Test of Automatic Pistols

REPRINTS AND TRANSLA TIONS.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ARMS.

The size and weight of the various arms will be found set forth in table No. I . . The Parabellum pistol (Von-Borchard-Luger) has a caliber of 7.65 mm. The bolt is equipped with the so-called mechanical rear action. That is, the barrel itself takes part in the movement of the bolt. After the movement of the barrel ceases and the locking pin is liberated by a bolt, a knee or locking device is thrown up. After the empty shell is thrown out the knee drops back into position and the pistol is ready for use again. The pistol has a separate magazine for eight cartridges which are shoved into the stock from below. It is fitted with a double device for security. One locking device consists of a small slide on the left side which is managed by the thtimb. By this means the pistol is kept in readiness for instant use, at the same time it is readily locked and perfectly secure. The second device is automatic and the lock is released by pressure of the hand on the stock when used. - After the last cartridge has been fired from the magazine the knee spriabgs into position and remains thus so that one may see instantly that the pistol is empty. The Browning pistol No. I , model ‘00, has a caliber of 7.65 mm. and a so-called gas pressure mechanical action. a characteristic of which is that all of the mechanism of the piece, includinK the case itself, participates in the action in reloading. The magazine will hold seven cartridges and is loaded in the stock from below. The safety device is a simple slide on the left side of the stock which is worked by the thumb by means of which the pistol is kept in readiness for instant use. The Colt-Browning pistol has a caliber of 9.5 mm. the mechanical action being by means of a bolt. It looks very much like an enlarged Browning pistol. The magazine, which is shoved into the handle from below, holds seven cartridges. After the magazine is empty the pistol will still * Raprim awl translations.

TEST OF AUTOMATIC PISTOLS.

From Supplement No. 57 of the Infernational Revue of fhr Unitc-d Armits and Navics, December, I*,

TRANSLATED

BY G. W. BIEGLER. FIRST LIEUTEWANT

TWELFTH

CAVALRY,

DECEMBER.

1905. URING the spring and fall of 1 9 0 3 , and in the spring of D 1 ~ 4 , there was conducted at Rosenburg a series of tests of automatic pistols, by a commission appointed for that purpose. As these tests may be looked upon as a step in the.selection of a modern arm for the oficers of the Swedish army, it should be of interest to follow the details of the trials as given in the “Artilleri Tidskrift.” During the tests the following pistols were investigated : Two Parabellum Pistols. Two Browning Pistols, No. I , model 1900. Two Colt-Browning pistols. Two Mannlicher pistols. Four Mannlicher-Carbine pistols. One Hamilton pistol. Two Browning pistols, No. 2, model 1 9 0 3 . Two Frommer pistols. For purposes of comparison there were also present the Schwedish 7.5 mm. revolver. model ’87 and the Russian 7.62 revolver, model ‘95. F r x 3443

REPRINTS AND TRANSLA TJONS.

work, the hammer snapping on an empty chamber. This is also the case with the Browning. The Colt-Browning has an exposed hammer, the half cocking of which furnishes the only safety device. The Mannlicher pistol has a calibre of 7.63 mm. and is operated by gas pressure. It is loaded with eight cartridges held in a clip similar to the Mauser device. When the last shot is fired the mechanism stands open so that one may see that the pistol is empty. This pistol also has an outer hammer, but it cannot be half cocked. The safety device consists of a turning screw, manipulated by the tumb when the pistol is held in readiness. The Mannlicher-Carbine pistol is much larger and stronger looking than either of the foregoing arms, while the calibre is about the same. Six cartridges are placed in a loading chamber. When the last shot is fired the mechanism stands open. In case the exposed hammer fails to work, it can be cocked by means of a lever on the right side. The safety device consists of a fluted slide on the rear of the mechanism which is moved by the thumb. The Hamilton pistol has a calibre of 6.5 mm. and gas pressure action. The magazine holding seven cartridges, is inserted in the handle from below. When the magazine is empty the hammer will usually snap on an empty chamber one time. The safety device consists of a slide on the right hand side, which, as a rule, requires both hands to work. The Browning pistol No. 2, modle. '03. has a calibre of g mm. and a gas pressure action. It is loaded the same as the Browning pistol No. I. When the last shot has been fired the lock stands open. The safety device is a double one similar to that of the Parabellum pistol. The Frommer pistol has a calibre of 8.00 mm. and the bolt action results in an unusual movement of the barrel daring the loading. Ten cartridges fit in the chamber. When the pistol is'empty it is indicated by the open breach. It has the familiar bolt action. REPRINTS AiVD TRANSLA TIONS. 343 There is an outer hammer and the safety device consists of a button on the left side. A movement of this button to the rear locks the arm. It can be unlocked by means of one thumb, but in order to secure it both hands are required. All of the pistols which are loaded by means of a separate magazine can, in common, be loaded with an extra cartridge in the chamber.

