appears valid to those who have not seen it in use. It is that in quick shooting in emer- gency two movements are necessary — that of compres- sion and then that of relaxation. How is it, then, that the Relaxing Trigger will not be in such cases slower in operation, because two movements cannot be made as rapidly as one, and the compression type of trigger requires but one movement of squeezing or pulling the trigger? The answer is that the muzzle of the revolver, rifle, or other firearm even in the most rapid firing must be pointed in the direction of the object it is desired to hit. While doing so with the 32 Relaxing Trigger the trigger is pulled back long before the muzzle is pointed in the direction desired, so that at the moment of discharge only one thing remains to be done. In the case of the compression type of trigger it must be pulled or squeezed with all the disadvantages characteristic of this method, while with the Relaxing Trigger but one thing remains — relaxation with its incomparably better results. In this case at the desired instant of discharge there is but one thing to do. The most conclusive answer is, however, that of actual use, which removes all doubt. 33 CHAPTER IV PSYCHOLOGICAL DIFFICULTY All psychologists are agreed that the human mind cannot concentrate on two disparate ideas* simultane- ously. The compression trigger now used required this. The Relaxing Trigger demands but one mental effort at a time. The act of alignment in aiming and that of uni- formly squeezing a trigger against compression are ideas that are entirely disparate in essence. Medical Opinion One of the most eminent neurologists in the United States agrees with the following statement: It is a principle of psychology, that when the mind has a definite end which is to be accomplished by the vari- ous actions of the senses under the power of the will, the less the mind has to concentrate itself on the individual actions, and the more mechanical or sub- conscious they can be made, the better will be the result provided they function as required. The Relaxing Trigger is one of the few inventions in which the latent psychological power of the indi- vidual has been the guiding thought as well as every * Disparate idea. Logic. Having no definitive relation in com- mon, connected only by some notion of great generality. 34 anatomical and neurological condition that affects the intimate co-ordination of mind and muscle in the complex act of aiming and firing. Exact Definition of the Present Difficulty A definition of what is necessary for good firing with a compression trigger has been attempted. It is as follows: Careful aim must be taken, involving mental concentration in sighting, and at the same time a progressive pressure must be brought to bear on the trigger, which involves a purely muscular sense, operating against a constantly increasing resistance. A disparate idea is thereby evoked, and as soon as the mind becomes conscious of the trigger squeeze, the aim is lost, or at least impaired. The two senses of sight and feeling must be caused to synchronize so perfectly that they will be brought to simultaneous co-ordination at the precise moment of the culmination of the effort desired. Only a few men can do this. Otherwise every man of intelligence would be an expert rifleman. With the invention of the Relaxing Trigger, ex- pertness in marksmanship is only a measure of intelli- gence. All nerve strain and adverse psychological conditions are at once and for all entirely eliminated. Infantry is still the most numerous arm of an army. Our infantry deserves the best. The Relaxing Trigger is the best trigger. 35 Are the difficulties of the compression trigger exaggerated? This can only be answered in the negative. Other- wise any intelligent man could become an expert rifle- man. Marksmanship now does not vary directly with the intelligence of the man. Many men of brilliant mentality can never become good marksmen. With the Relaxing Trigger, marksmanship is deter- mined only by mentality, as all nervous strain is elim- inated. 36 CHAPTER V HOW ALL THESE DISADVANTAGES ARE OVERCOME BY THE RELAXING TRIGGER The rifle is at the "safe" ; that is, loaded and locked. The new safety latch "L" is in the middle position. It cannot be moved from this position except by a movement of volition. It is easily moved, however, to the position of "ready" by pressing it up and then turning it sideways. This is done instantaneously. The rifle is now at the "ready." Aim is taken, the trigger is then pulled, drawn back, or, even with im- punity, jerked back to its maximum point of compres- sion. The aim is now adjusted to the finest point without having to think of anything else. This done, when it is desired to discharge the piece, the aim is maintained and the trigger finger is allowed to yield smoothly to the force of the compressed trigger and the rifle discharged. Relaxing is easy, as it involves no progressive mus- cular strain, no disturbance of mental concentration in aiming, and there is no tendency to pull to one side or to flinch. The Relaxing Trigger is the triumph of abstract, scientific reasoning applied to the attainment of con- crete, practical results. Careful reading of this book- let will make this plain. 37 Flinching is a movement of muscular contraction and cannot take place while relaxing only the fore- finger, as contrasted with compression, which is apt to involve many muscles. The method of relaxation is the only correct physio- logical, psychological, and neurological way, as the mind cannot concentrate perfectly on two disparate ideas at one time. A recruit is apt to grasp the stock too tightly. This subjects the muscles of the entire hand to too great an initial pressure. As a consequence, individual flexi- bility of the fingers for the simplest anatomical reasons is considerably diminished. Now in the act of aiming it becomes necessary to compress the trigger finger. This finger has now lost individual flexibility to a large extent, and in compressing the trigger the entire group of muscles of the hand is compressed still more. This obtains more or less with even good shots and is why so much practice is necessary for them in preparing for competitions. The contraction of the muscles of the trig- ger FINGER SETS UP MUSCULAR TREMOR, AS THE RADI- ATION OF MOTOR IMPULSE FROM THE MUSCLE IT IS DESIRED TO CONTRACT SPREADS SYMPATHETICALLY TO THE OTHER MUSCLES HAVING SIMILAR ACTION WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN CONTRACTED. This phenomenon is increased under excitement. Relaxation now being applied to firearms, for the first time the same result will follow. 38 A naturally voluntary movement cannot be made subconscious without long and patient training. This is precisely what forefinger technique is, which is in- dispensable with a compression trigger. Results Obtained by the Use of the Relaxing Trigger The Relaxing Trigger does away with all of these disadvantages. The claims here made have been amply borne out by tests on the target range and have been marvelled at by those officers who have seen them. 39 CHAPTER VI ADAPTABILITY TO OTHER FIREARMS AND TO GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS The Relaxing Trigger is adaptable by suitable mod- ifications to any semi-automatic firearm; that is, to any firearm that is discharged by a separate compres- sion of the trigger for each shot. Therefore it is adaptable to any firearm with which the soldier is armed that answers the above description, such as the Springfield Rifle, model 1903, the modified Enfield, model 1917, the automatic pistol of various makes, and the revolver. The following list of requirements is taken from the list of requirements issued by the Ordnance De- partment of the United States Government for the guidance of inventors in perfecting a design of semi- automatic shoulder rifle. The requirements not perti- nent to the trigger mechanism have been omitted as not applicable to the present subject. The Relaxing Trigger answers every individual need and peculiarity of the American soldier as observed on the target range for over twenty years. For him it was made. By him it should be used. 40 The Requirements (h) The trigger pull (measured at middle point of bow of trigger) to be not less than 3 nor more than 4!/2 pounds. (i) An efficient safety or locking device must be pro- vided permitting the rifle to be carried cocked and with cartridge in barrel without danger. The rifle should re- main cocked and ready for firing when the safety device is unlocked. (k) The rifle must be cap- able of being used either as an automatic loading rifle or as an ordinary magazine rifle, the change from one to the other being simply and rapidly effected. The rifle must function correctly as an automatic rifle, both with and without the bayonet fixed. When used as a mag- azine rifle, the bolt must work freely by hand without excessive force having to be used. How t::e Relaxing Trigger Meets these Demands (h) Trigger pull 4 pounds normal, adjustable if re- quired. (i) Positive safety lock against accidental discharge. Easily and rapidly applied. This is vitally necessary, as relaxing of the trigger will discharge the rifle. When it is applied the rifle is re- turned to the "safe," that is, the safety latch must be moved to the position of "ready," the trigger com- pressed and then relaxed to lire. (k) The Relaxing Trigger interferes with none of these functions, as it is concerned with the trigger mechanism only and involves no other change in the rifle. 41 (/) The firing mechanism should permit the recocking of piece without moving bolt in case of misfire. (o) Good balance and shape adapted to shoulder firing. (/) The striker may be re- cocked without unlocking bolt in case of misfire. (o) Balance and shape of the service rifle are not af- fected. (p) Not to be automatic, (p) A separate pull of .e., the rifle is to fire only the trigger for each shot. It one shot for each pressure of is just that class of firearms that the Relaxing Trigger is made for. (q) The weight of the rifle is the same. the trigger. (q) The weight of the rifle, without bayonet and with magazine empty, must not exceed 9% pounds. It will be seen from the above that the Relaxing Trigger conflicts with none of the government require- ments. It adds the incomparable benefit of eliminat- ing completely the human error inseparable from the present compression trigger. You relax the trigger, the gun does the rest. 42 CHAPTER VII PROPOSED TEST The following test is proposed as an adequate means of effectually determining the merits of the Relaxing Trigger as compared with the compression trigger. Let two groups of men with no previous experience in firearms be selected from recruits. Let some one who is familiar with the Relaxing Trigger instruct the first group in target practice to include all ranges as prescribed and in both slow and rapid fire and in field firing. The instructor is not to have any assist- ant instructors, but do all the instruction himself, although he may select from the recruits of his group those who show adaptability to assist him. The idea is that of the group selected not a single man will have had previous experience with any firearms and will therefore learn everything from the instructor. While this is being done the second group is to be instructed similarly in the use of the compression trigger. Then the two groups should shoot in competition in the prescribed course and in field firing. The results will be that the first group will be ready to shoot for record much sooner than the second group and in every class of fire will show superior results. 43 This is only a suggestion. The officers at the School of Musketry of the Army at Camp Benning, Georgia, include many of the best individual shots and instructors in the service, and whatever the pre- cise method that may be employed, there is no doubt that it will be both thorough and exact. Our Conception of Rifle Fire The American conception of rifle fire is superior to that of some foreign armies. We expect men to hit their targets. Our theory of fire is based on the idea that adequate target practice will cause riflemen to hit their objective in battle; that the excitement of battle will not result in loss of individuality nor result in a more or less undisciplined mass fire. The Relaxing Trigger is a device that makes good shots of men who have been unable to become so. It stimulates individuality and is a wonderful aid to the nervous man, while his more phlegmatic brother will encounter no disadvantages but will also find his marksmanship improved. With the compression trigger three things are neces- sary, viz.: take up the slack; make the first pressure, applying most of the force; and third, the final squeeze. With the Relaxing Trigger there is but one thing to do — relax. 44 CHAPTER VIII What follows is called "A Vision of the Future." While this part of the book is imaginative, there is nothing therein that is not a logical deduction from what has preceded, and it is presented with the aim of giving a vivid picture of the potentialities of one of the most epoch-making inventions in the history of firearms. A Vision of the Future A great offensive. An American regiment finds itself beyond the supporting power of its artillery. The immediate objective that has been carried is now ordered to be held at all costs. Airplanes have re- ported the enemy has massed four regiments against our one, deployed on the edge of a small grove. The position has suddenly become a key-point of great local importance. The attack will not long be delayed. One of our advanced patrols has descried a hostile scout running rapidly to cover four hundred yards away. A single steel messenger of death overtakes him. His dis- patches are brought back. They confirm the previous Excitement tends to cause spasmodic contraction of muscles. Relaxing tends to soothe and rest the muscles and has a marked steadying effect. 45 reports. The ground to the front is alive with the fog of gray uniforms of the enemy. Wave after wave of attacking troops press forward. Our fire is very low. Few shots go high. The line of advance is clouded with dust from our rifle fire. The gray lines continually reinforced press on with an obstinate and valiant courage. The ground is rough and broken to the front and affords much cover. There has been no time to clear a large field of fire. Before our position only a small belt has been cleared. The hostile line pushes forward in spite of losses that would stagger any but picked troops. The air is vibrant with the hiss of bullets. The edge of the cleared space has been gained. No word of command can be heard. The infantry fire on both sides quickens until the air is filled with one long sibilant shriek. From the right flank of the enemy the volume of fire increases till the scream of sound changes to one continuous roar. Our line is equally engaged throughout. Every man, with nerve tensed, is firing with the greatest rapidity. For an instant the fire on the left of the enemy's line slackens and then follows a horde of With the compression trigger, three things are neces- sary, viz.: take up the slack; make the first pressure, applying most of the force; and third, the final squeeze. With the Relaxing Trigger there is but one thing to do — relax. 46 gray bodies advancing at a run, their rush covered by the augmented fire from their right. Now is the critical moment. Will our lines hold? All our reserves have already been thrown into the firing line. The gray line quickens its pace. It wavers. Scores of men pitch forward, but still the line comes on. Our fire grazes the earth. No shots go high. A stream of bullets are parallel with the ground. Through this vortex of death no troops can pass. The enemy breaks for cover to the farther end of the cleared strip. Another charge is attempted, and another, but still the same result. A grazing fire in which no shots go high covers the front of our position before which nothing can stand, an annihilating effect of infantry fire that the world has never seen. The gray line shaken by the fruitless slaughter retires to the com- parative shelter of the broken ground. Our position has been held according to orders. Any firearms in which high fire is practically eliminated must produce a result startling in the ex- treme, for the contagion of excitement, when the Re- laxing Trigger is used, causes fire to be lower as excitement increases, thus absolutely reversing what has come to be considered an adverse psychological condition. In this hour, the most critical period in the world's history, such a possibility is at least worthy of the most thorough analysis. 47 CHAPTER IX MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS In aiming, the trigger finger must move. This movement is the great difficulty when employing the compression method. No difficulty attends it when using the relaxing method. Mechanically as well as psychologically the ad- vantage is with relaxation. With the compression trigger, no matter how evenly and slowly the trigger is compressed, when the sear is tripped, the residual momentum of the trigger finger, being suddenly relieved of the strain, is expended in the direction of the butt of the rifle and thus deranges the aim even with skilled men unless the greatest' care is taken. When two children are pulling against each other and one suddenly lets go, the other falls backward. The tendency of the compression trigger when the sear is released is to cause the trigger finger to go back- ward with a slight jerk at the moment of discharge, just as the child falls backward when the resistance is suddenly withdrawn. The residual momentum thus causes the rifle to move as the force of the trigger finger that has been slowly squeezing the trigger is suddenly released. With the Relaxing Trigger, when the sear is released, the trigger finger is moving for- ward, and the residual momentum is absorbed by the 48 trigger spring, and is furthermore in a forward direc- tion and does not move the rifle barrel. Penny Drill This difference is clearly exemplified by the exer- cise known as "penny drill," which the author used and developed in the instruction of troops with very gratifying results for many years. This is the way the exercise is performed: A soldier was required to aim carefully with an unloaded rifle while a comrade placed one of the large copper coins of the Philippines, about the size of a twenty-five cent piece, on the barrel of the rifle near the front sight. The requirement was that the soldier should squeeze his trigger ten times in succession so gradually and smoothly that the penny would not be dislodged by the impact of the firing pin when it was released. To do this ten successive times with the present type of com- pression trigger is by no means easy even by expert riflemen. With the Relaxing Trigger the same feat is performed with ease. This proves that the method of firing by relaxation certainly gives less vibration to the rifle (caused by the one firing) than with the method of compression. 49 CHAPTER X EYESIGHT The New Psychology The old idea of psychology considered the brain as a sort of nest of pigeon-holes in which were con- veniently tucked away the various thoughts and acquired forms of knowledge. The modern concep- tion, however, considers that every idea, every thought, every act, affects all others that are taking place simultaneously to a greater or less extent. Accordingly eye-strain in firing is not a totally sepa- rate thing from the feeling of the trigger squeeze on the trigger, but varies powerfully with it. Very few instructors have given much study to the eye and the way it functions, which is surprising. It merely illustrates the fact that the general tendency is to work out methods of instruction in any art by purely empir- ical methods. For a thorough understanding of all the principles affecting the theory on which the Relax- ing Trigger is constructed, an elementary acquaint- ance with the anatomy of the human eye is essential. With the compression trigger the human error is greater than any in the mechanism of the entire rifle: with the Relaxing Trigger the human error is reduced to an infinitesimal. 50 The Anatomy of the Eye To place such information before the reader, the following description of the functions of the eye is taken from "Psychology," by Professor William James of Harvard University: — "Accommodation. — The focussing or sharpening of the image is performed by a special apparatus. In every camera, the farther the object is from the eye the farther forward, and the nearer the object is to the eye the farther backward, is its image thrown. In photographers' cameras the back is made to slide, and can be drawn away from the lens when the object that casts the picture is near, and pushed forward when it is far. The picture is thus always kept sharp. But no such change of length is possible in the eyeball; and the same result is reached in another way. The lens, namely, grows more convex when a near object is looked at, and flatter when the object recedes. This change is due to the antagonism of the circular 'liga- ment' in which the lens is suspended, and the 'ciliary muscle.' The ligament, when the ciliary muscle is at rest, assumes such a spread-out shape as to keep the lens rather flat. But the lens is highly elastic; and it springs into the more convex form which is natural The principle of relaxation has beaten that of com- pression on every battlefield in the Middle Ages. The longbow fired by relaxation, the crossbow by com- pression. The longbow won. 51 to it whenever the ciliary muscle, by contracting, causes the ligament to relax its pressure. The con- traction of the muscle, by thus rendering the lens more refractive, adapts the eye for near objects ('accommo- dates' it for them, as we say) ; and its relaxation, by rendering the lens refractive, adapts the eye for dis- tant vision. Accommodation for the near is thus the more active change, since it involves contraction of the ciliary muscle. When we look far off, we simply let our eyes go passive. We feel this difference in the effort when we compare the two sensations of change." From the above quotation it is evident that the ciliary muscle is relaxed in aiming at any distance greater than a few yards. Now there should be nothing occurring in the act of aiming that will tend to contract the ciliary muscle, because if it contracts, we cannot focus on a distant object, and if any cause tends to make the muscle contract, it will require an effort to prevent it. When using the compression trigger, the tension on the trigger finger is in compression. The nerves transmitting this sensation enter the brain at a con- siderable distance from those of the eyesight, which enter the occipital orbit. There is, therefore, a dis- tinctly inharmonious relation between these sets of afferent nerves, and we have just seen that one sensa- tion affects another more or less sympathetically. With the Relaxing Trigger all this is changed. During the act of aiming, the nerves of the ciliary muscle remain relaxed as they should be, and there is 52 no subconscious effort made to maintain it in relaxa- tion, which is the case when the sensation of compres- sion of the trigger finger is transmitted to the brain, for this sensation, although transmitted to a different brain-centre, affects the eye subconsciously. When aiming with the Relaxing Trigger the nerves of the ciliary muscle remain in undisturbed relaxation and at the same time the finger muscles are relaxing. Here is harmony of effort, here is perfect rhythmic balance during the act. One cannot dance easily with a shoe weighing two pounds on one foot while its fellow is shod with one weighing a few ounces. This is obvious, yet just as difficult an effort is required of the marksman when using the compression trigger. The marksman is psychologically out of balance. He is required to do two acts at the same time that are entirely disparate; further, he is required to syn- chronize them so perfectly that they will be kept in exact co-ordination up to and during the culmination of the act resulting in the discharge of the rifle. With the Relaxing Trigger he is performing acts that are harmonious instead of disparate, that have no tendency to disturb each other. These conclusions have been amply proved by the results attained. It may be urged that the ciliary muscle, being an involuntary one, cannot cause ideation. Careful reflection on this subject will show that this is the case. When aiming at any distance over a few yards, con- siderable visual acuity is necessary; and if while so 53 aiming a book is suddenly presented to the eye at a distance of about fifteen inches, the eye will not im- mediately be able to read it. Accommodation in this case takes a few seconds, because the eye has been so intently focussed upon the distant object. Now with the compression trigger during this time the trigger finger is in compression, and the sensation of com- pression transmitted to the posterior surface of the brain interferes with the function of the ciliary muscle, which should be relaxed naturally and is relaxed while aiming. The transmission of the compressive strain of the trigger finger interferes with this, and an effort — subconscious, it is true, but still an effort — must be made to keep the alignment. With the Relax- ing Trigger there is no compressive sensation trans- mitted, the ciliary muscle is in no way interfered with; every nerve is working harmoniously in the same and not divergent ways. Countless neiv ideas that promise much blaze brightly forth, which on investigation prove as nebu- lous as the Milky Way. Actual use has shown con- clusively that the Relaxing Trigger is no chimerical dream — not the mental product of "one vertiginous whirl of phantasmagoric frenzy/ 9 but an evolution of principles ascertained by intense application to the problem of improving musketry fire in particular and firearms in general. 54 CHAPTER XI CRUDE ATTEMPTS TO APPROXIMATE RELAXATION The difficulties attending the trigger squeeze have long been known, in fact since the earliest firearms. It is interesting to examine the various ways made in the past to overcome this difficulty. The first is to use a very sensitive trigger, thus reducing the disturb- ing factor in the act of aiming. A sensitive trigger is dangerous at all times, and for military use imprac- tical. Another idea is to use a safety-set trigger. In such a mechanism there are two triggers. One has a pull of about three and a half pounds normally, and for normal firing this trigger is used. When, how- ever, it is desired to make it sensitive, an auxiliary trigger is pulled back which causes the first trigger to be very sensitive, that is, the trigger is then "set." It is now very sensitive, and a very delicate touch will fire the rifle. Another way used by "gun men" on the frontier was to remove the trigger, file the sear, and fire a revolver by holding back the hammer and letting it fall. This last is only crude relaxation. Such have been the attempts to do away with the trigger-squeeze difficulty. All this the relaxing trig- ger does, and moreover does it with superlative safety. 