THE FIRING TESTS.

rlccurucy. In order to test the arms for their shooting ability for practical purposes, a series of from three to fifteen shots were fired from each one, using a rest consisting of a pile of sacks filled with shavings at ranges of ten, thirty, fifty and one hundred meters. T h e better shooting pistols were tested at :so and 200 meters. In addition to this, scores were fired without a rest at ten and thirty meters. A number of scores were also fired with a view of testing the difference in the shooting while using the firm or loose gripe. All the pistols showed that there was little difference in the work in this regard. T h e result of the tests demonstrate that the automatic pistols shoot closer than the revolvers and have a greater range. Further, it is shown that the Parabellum pistol takes first placi in this regard. Of the great advantage and the difference in effectiveness between the unusually long bullett of the Frommer and the very short one of the Browning, it is hardly necessary to speak. Because of the lack of carrying power displayed by the revolver, it is plain that a greater initial velocity is of more value in the construction of a pistol than any particular form which the projectile may take. It is a correct principle of construction and one which increases the effectiveness of the single shot by an increase of the initial velocity through enlarging the calibre and slightly reducing the size of the bullet, the object being to secure the full benefit of the gas pressure. (See table No. I .)

REPRINTS A N D TRANSLA TZONS.

t

MFASUREMENT OF THE VELOCITY.

With a view to recording results the living power, ten meters from the muzzle, was measured by means of Bou-longe's Chronograph. The Colt-Browning Pistol No. 2, took first place and the Hamilton pistol was the lowest in the list, with the Schwedish revolver second to the bottom. The results are shown in table No. 2. It shows that the Parabellum and Browning pistols are undoubtedly the best of all with regard to the important demand of a rapid firing. single handed weapon. The results are shown in table No. 3. It is demonstrated that all of the pistols have a greater penetrating power than the Schwedish revolver with its cased bullet; and that it even fell short of the penetration of the blunted bullet which was also used. In order to test the weapons on a non-elastic target, a clay target was provided. It was determined during this test that the most effective weapon made a hole from three to four times as great as the bullet from the Schwedish revolver. It should also be noticed that the bullet with the flat head made a much larger hole than the pointed or oval bullet. This is true of the oval shaped bullets which form is supposed to increase the penetrating powers. Firing i? the Dark.,In order that a pistol be of value for self-defense in a hand to hand affair, deliberate aiming and sighting is impossible. For this purpose it is important that a pistol be constructed like a shot gun. which is readily directed against a target without first bringing the eyes on an actual line with the sights. In order to determine which of the weapons at hand came nearest filling these requirements, repeated tests were made during. the twilight and half darkness of the evening. The firing was at figure targets at fifteen meters and it was not possible to see the sights during the firing. During the tests, which were made under almost actual field conditions. and the firing very rapid, the following averages were made : Test of the rapid firing qualities : Determining the effect of single shots : I .I 'F P

REPRINTS AND TRANSLA TI0.V.S.