55 CHAPTER XII GRASPING THE STOCK If a very smooth and light trigger action is pro- vided, immediate and beneficial results are shown through increased ease of firing. The novice will not generally be able to avail himself of this advan- tage. A recruit always while aiming fires his rifle with at least a six-pound pull (often much more) in spite of the fact that mechanically it requires but little over three to effect discharge. The tendency of the recruit as observed for twenty years is to squeeze the rifle stock with prodigious force with the muscles of the hand instead of holding it moderately and by use of the biceps and deltoid muscles holding it securely against the shoulder, the error of holding the stock with too intense a pressure of the hand persists for a long time and is one of the most prolific causes of poor shooting. The reason is this: If the hand is compressed strongly while holding the stock, all the muscles of the hand tend to operate as one body. Individual sensitiveness and control of the trigger Future generations will wonder how it was that the principle of relaxation was not applied to the dis- charge of firearms, and will marvel at the lack of imagination that allowed the compression trigger to be used so long. 56 finger is lost, and although the trigger pull be very light, the novice cannot avail himself of this advan- tage; because if he is holding the stock with a hard and powerful grip, with the muscles of the hand and forearm rigid, the pressure exerted will be well over twenty or thirty pounds, and when it is desired to fire and cause the trigger to come back, instead of doing so with an effort of three pounds or a little more, the whole hand must operate, and the resulting force is the twenty or thirty pounds plus the three pounds and a fraction. Consequently a sensitive trigger does not for the novice overcome the difficulty'. It is highly desirable for military men to be able to teach recruits quickly, and the compression trigger when used takes much more time than the Relaxing Trigger for instruc- tion. This has been demonstrated by firing five thou- sand shots with several hundred men for a period of three months. Not once but repeatedly recruits who have never fired a shot in their lives have been able to shoot over forty-three out of fifty at three hundred yards. This time of instruction was divided into halves. Five minutes were spent on the aiming-bar in teaching alignment, and five in the manipulation of the Relaxing Trigger. Such a result is little short of The Relaxing Trigger is a mechanism built in con- formity with a natural law discovered by years of study. It transcends empiricism, being the result of a priori reasoning and thus ingeminates no errors of the past. 57 marvellous. This alone would justify the use of the Relaxing Trigger, for in time of emergency men can be brought to a proficient state of marksmanship in less than one-quarter the time now necessary. Flinching If the recruit flinches, high fire results with the present compression type of trigger, as it is axiomatic that the hasty pulling of the trigger by recruits and others in action results in the large percentage of high fire in battle. Now let us consider the Relaxing Trig- ger in this regard. If the trigger is jerked backward, the rifle will not be discharged, from the very nature of the Relaxing Trigger. If the relaxation is accom- plished smoothly (slow or fast), the accuracy of the shot is measured by only one factor, that of eyesight. The error due to the human element is eliminated. Should the relaxation be badly done (although there is little tendency to do so) by letting the whole hand move forward, the muzzle would be slightly depressed, and thus in excitement low fire would result instead of high fire. This is a tactical advan- tage of the utmost importance. It is a revolution, not an improvement, and makes possible the long- sought military ideal of preserving and keeping fire low in battle. 58 CHAPTER XIII SAFETY There remains one more consideration which must be examined with the greatest care, and it is to this that the attention of military men and sportsmen is now invited. The Relaxing Trigger, great as its ad- vantages are, and have been proved to be by the firing of thousands of shots, would still be of no utility unless its safety were equal to or greater than the safety of the compression trigger. There is no comparison. It is superlatively safer. As the electric arc can hardly be compared in brilliancy with a tallow dip, so the Relaxing Trigger cannot be compared in safety with the old archaic type of compression trigger. It was, however, a most difficult matter to make it safe, because the difficulties to be overcome were not mechanical but psychological. Many Relaxing Trig- gers were made that were apparently safe, but when tested under conditions where every effort was made to produce exciting influences they were found not to The Relaxing Trigger has no precedents in firearms. Inductive ratiocination as applied to the psychology of small physical movements has substantiated cer- tain principles. These are embodied in the Relax- ing Trigger. 59 be fool-proof, although at all times equally safe with the present type of compression trigger. This was not considered enough. As the Relaxing Trigger was incomparably more efficient than the compression type, it was not desired to rest until it was in each and every way superior to the older type. This result has been achieved. Out of over fifty different types a few were selected which have a far higher degree of safety than has ever before been attained. The one ex- plained in the text is considered by the author the one most suitable for military use, although one of the few mentioned might on extensive trial give as good results. All the devices experimented with were re- jected but five, of which the one now selected was chosen to place upon the service rifle for test. The mechanical construction had to be made sub- ordinate to the psychological requirements. It was necessary to study the anatomy of the hand, to devote much attention to a minute analysis of small physical movements and make the mechanism to correspond to what was possible for the mind to do when working under great stress. Such an analysis, so minute and painstaking, ex- tending over years, has, it is thought, not previously been attempted in order to fit a mechanism to the limitations of the mind. The precise way in which the Relaxing Trigger functions has been previously explained (pages 9 and 10). Let us now consider its use in actual test on the target range. This comparative test has been had 60 many times and always with the same striking simi- larity of results. A Test of Safety A group of men are placed on the ground. One- half are armed with the rifle equipped with the old type, in which the human equation has been ignored. The other half were equipped with rifles fitted with the Relaxing Trigger, which is made to fit the mental peculiarities of the average individual. It was explained to all the men that the object was to ascertain how many men could execute "cease firing" when suddenly interfered with while in the act of aiming. The men were then ordered to fire at will in the prone position. While aiming, the men were interfered with by a sharp slap of the hand on the back or on the feet and in other ways. The men using the compression trigger did what any one naturally does when suddenly startled or struck, — they yielded to the natural tendency to contract the muscles, and the rifles were discharged. If a man has a newspaper in his hand and is sud- denly and rudely jostled in a crowd, his natural ten- dency is to make a spasmodic contraction of the muscles. His hand will involuntarily clench upon the paper. He will have no tendency to drop it. This is what occurred on the target range, resulting, as has been said, in the discharge of the rifle. The men armed with the Relaxing Trigger when interfered with were affected in the same way as the 61 other men. They yielded to the same involuntary instinct to compress what was in the hand. But note the different result. The Relaxing Trigger when com- pressed hy a convulsive movement is not discharged. The men were then able to apply the safety latch with ease while retaining the trigger compressed. The moment the safety latch is applied, the finger may be released. The trigger then moves forward but the rifle is not discharged. To fire again, the safety latch must be set to the ready and the trigger com- pressed as before. This safety latch can be operated by a single movement of one finger in less than one quarter of a second. On the sporting model the safety latch operates differently, as the withdrawal of the hand from the stock will render the rifle inoperative. In other words, just relax the grip and the rifle is safe. No man can grasp the ramifications of a new idea and the extent of its application in a moment. Reflect upon the Relaxing Trigger. The more one reflects upon it, the more varied are its benefits seen to be. A speck of mud on an eye-glass will obliterate the view of a mountain. Do not let the comparative near- ness, so to speak, of the compression trigger prevent visualizing the greater merits of the Relaxing Trigger. 62 CHAPTER XIV GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Greater ease of instruction has been made evident, also greater accuracy, low lire in battle, and greater safety. At first thought the question of rapidity might seem to be decided adversely to the Relaxing Trigger. A natural consequence from certain prem- ises is not always immediately obvious. The Relax- ing Trigger is new, scientific; the compression trigger is archaic on the wrong psychological and neurolog- ical principles, but it has at present the transient advantage of being the only known type and of being entrenched behind the citadel of conventionality. But the world does move. And from its proud position of pre-eminence the compression trigger is doomed to fall. Error is dispelled by truth. Rapidity The Relaxing Trigger is more rapid, as determined by stop watches in the ratio of fifty-five to seventy. One minute and ten seconds are allowed by the pres- ent regulations to fire ten shots. Five cartridges are in a clip. When these are fired, a new clip must be Why has the Relaxing Trigger been received with a unanimity of opinion that is marvellous? MERIT. 63 inserted in the magazine and five more fired. To do this and aim well is not easy within the time allow- ance and requires considerable training. Let us com- pare rapid fire with the two types of triggers. With the compression type a shot is fired, the cartridge is then ejected and a new one is inserted, the rifle is then brought back to the aiming position, the aim is obtained, and then, and not before, trigger squeeze takes place. Sequence of Action With the relaxing type a shot is fired, the car- tridge is then ejected and a new one is inserted; then while the rifle is being brought to the aiming position the trigger is compressed, not slowly but rapidly, the return of the rifle to the aiming position and the com- pression of the trigger being done simultaneously. The moment the aim is attained superficially the trig- ger relaxation is begun, and during this relaxation the aim is continually improved, no attention being paid to the trigger finger. It is merely allowed to yield to the tension of the compressed trigger. The result is, there is nothing to disturb the aim at the moment of discharge. Five thousand shots have established the fact that to fire ten shots as described with the Relax- ing Trigger in the hands of novices requires but fifty- five seconds to secure good results. To do better firing than untrained men generally attain and do it in fifty-five seconds as contrasted with seventy is a result 64 that, it is believed, makes the claim of greater rapidity a reasonable one. These results taken together increase the tactical efficiency of the rifle fully one hundred per cent. THE RELAXING TRIGGER AS APPLIED TO REVOLVERS AND AUTOMATICS AND MA- CHINE GUNS A revolver equipped with the Relaxing Trigger functions as described below: — The safety latch lies under the thumb, as shown. To fire, jerk back the trigger and hold it back. Aim, and while so doing, allow the finger to relax to the tension of the spring; that is, allow the trigger to pull the finger with it. This relaxation may be fast or slow. The result is that there is no tendency to pull to one side, as is the case with the compression trigger. The same results follow as explained for the rifle. The safety latch operates thus. It is normally "ready," so that compressing the trigger and then releasing it will discharge the revolver. It is not necessary to do anything to the safety latch to fire. The revolver can always be used, just as is the case with the present type. When the trigger is compressed and it is not desired to fire, the thumb operates the safety latch, being im- mediately against it. The hammer will then be held in the retracted position, and the finger may be taken away, allowing the trigger to move forward. 65 The hammer is now in the cocked- position and so held by the safety latch. Of course it should now be possible to return the hammer to normal position with- out danger. This is done by pressing the safety latch, and the hammer will fall towards the loaded cartridge, but it will not strike it, as the hammer is prevented from going far enough forward for the firing pin to strike. In other words, it is stopped in the rebound position, as the present type now is. The greater rapidity of the Relaxing Trigger deserves a few words as applied to revolvers and auto- matics. With the present type of trigger the revolver must first be drawn from the holster or pocket, then the muzzle must be pointed in the direction of the target (whether the shot be deliberately aimed or fired from the hip, the muzzle must be directed to the assumed direction of the target), then the trigger is squeezed. With the Relaxing Trigger, when the revolver is drawn, the trigger should be compressed before it has entirely left the holster or pocket, and the moment the muzzle is in the desired direction the trigger is released. It is thus faster, as the drawing of the revolver and the compression of the trigger are simul- taneous, leaving only the releasing of the trigger to be performed instantaneously upon the first shot. No less an authority on the revolver than Mr. Sidney Sears of the St. Louis Police, holder of the world's record, was particularly impressed with the superior rapidity, especially on the first shot, and 66 with the fact that in firing in close quarters the inno- cent bystander would not be in the peril he now is from wild revolver shots, as with the Relaxing Trig- ger a miss cannot go as wild as with the present type, and a moving object can be hit with much greater ease. Automatic Pistols The same happy results are attained when the Relaxing Trigger is applied to an automatic pistol. When a novice first uses an automatic he is apt through excitement to squeeze his hand after firing the first shot, thus firing again. With the Relaxing Trigger the almost involuntary contraction of the hand of an inexperienced man will not discharge the pistol, and this momentary check prevents excitement. Theoretical objections must be disregarded after a mechanism has practically demonstrated by test what is claimed. The claims made for the Relaxing Trig- ger are not probabilities, but certainties, because they have followed actual use. Machine Guns A machine gun loads and fires automatically, and as the firing is not actuated by the hand after the first shot, it might be supposed that superior results would not in this case be attained. It is only on machine guns that the Relaxing Trigger has not been actually tried. Nevertheless, that which has been found to be 67 the case with the other firearms mentioned warrants a certain belief as to the results to be expected in this field, which it is thought will not be disappointed. Where the conclusions of theory have been in every instance confirmed by actual tests, it is more than probable that the theoretical conclusion will be found to obtain with machine guns. The first shot with machine guns is fired by the trigger being manipulated by human hands. It is thus subject to the same laws which have been proved to hold in the case of other firearms. If the first shot is poor in aim, due to flinching, all the others in the same burst are alike poor, while if the first is good, all the others follow. The Relaxing Trigger should therefore be useful on machine guns, as it has been found to be on other firearms. The Relaxing Trigger is the most efficient trigger in the world. Who says so? Every one who has seen it, from private soldiers to general officers in military life; in civil life, many experts, including the world 5 champion with the revolver. 68 CHAPTER XV CAUSATION AND SENSATION AS AFFECTED BY RELAXATION The simplest and most exact psychological explana- tion is the one afforded by considering causation and sensation as affected by relaxation. It is one of the marvellous dispensations of Provi- dence that sensation does not increase in the same ratio as the causative effect. If we reacted with equal intensity to every stimulating cause when repeated, whether of joy or sorrow, we should be destroyed by the very intensity of our own emotions. A disappointment continuously repeated and con- tinuously and progressively felt would finally compass an infinitude of suffering — the nadir of despair. On the other hand, a continuance of fortunate happenings would bring us to the heights of joy, to the zenith of exaltation. These successive and intensified feelings would be destructively exhausting. Mental balance would be lost. The successive changes from one Tensing the muscles inhibits every volitionary act, especially where a very nice adjustment is affected. Such an act is the act of aiming and firing. By using the Relaxing Trigger the sensation of being in tension will not be communicated to the mind of the firer. 69 extreme to the other would efface all powers of intelli- gent ratiocination. Sensation lags behind causation. Not only is this the experience of common sense, but the concurrent opinion of all psychologists. But as psychology has been considered an abstract study only and has never been adapted to mechanism to the same extent as now exemplified in the Relaxing Trigger (at least so far as the author has been able to ascertain), a short description of the effects of this law is given. If a man looks at the sun with the naked eye, intense discomfort will be felt. It will be some minutes before he can see about him as before. If his eyes are kept upon the sun for an hour, vision will be destroyed or seriously impaired during life. But in this latter case, after the first few minutes there is no more sensation although destruction of tissue is con- tinuously taking place. He is getting used to it. Now getting used to a thing means that the sensation is not as acute to the renewed stimulus as was at first the case. A savage, or other cruel degenerate, in torturing a fellow-being exults in the sufferings of the victim. As the torture is prolonged, the victim ceases to respond to pain inflicted in the same spot. His tormentor then selects a new place for "scientific vivi- section of one nerve till it is raw" and subjects it to the same treatment as before, whereupon the victim will writhe afresh. A pugilist who receives a large number of blows 70 on the nose does not feel the last one with the same intensity, although delivered with the same force as the first one. This is only what every one knows, and what is meant by Weber's tersely expressed law, Sen- sation Lags Behind Causation. Let us now examine this law as applied to an actual concrete problem — that of firing rifles. Weber's Law According to Weber's law, sensation increases by slower steps than its exciting cause increases. A com- parison of eye-strain and finger-strain may thus be made which illumines the subject powerfully. It is true, eye-strain and finger-strain cannot be expressed in terms of one another, but a comparison may be made, as horses cannot be equated with cows, but a comparison can be made between them. Fig.l y] A O / 2 3 ¥ cT 6 9 8 seconds Curve of eye-strain if sensation increased directly with causation for eisht seconds of time. 71 Let the horizontal line stand for the scale of intensi- ties of the stimulus to the eye in each second of time, and let the vertical lines represent the sensations cor- responding to the said stimuli. Rapid fire requires about six seconds for well-aimed shots. If every equal increment in the eye stimulus pro- duced an equal increment in the sensation produced on the eye, the abscissae and ordinates would be equal, and a right line would represent graphically the curve of eye sensation. At there would be no sensation; at 1 the causation would be represented by the abscissa 1, the sensation by the ordinate S-l; at the second second the sensation would be represented by the abscissa 0-2 and the sensation by the ordinate S-2, and so on. The line of ordinates will rise evenly because by the hypothesis the ordinates (or sensa- tions) increase at the same rate as the absciss* (or stimuli) to which they severally correspond. But through the wise provision of Providence as expressed in the law, Sensation Lags Behind Causation, in nature the ordinates increase at a slower rate. If each step forward in the horizontal direction be equal to the last, then each step upward in the vertical direction will have to be somewhat shorter than the last. The curve of sensations will therefore be convex on top instead of straight; that is, there will arrive a time after which no further sensation is possible although the causative effect is still in operation, as explained in the illustrations of the man looking at the sun, the torturer and his victim, and the pugilist 72 receiving punishment. The point at which no further sensation is experienced is called the "acme." Fig. 2 O / Z 3 V-S 6 7 8 Curve of eyestrain as it really is, for eight seconds of time, show- ing sensation lags behind causation. Figure 2 represents the actual state of things, being the zero point of the stimulus, or the moment when the man begins to take sight. From here onward the sensation increases, but, as has been seen, it will increase less at each step, until at last, the "acme" being reached, the sensation line grows flat. Figure 3 shows the curve of finger-strain. The abscissae might be regarded as being of the same length, as in Figure 2, but for comparison should be increased at least half as much again, because the finger-strain is much harder on the mind than main- taining the alignment, for although the muscular ex- ertion is slight (especially with a very light trigger pull), the novice holds his rifle-stock too tightly, thus neutralizing this advantage, as has been shown; and even were it not the case, the mental effort is great to keep the finger moving with the utmost care. The volitional effort is therefore very great and entirely 73 disproportionate to the amount of foot pounds re- quired to pull the trigger. The curve representing finger-strain will therefore, like the one in Figure 2, be lower than a right line of Fig. 3 S$ y 8 Curve of finger-strain for eight seconds of time. forty-five degrees at all points; but as the units plotted for the abscissae are larger, the ordinates will be larger than in Figure 2 and the whole curve higher. Now a comparison of these two figures is very in- teresting. We see that there is an act to be performed involving two separate and disparate senses. Both of them must be brought to the "acme" at the same instant of the culmination of the act of firing, the moment of discharge. The finger-strain, the disturb- ing factor, is at its maximum at the same time the eye-strain attains its maximum. 74 Even if the values assigned to the abscissae in Figure 3 were the same as those employed for the eye, the fact would still be the same, that both factors must attain their maximum at the same instant. Such a method is a psychological absurdity, for the disturbing factor should be brought to a minimum at the critical moment. Fig. 4 } pjpft 'Seconds in aiming 9 eight seconds using trigger Curve of eye-strain, shown by full line Curve of finger-strain in compression, as in using the compression trigger, shown by dashed line . Curve of finger-strain under relaxation, as in using the Relaxing Trigger, shown by dotted line Note that in using the Relaxing Trigger there is no eye-strain when compressing the trigger, as this is done before aiming, and that at the moment of discharge of the rifle, eye-strain is at a maximum and finger-strain approximates zero, which is ideal. The opposite conditions obtain with the compression trigger where the disturbing factor, the finger-strain, is at a maximum when the eye-strain is greatest. This is the worst possible condition, and insep- arable from the compression trigger. 75 Consider Figure 4. The full line represents the eye-curve, the dashed line the curve of finger-strain when using the compression trigger, and the dotted line the curve of finger-strain when using the Relaxing Trigger. X represents the "acme." In firing by the relaxing method the man begins to aim and jerks the trigger back, holding it at the same time. At the first instant of aim his finger is in tension, but static tension, and has nothing to do towards causing the final act. As the eye-strain pro- gressively increases, the finger-strain progressively diminishes. This is the incontrovertible argument, as unanswer- able as the multiplication table, as it is obvious that when an act is composed of two factors it will be better performed when the disturbing factor is at a minimum. 76 CHAPTER XVI RELAXATION IN GENERAL In general terms, everybody knows that to be re- laxed is to be at ease, that it is easier to yield than to pull; nevertheless the genii of things as they are live in a strong citadel, and many are their worship- pers. A new idea must therefore combat the in- trenched position of conservatism; but as David of old slew Goliath, so will the Relaxing Trigger over- throw the compression trigger, which has done well, but a more efficient instrument is at hand, and in this modern age efficiency wins. In Other Professions The useful effects gained by the repose and con- centration of relaxation are not limited to the Relax- ing Trigger. Other professions make use of the principle. There is a constant tendency of the age to employ this principle, although the attempt has been, on the whole, subconscious rather than active, for the full realization of the principle has not been understood. The author has spent nearly twenty years studying the adaptation of this principle in various ways. Its further adaptation after the surprising re- sults of the Relaxing Trigger are known will have a 77 profound effect on our industrial life when it is thoroughly realized that a machine should be made not only for mechanical efficiency, but to fit the psychological limitations of the user. Relaxation in Pugilism This may appear peculiar, yet in no sport is re- laxation more efficient. The late Robert Fitzsimmons, one of the most remarkable men in all fistiana, was the one who first directed the author's attention to the increased value of precision in movement and aim effected by relaxing. This resulted in a study of this subject which has produced the Relaxing Trigger. Fitzsimmons was not a man who had any higher education, but had a thorough grammar-school edu- cation which had been fortified by no little reading and an amazing power of observation and concen- tration. He was a most thorough and analytical stu- dent of his profession, and what he had learned was not information gained by mere empirical experi- ment, but proceeded from very patient analysis. He said on one occasion that in striking a blow the most important thing was to land it, then to land it hard. He was celebrated for striking comparatively few blows — but what "wollops" they were! His judgment of distance and accuracy of delivery were his two great assets aside from his terrific force. His idea was that one can aim a blow with pre- 78 cision and speed if the muscles of the hand are not in tension while delivering the blow. His instructions were: "Always lead with the hand shut but never tightly clenched. By so doing you can aim and hit just where you want. As you are about to land, clench the fist and throw the shoulder behind the blow. If you start the blow with the hand clenched hard, you will not have control of the direction." He illustrated this by having the author put on an eight-once glove and strike rapidly at a mark on the wall with the hand clenched hard and fast. The mark was frequently missed. The next step was to direct that the blows be struck with the hand held shut but without any muscular tension. The result was sur- prising, — every blow without effort struck the mark. To the inquiry why this was so he replied in a few words, and in spite of the lapse of years they are distinctly remembered. "It is because," he said, "if your hand is just closed loosely, all you have to think of is where you want to land, but if you have your hand and forearm set up tight, you begin to think of how hard you mean to strike, and your tight grip takes your mind off aiming, but when the hand is loose it is easy." "Why?" was asked; and the reply followed, "Because you have only one thing to think about at a time." This moment was the birth of the Relaxing Trigger. From this suggestion of his grew the desire to study the psychology of physical movement. 79 Automobiles Fewer accidents by far are recorded with high- powered cars that can do two or three miles an hour and still remain in "high" than with the lower-powered cars. The reason is evident. In the high-powered cars the driver has no gears to bother about in traffic and can give undivided attention to the other cars and to the traffic police. His mind is therefore relaxed. He has not a lot of disparate ideas to think about as does the operator of the smaller car who has to shift gears. 