345 Parabellum Pistol. ............................... Browning No. I .................................. Colt-Browning ......................................... .32 per cent hits Mannlicher ........................................... .24 per cent hits Mannlicher Carbine Pistol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schwedish Pistol.. ............. Frommer Pistol ... .*. .................................. .30 per cent hits ( X ) Browning No. z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... .40 per cent hits ( X ) ( X ) When the Browning No. 2 was tested in 1903 it showed forty-per cent hits. . When tested with the Frommer in 1904, the same pistol made forty-two per cent. against thirty-two. The last figure was reduced for the purpose of equalization. In this particular the Browning No. 2 showed its superiority over all the others. This is due in part to the fact that its advantageous form permits the firer to follow the sights quickly with the eyes, and in part because of the length of the pistol, which makes it a closer shooting weapon than the Browning No. I. Durability Test.-Over one thousand shots were fired with each pistol. With the Parabellurn 1,430 shots were fired, 140 of which were fired one after another without cleaning. After the g o o shots had been fired the extractor broke and had to be replaced. -4 great number of the shots fired with the Browning No. I were fired without cleaning the pistol. In all 1,420 shots were fired with this pistol. A Colt-Browning was fired 1,550 times, a great many shots rapidly and without cleaning. The Mannlicher pistol was fired 1,375 times. At one time, after it had been used for some time, the lock became stiff and finally refused to work at all. After 790 shots, 300 of which had been fired in rapid succession, the claw of the extractor broke. The shells were thrown out slowly by the gas pressure for a while, but it finally refused to fire altogether. After the extractor was replaced 540 shots were fired, 450 without pause. It was shown that the pivot of the safety device and the extractor interfered repeatedly and that small fragments of the bullets were scraped off during A Browning No. 2 was fired 1,340 times. ' i n w i c n t m OY THI VUAK'ITY. With 8 *icr to d o g msult8 tht living power. ten ancm hpm tbe moule, clu m u m m i by means of Bou-Iwge'r Chronograph. The Colt-Browning Pistol No. a , to& 6- place and the Hamilton pistol was the lowest in the list, with the Schwedish revolver second to the bottom. The results are shown in table No. 2. It shows that the Parabellurn and Browning pistols are undoubtedly the best of all with regard to the important demand of a rapid firing. single handed weapon. The results are shown in table No. 3. It is demonstrated that all of the pistols have a greater penetrating power than the Schwedish revolver with its cased bullet; and that it even fell short of the penetration of the blunted bullet which was also used. In order to test the weapons on a non-elastic target, a clay target was provided. It was determined during this test that the most effective weapon made a hole from three to four times as great as the bullet from the Schwedish revolver. It should also be noticed that the bullet with the flat head made a much larger hole than the pointed or oval bullet. This is true-of the oval shaped bullets which form is supposed to increase the penetrating powers. Firing in the Dark-In order that a pistol be of value €or self-defense in a hand to hand affair. deliberate aiming and sighting is impossible. For this purpose it is important that a pistol be constructed like a shot gun. which is readily directed against a target without first bringing the eyes on an actual line with the sights. In order to determine which of the weapons at hand came nearest filling these requirements, repeated tests were made during the twilight and half darkness of the evening. The firing was at figure targets at fifteen meters and it was not possible to see the sights during the firing. During the tests, which were made under almost actual field conditions, and the firing very rapid, the following averages were made : Test of the rapid firing qualities : Determining the effect of single shots : (X) When the Browning No. 2 was tested in 1903 it showed forty-per cent hits. When tested with the Frommer in 1904. the same pistol made forty4wo per cent. against equalization. ority over all the others. This is due in part to the fact that its advantageous form permits the firer to follow the sights quickly with the eyes, and in part because of the length of the pistol, which makes it a closer shooting weapon than the Browniug No. I. each pistol. With the Parabellurn 1,430 shots were fired, 140 of which were fired one after another without cleaning. After the 800 shots had been fired the extractor broke and had to be replaced. A great number of the shots fired with the Browning KO. I were fired without cleaning the pistol. In all 1,420 shots were fired with this pistol. A Colt.Browning was fired 1,550 times, a great many shots rapidly and without cleaning. time, after it had been used for some time, the lock became stiff and finally refused to work at all. After 790 shots, 300 of which had been fired in rapid succession, the claw of the gas pressure for a while, but it finally refused to fire altogether. After the extractor was replaced 540 shots were fired, 450 without pause. It was shown that the pivot of the safety device and the extractor interfered repeatedly and that small fragments of the bullets were scraped off during I I thirty-two. The last figure was reduced for the purpose of In this particular the Browning No. 2 showed its superi- I ~ I I Dztrability Test.-Over one thousand shots were fired with l 1 T h e Mannlicher pistol was fired 1,375 times. At one A Browning No. 2 was fired I ,340 times. L t F x t r a c t o r broke. The shells were thrown out slowly by hrBMlum R d Emmatag I Cdt - &uramg y.DDltCchcr YIDollcher Carbine Pistol Browning No. 2 Prommer Pistol . . Schwcdish Pistol

1) p.r Wt NU I 1 p a r r t hits )r per cent hit. . . . . . . . . . . y per ceut hit. , . . . . . 18percent hits . . . . . . . . . . .IO per cent hits . . . .@ per cent hits ( X ) , . . . _ _ . . . . _ . . . . . _ ~ ..jopercenthits(X) , . . . . . . . . . . .