80 CHAPTER XVII THE LONGBOW VS. THE CROSSBOW History has a curious way of repeating itself. The history of missile weapons reveals an interesting rela- tion which exists between weapons and the type of mind of the nations using them. Individuality and personal initiative have char- acterized the British and American civilizations to perhaps a somewhat greater degree than the conti- nental nations of Europe, where the idea of the national soul encompassing if not obliterating the individual soul is apparently in some force. This idea tends to make men collectivists rather than individualists. The continental European idea of infantry fire has always been that of masses. It was a fixed opinion that the individual would get so excited in action that the accuracy of training would be lost, and that in battle it was a mark of discipline if the men merely kept their rifle barrels horizontal, and that the rear sight would rarely ever be changed while the battle lasted. Such was the idea of recent times. Military text- books of continental European authors are full of such statements. They may be true for their people, although it is open to great question if so absurd a 81 dogma is true of any one. An action which has be- come instinctive and mechanical will in excitement be persisted in, which is a matter within the knowledge of any one who observes his fellow-man. While some races may be unable to aim accurately in battle, it is not true of the soldiers of Britain and her colonies nor of those of the United States. When the crossbow was invented it immediately became popular in continental Europe because it gave volume of fire. More arrows a minute could be shot with it, and it appealed to those devotees of mass fire as opposed to that of individual accuracy. The longbow, however, beat the crossbow on every battlefield where numbers were equal, — not on ac- count of superior valor of the British archer, but for the reason he was firing his arrows in the correct psy- chological method by relaxation. Here in mediaeval history did relaxation overthrow compression, which is now to be reduplicated in our own day. The English longbow was fired thus: The archer aimed while drawing back the bowstring to the ear, the left arm supporting the bow as a strut. He held his arrow and bowstring in static tension, concentrat- ing his whole attention on the objective, and when he desired to fire he relaxed the tension, and had at the moment of discharge no disparate mental or physical action to contend with. On the other hand, the cross- bow was fired by means of a trigger, and this induced flinching in precisely the same way as the compression 82 trigger induces flinching, by making it necessary to occupy the mind with two disparate ideas, and bring them to simultaneous co-ordination at the moment of discharge. A basic psychological law was violated. Two things were required to be done at the same time which were entirely disparate. A poorer result in- evitably followed. In the case of the longbowman no disparate action was involved. He could concentrate his entire attention on aiming until the moment of discharging the arrow, when he relaxed. This is as true to-day as a few centuries ago, for a natural law is immutable whether it be physical or psychological. 83 CHAPTER XVIII REPLIES TO REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION Some officers who have read the first and smaller edition of "The Relaxing Trigger" have, as is in- evitable with new ideas, not entirely grasped the prin- ciple at issue or the results that naturally follow. In response to repeated inquiries the following is set forth in the endeavor to make this edition so clear and comprehensive that it cannot be misunderstood. The Claims and by Whom Endorsed Every claim made for the Relaxing Trigger has been substantiated in firing about five thousand shots for several months. Scores of men and officers of ex- perience whose endorsements appear in the Appendix have agreed to the claims as made. Actual trial and investigation have convinced experts and others well qualified to express an opinion. These opinions are representative of all ranks, from corporal to that of lieutenant-general. Not a single general officer who has seen it has expressed an adverse opinion, not a single field officer, not a single company officer. The non-commissioned officer who has spent years of his life giving personal instruction is indeed qualified to express an opinion, 84 especially if he has been selected as instructor in rifle practice during the war. Such a man is Sergeant Albright of the United States Marine Corps. Sergeants Young, Reinstein, and Mihnowski, also of the Marine Corps, gave invaluable assistance in demonstrating the Relaxing Trigger, and in its present form it embodies some of their sugges- tions. The author is glad to take this occasion to express his thanks for their intelligent and useful criticism. Test This unanimity of opinion has warranted a test now provided for by the Government at Camp Benning, Georgia, where the School of Musketry of the Army is located, and where the results attained at the Marine Corps Rifle Range at Wakefield, Massachusetts, can- not fail of duplication. This test is to be on a scale sufficiently comprehen- sive to establish the validity of the claims by a test so large that the human equation will be that of the average man. Originality This invention is new, being without a rival in the patent office. The Relaxing Trigger is most emphatically not a safety-set trigger, as that term is now used and applied. It may, however, be considered as a safety- 85 set trigger working on an entirely new and different principle. The conclusions expressed in the last paragraph are those reached by Colonel Townsend Whalen of the General Staff, one of the world's authorities on rifle-firing. His letter to the author appears in the Appendix. Fire Effect As regards the claim that fire will be kept low in battle, but little need be said. It is obvious to the military man, but for the civilian rifleman the follow- ing statement is presented. Soldiers from time immemorial have been ordered to aim at the feet of an enemy except at the closest quarters. Most shots in battle except with seasoned troops go high. Even with seasoned troops a large propor- tion go high. The two last paragraphs are beyond dispute. They are military axioms. High fire is caused by flinching, or jerking the trig- ger when excited. This is a corollary from the two preceding axioms. With the Relaxing Trigger, jerking the trigger will not discharge the rifle. If the rifleman relaxes smoothly, his sight will not waver from the objective. This is exemplified in the description of "penny drill" given on page 48. There is but little tendency to relax forward with a jerk, or move the entire hand. Should this occur, however, the muzzle could move but in one direction — downward. This would inevitably pro- duce low fire. Actual firing of five thousand shots has proved this to be the case, and results count. Relaxation has a marked quieting effect on the nerves. The reason has been outlined in this edition, but exposition of the subject is quite technical and cannot be entirely understood without some knowledge of neurology and a very extensive study of the psy- chology of small physical movements. Enough has been said to make it clear to one who has not studied such subjects, and to present much more than a rea- sonable presumption. An exhaustive and conclusive analysis is beyond the scope of this edition. Those who have used the Relaxing Trigger express positive opinions in the affirmative as to the very noticeable steadying effect. The results are conclusive, and this is the vital question. All the movements used in manipulating the Relax- ing Trigger are positive. Every muscular move- ment which is the result of volition is positive. The compression of the trigger spring is sufficiently heavy to sustain the finger as it moves forward. The trig- ger is, as it were, allowed to drag the finger with it, sustaining the finger in much the same way as the arm of a man sustains his partner in the dance. If this compression is very weak, good results do not 87 follow, although almost any form of Relaxing Trigger is superior to any compression trigger. Specific Questions "When is the rifle discharged?" "At what pre- cise instant?" "Do you know when it is about to be discharged?" "Must you relax every instant with the same intensity?" "Can you relax up to a certain amount and then stop to give the sight the best pos- sible alignment and then carefully relax the rest of trigger movement?" These are the questions with which the author has been bombarded by a mail barrage. The answer to each and all of them is, "The Relaxing Trigger is the exact reverse of the present type in movement, but anything that you can do with the compression trigger can be performed with the Relaxing Trigger by sub- stituting relaxation for compression." This statement really answers every question. Nevertheless, to leave no room for doubt or mistake, and as the subject is so new and revolutionary, a detailed explanation will be given. The Two Schools of Instruction During the author's active service of twenty-five years, there were in the army, as now, two Schools of thought as regards the trigger squeeze. Some in- structors were strong partisans of one method, some of 88 the other. The author's opinion is that both Schools have excellent points, but that neither is adaptable to the psychology of every man. Men differ fundamentally and markedly in charac- ter and still more so in nerve reactions. What is good for one or for many is not necessarily good for all. More than once a company has been brought from the bottom of a regiment in target practice to the top by using both the methods to be discussed. An at- tempt was made to find out which of the two methods was the better adapted to the needs of the individual man. The author is not a partisan of either School, nor is the Relaxing Trigger acceptable to only one of these Schools of thought. It is in harmony with both. Just as the compression type can be fired by one method or the other, so can the Relaxing Trigger. "Give it the Rest" The first School may be called, for convenience, that of "give it the rest." The idea is (with the present type) to pull the trigger back until about ninety per cent, of the trigger distance is taken up, then to adjust the aim to the finest point possible, and next to apply the rest of the needed pressure in a slow, non-disturbing squeeze. With this School the Relaxing Trigger has no quarrel. The same method may be followed in its use. It is easily possible for even a novice to learn the distance the trigger passes 89 over (trigger distance), so that he can relax about ninety per cent, of the required relaxation, then adjust the aim to the finest possible accuracy, and next, give the rest of the relaxation in a slow, non-dis- turbing relaxation. With the Relaxing Trigger, at all times, as explained in "penny drill," the residual momentum of the trigger finger when the sear is tripped is expended forward, and not backward against the shoulder. Continuous Pull Through The second School may be called, for convenience, that of "continuous pull through." The idea is to get the best aim obtainable and then to start the trigger squeeze (when using the old type of trigger) and apply the pressure uniformly, evenly, and continu- ously until the piece is discharged. With this School the Relaxing Trigger has no quarrel. The same means may be employed in its use. The trigger may be compressed, the best possible aim taken and main- tained, and a slow, exact, and progressive relaxation started. In this case the action of the mechanism is so smooth that there is no premonitory grind or any- thing else to attract the attention of the firer, and he cannot anticipate the moment of discharge while using a continuous relaxation. When using the first method he can let the relaxation proceed quickly to about ninety per cent., hold it, and "let the rest" of the relaxation take place as advocated by the partisans 90 of that School; but once a uniform relaxation is started, the mechanism operates too smoothly to enable the exact instant to be foretold. At this criti- cal period there is nothing to evoke a disparate idea and distract the firer's attention. The trigger action remains almost on the subconscious plane as regards nerve irritation, but is nevertheless distinctly felt and under control up to the instant the rifle is discharged. If at any time during aiming it is desired to execute "cease firing," the trigger is immediately jerked back, the finger latch applied quick as thought, and the rifle is "safe." It is therefore seen that both Schools of thought can be accommodated, and the contest will still rage in garrison and on the target range between those who advocate the continuous action and those who advo- cate "give it the rest." It is possible to present the Relaxing Trigger in such shape as to be acceptable to but one of these Schools, that is, to either one but not the other. Adaptability to Both Schools As the result of years of experience in instructing, it is considered that both Schools have great merits, and that both should be used, as neither School will fit every man. On this account, therefore, the Relax- ing Trigger is presented in such shape as to admit its use by either School. The results of extensive firings are more than per- 91 suasive, they are conclusive, and have demonstrated each and every claim. Safety The safety is far greater. The extensive firings prove this, which is the best of all answers, but it should be evident. It is so, in theory. With the com- pression trigger, if a man is jolted or in any way dis- turbed, the slightest contraction of the muscles results in discharging the piece, and such contraction is in- stinctive and involuntary. With the Relaxing Trig- ger, if perspiration runs in the eye, dust enters it, "cease firing" is sounded, or if for any other cause the rifleman is interfered with, he has but one thing to do, squeeze or jerk the trigger backwards. The piece cannot then be discharged. The safety latch is then instantaneously applied. It is applied by the middle finger of the same hand as the trigger finger, and is the fastest and safest safety latch in the world. The safety latch on the sporting model requires but one movement of the middle finger. In using this model, when it is desired to bring the rifle to "safe" after the trigger has been retracted, it is sufficient to move the middle finger forward, toward the trigger bow. The trigger will move forward but without discharging the rifle. Should the rifle be dropped from the hands after the trigger has been retracted the weapon will not be discharged. This seems surpris- ing but it is a fact. Great safety has been attained. 92 CHAPTER XIX THE RELAXING TRIGGER IN COLLECTIVE FIRE The Crowd The way in which a crowd reacts to any idea or emotion is very different to the reaction of an in- dividual to the same cause. If one or two individuals are in a room of a building when an alarm of fire is given, they will act sensibly or the reverse according to their individual temperament and intelligence. But if a crowd is in the room, under the same conditions, the way in which the crowd acts is almost without exception better or worse than the action of the in- dividuals in the same situation. The contagion of excitement causes a thought wave to spread with great rapidity among a crowd. If the first thought impulse communicated is a sensible one, the rest of the individuals composing the crowd are apt to follow the direction of the few who first take some decided action. Sheep and cattle are easily stampeded, and the human animal likewise. It may be accepted as a fundamental principle that the crowd mind is never equal in intelligence to the numerical average of the minds of its individual com- ponents. Any exciting cause that hinders or pre- 93 vents the proper accomplishment of an act in the in- dividual must therefore have a still more deleterious effect on the less intelligent and more impressionable crowd mind. The Mob Spirit A mob until aroused by a few ringleaders is an inchoate force with great potentialities for destruc- tion, which, however, do not take form and begin to operate in unison until a few have responded to the exhortations of a leader or small group of leaders. The resulting action may appear spontaneous, but no matter how rapid the action of the mob may appear, it is in reality never instantaneous. Modern smokeless powder does not explode when ignited by a detonator, but burns rapidly, although this combustion is still colloquially and inaccurately called explosion. The impulse to action in a crowd when a sufficient impulse exists is uncontrollable. This is true of mobs, political conventions, and armies, although in the latter to a much less extent through the controll- ing influence of discipline. The Military Crowd Colonel Le Roy Eltinge, U.S.A., in his work on "The Psychology of War" cites many instances in military history of headlong charges in the face of appalling odds, and of headlong flights. Both were 94 occasioned by causes entirely disproportionate to the effects produced. In the one case, the contagion of excited enthusiasm led to victory, and in the other, a sudden and inexpli- cable impulse, that all was lost, led to panic. The compression trigger is poor for the individual and execrable for the crowd, as the principles of its con- struction enhance excitement. Volley-firing Volley-firing is that class of infantry fire where a considerable number of soldiers fire their rifles at the same instant when the word of command is given. This has always been a hard thing to have men do, even in field problems in time of peace. Every man must squeeze his trigger so as to dis- charge his rifle at the same time as all the others. Every soldier naturally desires to hit. All of his military instruction has impressed upon his mind that accuracy is of prime importance. But the nerve reactions of no two men are precisely similar, and the time necessary for one man to actuate his trigger is different from that of his neighbor in ranks. Some one man is apt to fire before the rest and then the en- tire group will fire. The volley is then poor, often sounding in the case of recruits like a bunch of fire- crackers. The effect of surprise by a simultaneous fire against an enemy is lost, and also accuracy. A good volley in which every man fires at the same 95 instant is generally accomplished by attending to the trigger action with greater care than to the aiming. Precision in firing the volley is the dominating thought and demands the sacrifice of accuracy. The Causes of Poor Volley-firing with the Compression Trigger Now we have seen that the use of the compression trigger involves working against the inhibitory in- fluence of a disparate idea, as the mind must be occu- pied with the act of aiming and also be distracted by having to pay attention to the sensation of the trigger finger to insure a smoothly and evenly main- tained compression. If the compression is hastily and clumsily done, the muzzle of the rifle rises and shots go high. It must be maintained with almost exquisite care to insure good results, for if not, when the sear of the trigger mechanism is tripped, any slight residual momentum will expend itself in the direction of the moving trig- ger finger. This force acts mechanically as a couple, lifting the muzzle of the rifle, and high fire inevitably results. Volley-firing, as is well known, never, except in the entirely artificial conditions of the target range (and not often then), produces the accurate results shown by firing at will, where each man aims and fires at his own volition. Just as long as the compression trigger is used this will be the case — just as long as two 96 things are required to be done simultaneously (and two disparate things, too, which makes a bad matter worse) — just as long as the human equation is dis- regarded by paying no attention to the psychological idiosyncrasies of the mind. The Relaxing Trigger in Volley-firing With the Relaxing Trigger all this is startlingly dif- ferent. It is obvious that a number of men who are holding an object in the hand can simultaneously let go of it in unison, as nerve reaction counts for little in this case, the movement being one of relaxation. But if the required act is a contrary one and the men are commanded to lift up or draw back in unison an object which is held in the hand, some will be too fast, while others, on account of natural slowness, will lag behind. Now in the use of the Relaxing Trigger the same condition obtains, as is referred to in the first of the last two cases described. While aiming with the Relaxing Trigger the men have the entire attention concentrated on one thing — the aim. The trigger is retracted. The individual maintains what may be called in military parlance, "a position in readiness." At the word of command "fire," nothing is to be done but to relax the trigger finger, which in the case of the Relaxing Trigger can be done without derangement of the aim and with- out affecting the accuracy. 97 Thus volley-firing can now be made to show an accuracy comparable with that of firing at will. In every phase of rifle practice we have therefore seen that the method of firing by relaxation gives superior results, which should now leave no room for doubt that this method is the only natural one and is a real remedy for the causes making poor rifle fire so common. It is a return to first principles, — the same principle that caused the English longbow to defeat the crossbow in the Middle Ages. All compression triggers are bad — mere panaceas. Some are worse than others. The best are only pallia- tives of the evil, not remedies, and in the case of safety-set triggers too dangerous for military consid- eration and also dangerous in sporting use. The Eureka Arms Company has solved the diffi- culty. A large variety of different forms of the Re- laxing Trigger can be applied to small arms. The task of making it safer than the existing type of com- pression trigger was the greatest difficulty. It re- quired years of work, but success has been attained, and the results show that the Relaxing Trigger is safer than the present and inefficient type of trigger now in use. Seeing is believing. 98 CONCLUSION This edition is published to explain the five claims, viz.: 1. The time necessary to instruct recruits is much shorter. 2. Greater accuracy is attained. 3. Greater rapidity is attained. 4. Low fire in battle results — a tactical considera- tion of the utmost importance. 5. Greater safety is furnished than is available with the compression trigger. Q. E. D. The endorsements follow in the Appendix. 99 APPENDIX NATURE OF THE ENDORSEMENTS The Relaxing Trigger has been received with marked interest everywhere it has been shown. It is one of the most original inventions that has ever ap- peared in the history of American invention, and the only practical one in its class. The fact that it has great merit has been substan- tiated on the target range. Officers who have spent a lifetime in the service are convinced that its use will shorten the time necessary to make a good shot by half, that it increases accuracy and rapidity of fire, and that the tactical advantage of eliminating high fire is one of the utmost military importance, which is also of value to the civilian who uses firearms. Whatever the conclusions of abstract investigation may be, the acid test of any invention is what it does in actual use. Actual use has convinced the officers whose testi- monials appear in the following pages. Each testi- monial is of itself enough to convince. The concurrent testimony of them all is according to all laws evidence overwhelming. The attention of the civilian is especially directed to the opinion of Colonel Townsend Whalen, who in 100 addition to being well known to all military men as an expert on rifle practice has a national reputation as a rifleman and author and is considered to be one of the foremost authorities on the rifle in the world. These are a few of the many endorsements in pos- session of the Eureka Arms Company. The endorsement of Colonel Seigle appears on the opposite page. Colonel Seigle is an officer of the regular army of many years' service. At the time he saw the Re- laxing Trigger in use he was the officer in charge of target practice at Camp Devens, near Ayer, Massa- chusetts. The opinion of such an officer is valuable. He considers the Relaxing Trigger to be original, revolutionary, and startling, and that it merits serious consideration with a view to its adoption. Read the opinion of an expert witness. Camp Devens, Mass., July 18, 1918. I was present and witnessed a demonstration on the "Sniper's Range," this cantonment, of the Relaxing Trigger, fitted to a regulation army rifle. The results of this trial were most satisfactory. The principle is revolutionary in that the trigger is "pulled" back and not "squeezed" and the piece is fired by simply permitting the finger to yield to the trigger pressure. This to a great extent eliminates flinching, as the firer does not know the exact instant of discharge. 101 One of the great advantages of this device is that the greatest of all difficulties in the making of good shots is practically done away with, and that is, the "squeezing of the trigger" which requires so much careful training and takes such a great amount of time to secure the best results. In other words, this means the teaching of the recruits in less time. One of the drafted men was called up to the 200- yard firing-point who had never fired a rifle of any kind. He had been given aiming and sighting exer- cises. In about five minutes of explanation and snap- ping of the piece he was told to fire at the "A" target, using the parapet as a rest. His first score of five shots totalled 18, getting a five and a four on his last two shots. His second score resulted in all fours, very close in, totalling 20, with a range total of 38 for the ten shots fired. This device is so new and startling and promises so much that it should be given a most thorough tryout, as it certainly merits the most serious consideration with a view of its adoption. Thos. B. Seigle, Lieut. -Col., Inf., N.A. Has the infantry advanced? If so, an engagement has been won. If the infantry has not been able to advance and retain the position gained, affairs are at a stalemate. The Relaxing Trigger will add to the already proved ability of the American soldier to advance. 102 Colonel Townsend Whalen's endorsement appears below. The following is taken from the reviews of recent publications appearing in the Army and Navy Journal of September 21, 1918: "The American Rifle," by Colonel Townsend Whalen, U.S.A. (The Century Company, New York), is a treatise, a text-book, and a book of practical in- struction in the use of the rifle, written by one of the foremost authorities on the use of the rifle in the world, who has himself won many rifle championships. Colonel Whalen was ordnance officer of the 79th Divi- sion U.S.A. and a captain in the 29th Infantry Regu- lar establishment. He is now attached to the General Staff. The author in his introduction explains that "this is not a military book," but adds that "the soldier will find in it much dealing with the principal weapon of the infantryman which has not heretofore been available." Credit is given Dr. Franklin Mann for a description of experiments made and research work undertaken by him and set forth in his book. "The Bullet's Flight," Colonel Whalen's book, is a most complete and valuable one. It is freely and well illustrated. The opinion of such an officer is valuable and The author has frequently met officers who have not seen the Relaxing Trigger and whose only knowledge of it was what they had heard from some brother officers. He has frequently been asked the question, "What do Whalen and Baldwin think of it?" Colonel Whalen s opinion speaks for itself. Colonel Baldwin s opinion appears upon page 120. 