REPRINTS AND TRANSLA TIONS.

the firing and fell into the magazine, making its action heavy. The last shot, however, carried as well as the first one. Altogether there were about 2,000 shots fired with each pistol tested. Fewer shots were fired from the Carbine, the Hamilton and the Frommer pistols. During the firing the following mechanical weaknesses were observed. Tkr Parabellurn.-Very often, particularly during cold weather when the lubricant was heavy, the bolt would not move forward into position after a shot. If one failed to notice this fact the wd'apon would lock and both hands would be required to put it in working order again. This is an important weakness. Browning No. 2.-In eight different instances a cartridge was projected in such a manner as to require its removal by hand before the pistol would work. Otherwise the mechanical action was perfect. Colt-Browning.-.In both styles of Colt-Browning it was found that the cartridges jammed frequently and the shells as well, delaying the action of the weapon in each instance. The k?annlichcr pistol jammed four times on empty shells and the magazine stuck several times, due to the accumulation of lead from the bullets falling into it. The Carbine Pistol.-During the firing of 500 shots, while the action was almost perfect, it was found several times that the mechanism was not in the most perfect order. The Browning No 2 stuck three or four times because a shell or cartridge became twisted. The Hamilton usually jammed on the last cartridge in the magazine. The Frotnmer pistol failed more than thirty times in 390 trials from one cause or another. Sund and Dust Test.-The pistols were cleaned, lubricated and the magazines loaded. Fine sand and dust were then shaken over them from all sides. The pistols were then fired until the magazines were empty and the following observations made: T h e bolt of the Parabellum would not close and had to be pushed in place by hand. The Browning No. I worked perfectly. i

REPRINTS A.VD TR.-I:\'SLA T10,VS.

347 The bolt of the Mannlicher would not go forward to its Some of the pistols were not subjected to this test. While the Browning No. I stood this heavy test perfectly, the Colt-Browning and the Browning No. 2 showed up well also, as all the mechanism of the Browning pistols is well protected. Dirt arid rust test.-With the exception of the Hamilton and Frommer pistols, all the others were subjected to the following test: After having been fired a number of times the magazines were loaded and the pistols placed in a barrel. The barrel was placed in the open air one day and in a warm room the next, alternating for nine days. At the end of this period the magazines were emptied by firing. All the pistols work perfectly. The condition of the ammunition is of greater import. ance to the automatic pistol than to any other arm. for a mis-fire is not only a disappointment, but might result very seriously to the user. This disadvantage is greater because of the delay in withdrawing the defective shell from an automatic pistol. It is a most serious disadvantage in the gas pressure system because both hands are required to remove the shell. It is therefore fortunate that ammunition makers have reached the point where miss fires are rarely heard of. Among the many thousand shots fired during the tests, not one miss fire could be blamed to the ammunition. The failures to fire seemed to be due altogether to some weakness in the arm itself. In order to determine if the ammunition was proof against climatic conditions, a package of cartridges was allowed to lay in the snow for more than a day and next removed to a warm room. This was repeated several days until the case fell to pieces, when the cartidges were fired. There was no noticeable difference. T o determine what the effect of uneven gas pressure would have on the mechanism, some of the bullets were driven far into the shells. and in other cases the end of the place.

p' -*I:. 348

REPRINTS AND TRANSLA TIONS.

bullets were cut off. There was no noticeable difference in the action of the pistols under these conditions. This test was conducted with the Parabellum, Colt-Browning and Browning No. I and 2.

JUDGING THE PISTOLS.

With the assumption that the automatic pistol shall replace the revolver and not the carbine, (which from a ballistic standpoint is much superior to the pistol, whether it be equipped with a shoulder butt or not), we can form from the test the following opinions : Because of its advantageous form, its length and slight weight, it will crowd out the older pocket revolvers. For uses during war this pistol, as well as the Mannlicher and Hamilton, cannot be considered seriously. The operation of these pistols for single shots, the lack of rapidity, together with several other weaknesses, were much more pronounced in these than in any of the other models tested. O n the ground of lack of rapidity the Colt-Browning, the Carbine and the Frommer pistols are also no better equipped to replace the revolver. The first and last named arms are uncertain in their action. The Frommer and Carbine pistols are large and heavy to handle without any improvement in execution to compensate for the same. There remains, therefore, but two weapons between which a choic= must be made, the Parabellum and the Browning No. 2. Both stand equal from point of rapidity of action, measuring up to the revolver. The Parabellum is somewhat better as a target pistol, but the mechanism did not work as well during the tests as that of the Browning. The Browning has, moreover, a greater reach than any of the others except the Colt-Browning, has a much more favorable form, is more readily carried in a holster and is a much better shooting arm for field work. O n these grounds and because the pistol gave satisfaction in other ways, the commission is of the opinion that the Browning No. 2 is the best service pistol for all conditions. The Browning No. I is a pleasing weapon. ' 349 However, there are several mechanical changes to be suggested in the pistol, which it is thought can be made without great trouble. The following improvements are suggested. The dark rounded barrel of the pistol, especially in bad light, cannot be readily followed by the eye of the firer in sighting. It is recommended that a small ridged arch, similar to that on the shot gun, be run from the breech to the muzzle. The safety lock and extractor must be secured in a better manner, so that they do not fly out whenever the pistol is fired. The two sharp edges projecting from the rear of the butt, might cause discomfort and should be rounded off. T h e side pieces should be of tougher material. Finally the projectile must be reduced or flattened in front similar to the Prussian cartridge, even though the penetrating power be reduced somewhat in order to increase its stopping power. If the pistol is to fill the requirements of self-defense in the hands of troops these alterations should be made. However desirous it may be to keep the personal arm of the officers and noncommissioned officers up to the modern standard, it is not yet of sufficient interest to the government to warrant to adoption of an entirely new arm, so long as the old service revolver continues to fill so many of the requirements. It is, however, not more than proper that the government should give those who desire it, the opportunity of securing a more modern arm than the one we now have. Many good reasons exist for the government making it possible and convenient to exchange the old for a new model. As the knowledge of the antiquated style of the present revolver becomes known among the officers it is more difficult to maintain an interest in pistol practice. With an arm that after a dozen shots becomes foul acd inaccurate in its work, interest is bound to lag which works to the detriment of the service. It is thought that the introduction of automatic pistols might be brought about by allowing the officers to exchange the old for the new model, if they so desired. Such an REPRINTS rlL\iR TRA-VSLA TIONS.

I 350 REPRlNTS AND TRANSLA TIONS. arrangement would cause no increased expense, as all of the newly appointed officers would secure the automatic arm, and such others as desired to change for the new. In this manner the wishes of the individual for an improved arm would be met and the interests of the government furthered by an increased interest in pistol practice among the officers. In closing the above interesting investigation of the Schwedish army some of the recent changes in other armies in regard to the automatic pistol. so far as announced, are given.

OFFICIALLY ANSOUSCED.

In Belgium the 7.65 mm. automatic Browning repeater pistol is manufactured under direction of the government at the arsenal near Luttich for issue to officers. Switzerland is having the 7.65 mm. automatic Parabellum ( Borchard-Luger, xp system) manufactured in the factory of L. Lowe in Berlin, €or use by all mounted troops. In Germany the Parabellum pistol is being manufactured fOT use of o€6cers. The results of the tests of the 7.63 Mauser, still being used to some extent, have not been announced. Bulgaria has adopted the Parabellum 1903 (German origin) for use of the officers-of all arms. In America the Parabellum and Colt are being tested with the choice still unmade. The latest reports favor the Colt. In Austria tests have been carried on with the following styles for several years: Dormas system ; Ritter system of Mannlicher, model of 1894; G. Roth system 11. T., revolver made by the government at Steyr ; Ritter system of Mannlicher, model