103 should be considered. He considers the Relaxing Trigger to be original, revolutionary. He considers it to have merit. War College Division WAR DEPARTMENT Office of the Chief of Staff Washington August 24, 1918. Major Murray Baldwin, U.S.A., 31 Westbourne Terrace, Brookline, Mass. My dear Major Baldwin: I am in receipt of your letter of the 17th inst. I had the good fortune to examine the rifle equipped with your Relaxing Trigger which was submitted at Camp Meade. At first glance I was inclined to pass it along like many other inventions which have been submitted during the present emergency. But the more I thought of it the more it appealed to me as having a lot to it. At first glance it seems too revolu- tionary, but when you come to think of it, it is really a safety-set trigger operating on a different principle. I am inclined to think that we can teach men in a short time to use this trigger effectively. At the present time you know we have to teach the recruit, first, to take up all the safety pull of slack in the trigger; second, to apply about ninety per cent, of the pressure on the trigger that is necessary to release the sear; and third, to apply the last ten per cent, of pressure in a careful, non-disturbing squeeze. There are really three acts to squeezing the present trigger, each of which requires considerable skill. 104 The great trouble is that it really requires many months to teach the average man always to perform these three acts correctly when he does them in quick succession as in rapid fire — the usual fire of battle. It would seem that your trigger overcomes much of this difficulty in instructing the recruit. When the rifle is placed to the shoulder, grasp the trigger and small of the stock hard, and pull back against the shoulder. When the aim appears to be just about right, slowly and carefully relax the pressure on the trigger. The trigger mechanism will release the sear evenly, and without disturbing the aim and hold. I believe that this trigger should be thoroughly tried out in competition with the present form of trig- ger in the instruction of a large number of recruits. Thank you very much for calling this matter to my attention. Yours very truly, TOWNSEND WHALEN, Lieutenant-Colonel, General Staff, Colonel N. H. Hall is an officer of the United States Marine Corps of years' service. He has participated in action in battle from the islands of the Caribbean Sea to China and the Philippines. The Marine Corps makes a specialty of rifle-firing. The opinion of such an officer is valuable. He considers the Relaxing Trigger to have great merit in battle. It is to be noted that there is an adverse criticism of the safety latch. This objection has now been fully met by placing the finger-guard so that the hand 105 cannot come in contact with the safety latch in bayonet work, and was approved by Colonel Hall. Read his opinion and see what he and non-com- missioned officers who were experienced instructors think of the Relaxing Trigger. Opinion of Colonel N. H. Hall, United States Marine Corps 1. On June 13, 1918, I witnessed the firing of a rifle fitted with the Relaxing Trigger, and am of the opinion that the contentions advanced are well sus- tained. 2. The firing was at about 250 yards' range, and both slow and rapid fire were carried out. Regula- tion targets "A" and "B," Army Range, Fort Keith, Massachusetts. 3. The below-named non-commissioned officers of the Marine Corps fired, with scores as follows: Slow Rapid 24 23 16 24 Sergeant Theodore Albright Sergeant Nicholas Mihnowski (four shots only at slow fire) Sergeant Frank A. Young 24 24 These scores were made under the most unfavor- able conditions, that is, they had about five minutes' instruction and were firing by directly contrary meth- ods to which they had been accustomed. 4. The rapidity according to the men is increased, due to being able to fire more quickly after getting 106 the aim. This should follow as a matter of course, and there is no continuous mental effort involved, as in the case of a compression trigger. 5. The accuracy should be increased. (a) There is no mental effort in co-ordinating pressure (touch) and sight, after getting the aim (simply relax and the rifle fires), as in the case of the compression trigger. (b) There is no tendency to fire high, as in the case of the compression trigger; in fact, if any error should occur from muscular reaction on trigger, it would have the opposite effect, drop the muzzle, and lower the point of impact. This latter error would from the method of firing be immaterial, and on the side of increased casual- ties to the enemy in battle, as it would keep the shots low. 6. The safety is a matter of training, and trained troops, and no more peculiar to this changed method of firing than the present method. So far as the method itself is concerned, I consider it just as safe as the present one. 7. The position of the safety latch is bad, as when using the bayonet it would lacerate the forefinger. This, however, is a mechanical matter, as the latch can Greater rapidity and greater accuracy are attained by the Relaxing Trigger. 107 be installed at any other place, or its present shape can be modified and a bevelled button installed. [This defect was remedied, and both Colonel Hall and the non-commissioned officers were entirely satis- fied with the way in which it had been done.] 8. It is recommended that rifles fitted with the Relaxing Trigger be obtained and given a thorough try-out with recruits, as it is believed that the best results would be obtained from green men. 9. One man who had never been able to qualify made an expert score at Fort Keith. An officer of the Wakefield Range who has been unable to avoid "flinching" made scores better than he had made with the other firing method, compression trigger. N. H. Hall. Admiral Spencer S. Wood is a distinguished officer of the navy of many years' service. The opinion of such an officer is valuable. On November 22, 1918, he saw the Relaxing Trigger demonstrated on the Navy Rifle Range at Wakefield, Massachusetts. The crowd mind is never equal in intelligence to the numerical average of the several minds constituting the crowd. The Relaxing Trigger eliminates flinch- ing, the chief error, and enables collective fire to have a new and more effective value. The reader is re- ferred to "The Psychology of Suggestion' by Boris Sidis for an illuminating discussion of the mechanical efficiency of the crowd mind. 108 He also questioned the following non-commissioned officers of the Marine Corps who have instructed many men in the use of this trigger, viz.: Sergeant Frank A. Young, Sergeant Nicholas Mihnowski, Sergeant Theodore Albright, and Sergeant Charles Reinstein, all of the United States Marine Corps. These non-commissioned officers are all expert rifle- men and instructors. Their service varies from ten to thirty-one years. They should certainly be familiar with the difficulties of instructing recruits. Their opinion is that the Relaxing Trigger is far preferable to the present type, for the reasons advanced in the list of claims. Admiral Wood shot the rifle equipped with the Relaxing Trigger, making expert scores although he had not shot in some years. He said, "I could not have done so well with the other style of trigger." Read what he states concerning this trigger after shooting with it himself, seeing trained men use it, and also men with no previous training. His endorsement follows. The same skill is acquired in one-half the time with the Relaxing Trigger as compared with the compres- sion trigger. 109 FIRST NAVAL DISTRICT Office of the Commandant Little Building, Boston, Mass. November 25, 1918. From: Commandant, First Naval District, To: Major Murray Baldwin, U.S.A., 31 Westbourne Terrace, Brookline, Mass. I have carefully investigated a service rifle fitted with the trigger-releasing attachment and have fired the piece so fitted at two hundred and three hundred yard targets. It impresses me as a very valuable addition to the piece, one which certainly adds much to its accuracy. The safety feature of it is compact, conveniently placed, and seems to be reliable and dependable. Spencer S. Wood, Rear Admiral, U.S.N. The endorsement of Lieutenant Thomas Jones, Ord- nance Department, follows. He has had years of service as a non-commis- sioned officer prior to being commissioned, and was a professional instructor. The opinion of such an officer is valuable. He states that with the Relaxing Trigger, instruc- The Relaxing Trigger doubles the efficiency of the individual rifleman in both individual and collective fire. 110 tions can be given in half the time, that increased accuracy in slow and rapid fire results, and that any intelligent person should become a good shot who uses it. Read his interesting statement. Statement of First Lieutenant Thomas Jones, Ordnance Department, U.S.R. HEADQUARTERS NORTHEASTERN DEPARTMENT 25 Huntington Avenue Boston, Massachusetts June 15, 1918. I hereby certify that prior to my being commis- sioned as a 1st Lieutenant, Ordnance Department, U.S.R., I had had about 25 years' service in the Regu- lar Army and a great deal of experience as an in- structor and coach in rifle and pistol shooting. My service and experience is as follows: 1. My service in the Army is over 25 years. I have been in the Ordnance Department for the last 10 years. My service in the line was about 15 years; 5 years of which was as 1st Sergeant. I have there- fore had considerable experience in training soldiers to shoot and in addition thereto I have acted as coach for rifle associations at different times. 2. I shot on the Army Div. competition in the fol- lowing years: 1904, 1905, 1906, and 1907. In 1905 The Relaxing Trigger is endorsed by those who direct and control infantry fire in battle. Ill and 1906 I attained the 11th and 8th places respec- tively. 3. In 1910 and 1911 I was official coach of the St. Paul Rifle & Pistol Association. I won the "Bear's Head Trophy" in this Club, competing against 130 men. 4. In 1914 and 1915 I had an honorary member- ship in the Manito Rifle & Pistol Club of Spokane, Washington. I was among the six men leading, who made 868 out of 900 in the competitive match, which is a Rifle Association record. 5. Under my instructions my daughter, when about 16 years old, was made an expert shot. She com- peted at Fort George Wright, Washington, near Spokane. She competed against 140 cadets of the University of Moscow, Idaho, making a percentage of 83 1/5 at 200, 300, and 500 yards' slow fire and at 200 and 300 yards' rapid fire, making 215 out of a possible 250, using the service rifle and ammuni- tion. She took first place, leading the next competitor by three points. He was a member of the National Guard and had shot in many competitions at Sea Girt. The next highest competitor was an officer of the Regular Army who was the instructor of the Cadets. 6. From the above summary of my service and experience as an instructor and coach I consider my- self qualified to render an opinion as to the essentials of good marksmanship. This trigger is one that ultimately will be the stand- ard type for all firearms discharged by an individual pull of the trigger for each shot. If eventually, why not now? 112 Remarks Relative to the Reid-Baldwin Relaxing Trigger 1. I have examined the device described as the Relaxing Trigger and in my opinion it has many good features, viz.: (a) The average recruit can be trained in half the time that it would take with the normal arm. (b) Increased accuracy in both slow and rapid fire will be attained by eliminating the fault of flinching entirely, as well as any ten- dency to derange the aim by an improper manner of trigger function. (c) With this device any healthy and intelli- gent person should become a good shot, as the device eliminates the flinching and trigger troubles we now have to contend with. Thomas W. Jones, First Lt., Ordnance Department, U.S.R.C. Compression of a trigger is done against a force constantly increasing in intensity. Relaxing is merely yielding to a force that constantly becomes less. 113 General John W. Ruckman is a well-known army- officer. Read his endorsement which he gave after seeing the Relaxing Trigger demonstrated at the Wake- field Range on November 25, 1918. HEADQUARTERS NORTH ATLANTIC COAST ARTILLERY DISTRICT Boston, Mass. December 7, 1918. To Whom it may Concern: This is to say that I am acquainted with the opera- tion of a new trigger device proposed by Major Murray Baldwin, U.S.A. Retd., and have had it ex- plained to me at various times and have seen it at work on the target range. The merit claimed for this particular device is that the gun is discharged by releasing the trigger, rather than by compression of the finger and extra exertion after the trigger has been pulled back to the limit of movement before firing. The claim of superiority of his released trigger over the compression trigger is that it depends upon a psychological principle in the man firing, that a relaxation of the muscles of the fingers is an easy operation compared to the extreme compression necessary in firing the gun by the old method, and that the relaxation in regard to his trigger is an easy operation, free from any flinching on the part of the man about to fire ; that it is a perfectly natural process The Relaxing Trigger is dangerous to the enemy. It is entirely safe to those who use it. 114 and tends to bring about steadiness instead of un- steadiness in discharging the gun. I have not fired this gun myself, but believe it to involve an important principle which will probably add great accuracy to firing, should it be adopted. I base this opinion upon statements made to me on the firing-ground by men who have had long experience in training men and also in firing at targets. I have talked with two old non-commissioned officers of the Marine Corps who were accustomed to the compres- sion method of pulling the trigger, and who, after a few shots with this new device, spoke of it in the highest terms of appreciation. They assured me that they were able to make anywhere from ten to twenty per cent, better scores with this new device than with the old one and were greatly pleased with it, and one of them at least was anxious to secure a gun to which this new device would be attached. I also saw a man who had never fired before except possibly once a few days before, and firing at the Regular Army target for 300 yards and at that range, this man was able to make 43 out of 50, apparently without difficulty. The theoretical advantages claimed for the trigger pull and the evidence herewith included appeals to me very strongly, and in my opinion the question should be further developed and thorough tests of the principle involved on the target range should be carried out. It appears to me that it has theoretical advantages and that these advantages will materialize with practical shooting on the target range. John W. Ruckman, Brigadier General, U.S.A. Relaxation of the muscles is good for the nerves. 115 General Clarence Edwards is a distinguished officer of the Army and was in command of the 26th Division in France. His opinion is valuable. His conclusions appear below. HEADQUARTERS NORTHEASTERN DEPARTMENT 99 Chauncy Street, Boston, Massachusetts December 24, 1918. To Whom it may Concern: This is to certify that I have examined a rifle, Springfield, model 1903, fitted with a device known as a Relaxing Trigger. I have also examined a cali- ber 38 revolver with the same mechanism. I have read a pamphlet describing the invention, written by Major Murray Baldwin, U.S.A., Retired. From the evidence in the pamphlet and my inspection of the arms to which it is applied I am of the opinion that the improvement in marksmanship would be most material, that increased rapidity of fire would result, that its use is not difficult to acquire, and that the time necessary to instruct recruits would be very ma- terially diminished. The safety latch is easily applied and is so arranged in connection with the trigger as to permit of its rapid application for the purpose intended. It impresses me as a valuable device and I think it should be tested in competition; one hundred rifles to be equipped with the Relaxing Trigger and the The Relaxing Trigger is the result of years of study. Changing the mechanism will not improve it. 116 results to be compared with a hundred rifles using the present trigger. I believe this Relaxing Trigger to be suitable for the service for rifles, pistols, revolvers, and shotguns, in short, all firearms in which a separate pull of the trigger is necessary for each shot, as it eliminates flinching, the chief source of human error. It is entirely different from any device now on the market, as it is not a set trigger, and is, therefore, free from the danger of such mechanism. C. R. Edwards, Major General, U.S. Army. Mr. Sidney E. Sears is a man of international repu- tation as a revolver shot. His world's record still stands. His opinions are valuable. His conclusions as to the merits of the Relaxing Trigger appear below. St. Louis, Missouri, January 1, 1919. To Whom it may Concern: This is to certify that I have inspected a revolver fitted with a new trigger mechanism which was demon- strated by Major Murray Baldwin, U.S. Army. This trigger is called the Relaxing Trigger and differs from the present mechanism in that the trigger may be pulled or jerked back without firing the revolver, The precise moment of discharge of a firearm is the critical instant. The Relaxing Trigger insures freedom from muscular vibration at this time. 117 which will not be discharged so long as the trigger is held back. During this time aim is taken, and when the trigger finger is allowed to yield to the tension of the compressed trigger spring the revolver is dis- charged. When the trigger is compressed, relaxing the press- ure on trigger will discharge the revolver and if while the trigger is so compressed it is desired to cease firing the revolver can be brought to the "safety" and the trigger released without firing. I have been 29 years in the St. Louis Police De- partment and in 1904-5-6 won the U.S. Revolver Trophy, making a world's record and thus retaining permanent possession of the trophy, which had to be won three times to become a permanent possession. From my experience I feel that I am qualified to express an opinion as to the merits of the Relaxing Trigger. In my opinion it has decided advantages especially in the instruction of new men, which are : 1. It increases accuracy of fire. 2. It makes rapid fire easier. 3. It is equal in safety to the present trigger and in case of missing the objective the bullet is not apt to deviate so far from the mark as with the present type. 4. Men can be trained to become good shots in much less time than is now required with the present type of trigger. Sidney E. Sears, Sergeant of Police. 118 Lieutenant Camp is a distinguished revolver shot and has a high reputation as an instructor. Since his retirement he has been extremely successful in business. He is eminently qualified to express an authoritative opinion as to the claims of the Relaxing Trigger. His conclusions appear below. BEAUFORD R. CAMP, 316 Eleventh Ave., San Francisco, Calif., Tel. Pac. 1360. April 27, 1919. Maj. Murray Baldwin, U.S.A. Retd., San Francisco, Calif. My dear Major Baldwin: Let me advise you that after very carefully examin- ing and trying your new trigger mechanism for rifle and revolver, I am firmly convinced that your claims for same as set forth in your pamphlet on the subject are well founded and not in excess of what the results and benefits to small-arms firing will be. I am absolutely confident that this device will ac- complish what we have all been working for, that is, to eliminate the absolutely hopeless shots, to improve greatly the mediocre shots, and to make everybody, under stress of battle conditions, shoot "low" instead of high. As requested by you I am stating some of my record as a shot, so that it may be evident that I have had 119 sufficient experience to enable me to be a fair and competent critic of the subject. During my sixteen years' active service in the Army, I attained the Classification of Expert Rifle- man and Expert Pistol Shot. Also I won in com- petition the Honor and Insignia of Distinguished Marksman and Distinguished Pistol Shot. At the Division Pistol Competition at Ft. Sheridan in 1907, I finished No. 1, out of a field of 75 entries, tying the highest score that had ever been made in competition with a revolver at that time. In the Division Rifle Competition at Ft. McKinley, P.I., in 1908, I finished No. 1 in a field of 150 entries. I was a member of the Cavalry Rifle Team in the National Matches at Camp Perry in 1909 and 1910, and in the National In- dividual Rifle Match at Camp Perry in 1909, I finished No. 11, in a field of 700 entries. Very truly yours, B. R. Camp, 1st Lt., U.S. Army, Retd. 120 Colonel T. A. Baldwin, U.S.A., is a distinguished marksman. When he was a company officer he was one of the highly successful instructors in the teaching of rifle-firing. He has been a member of the Infantry Team and as such has participated in the National Rifle Competitions. His reputation in the Army makes his opinion valuable. Read what he says after a careful inspec- tion of the Relaxing Trigger. WAR DEPARTMENT Office of the Director of Air Service Washington June 1, 1920. Major Murray Baldwin. My dear Major Baldwin: I have carefully examined a service rifle fitted with a Relaxing Trigger. This rifle you left with me for a few days. I have also read your pamphlet entitled "The Relaxing Trigger," which explains the new way of firing in detail. From my personal experience as an instructor both with troops and as a member of the Infantry Team on the National Rifle Competition I believe you have a device that is not an improvement but a radical revo- lution. Nevertheless I believe both individually and as an instructor that it will be a boon to those who have to teach rifle practice, as it does away with flinching entirely. I am convinced that greater accuracy will be attained by its use, as well as greater rapidity. 121 It is obvious that the large number of shots that go high in action will be greatly lowered, which is a tactical advantage of the most material importance. As regards safety, the model I have used is fully as safe as the present type, and I am inclined to think may be more so with trained men. Thanking you for having brought to my notice an interesting subject which I am sure will have a great future, I am, Very truly yours, T. A. Baldwin, Lieutenant-Colonel U.S.A. The author has frequently met officers who have not seen the Relaxing Trigger and whose only knowl- edge of it was what they had heard from some brother officer. He has often been asked the question, "What do Baldwin and Whalen think of it?" Colonel Baldwin s opinion speaks for itself. Colonel Whalen s opinion appears upon page 103. 122 Colonel Garrard is an officer of long and dis- tinguished service as well as one of our most dis- tinguished shots and instructors. His opinions are valuable. His conclusions regarding the Relaxing Trigger, which he investigated extensively, appear below. Alcatraz, California. April 30, 1919. To Whom it may Concern: The Eureka Arms Company make claim for the Relaxing Trigger invented by Major Murray Baldwin, U.S.A., Retired, as follows: 1. Takes one-fourth the time to instruct new men. 2. Increased accuracy. 3. Increased rapidity. 4. Low, instead of high, lire in battle. As a life member of the National Rifle Association and after an experience of fifty years in target prac- tice, and after having qualified as a distinguished marksman in 1886, and as a marksman, as a sharp- shooter, and as an expert for a great many years, I have fully made up my mind that there is marked justice in these claims. Jos. Garrard. General Leonard Wood is known to all Americans. It was he who aroused the country to an appreciation of preparedness. It was he who first arranged for a camp for the training of reserve officers at Platts- 123 burg. His plan — the Plattsburg idea — provided men for officers with more than a rudimentary knowledge of military essentials. His opinion of the Relaxing Trigger is therefore one of peculiar interest, for all methods of improving instruction appeal powerfully to him. He has inspected the Relaxing Trigger and read the edition describing its use. His conclusions follow. Chicago, Illinois. May Nineteenth, NlNETEEN-NINETEEN. Dear Major: With reference to the Relaxing Trigger, I believe there is no doubt that a man can shoot better with the Relaxing Trigger than with any trigger we now have. It is worthy of a most thorough test and trial. I think some changes will have to be made before it can be used in war. As a sporting trigger it means better shooting. It is better than anything we have had on the range. The only question in my mind is whether we can make it sufficiently safe for military use ; whether it will be safe to depend on negative rather than upon positive action is the question. Sincerely yours, Leonard Wood. Major Murray Baldwin, San Francisco, California. The model that General Wood saw was the one described as the military model and was the first one 124 produced. Acting on the ideas expressed in General Wood's letter and explained very clearly by him in a personal interview with the author, a different model was made, which has been designated as the sporting model in the text. The author still has a certain personal preference for the military model for use with troops. Never- theless, nearly all officers who have seen both models prefer the one described as the sporting model for military use. While the functioning of the sporting model is described in the text, it is considered not in- appropriate to state here the essential difference be- tween the two. With the military model, when the trigger is re- tracted and it is desired to execute "cease firing," the middle finger must first move forward to engage the safety latch and then pull it back. Should the rifle be dropped, it will be discharged. With the sporting model, when under similar con- ditions it is desired to execute "cease firing," the middle finger is extended, making one motion only; and furthermore, should the rifle be dropped or jerked from the hands of the rifleman, no discharge will take place. Owing to the marked preference shown for the sporting model, the author now considers that this type will be the one selected for military use by our government. Had it not been for General Wood's constructive criticism, this model would not have been produced. It was a matter of the utmost difficulty, but the results more than compensate for the energy expended. Lieutenant-General Hunter Liggett's services in France where he commanded the First Army and was 125 next in command to General Pershing are well known. Before the declaration of war he was the head of the Army War College. He inspected the Relaxing Trig- ger as applied to a service rifle for three days, de- voting about an hour and a half per day to a most minute examination of every detail of its use. He sees in the Relaxing Trigger not only an instru- ment that facilitates instruction in rifle practice, but also an instrument that improves the tactical efficiency of the rifle in keeping fire low in battle. Note his letter to the author, which appears below. HEADQUARTERS WESTERN DEPARTMENT San Francisco, California. February 4, 1920. My dear Major: I have carefully examined the service rifle fitted with your Relaxing Trigger and have been most favorably impressed. The claims you advance for this trigger are so logical that I believe the attachment worthy of careful tests by the War Department, as advocated by you. I believe these tests should include field firing, as well as individual firing at known ranges. Sincerely yours, H. Liggett, Lieut. -General, U.S. Army. Major Murray Baldwin, U.S.A. San Francisco, California. 126 General Liggett's interest did not stop there. He also officially recommended to the War Department that the action indicated in his personal letter should he taken. This latter communication being official and not personal cannot for various reasons, some of which are of course obvious, be reproduced here. It can be said, however, that a thorough test is to be made in accordance with his recommendation at the School of Musketry, Camp Benning, Columbus, Georgia. This test including the preparation of rifles with the Relaxing Trigger is to be at government expense. Five thousand shots were fired by the Relaxing Trigger while in development at the Marine Corps Rifle Range at Wakefield, Massachusetts. Astounding results were obtained. These results cannot fail to be also in evidence at Camp Benning, where the test will take place in a few months. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS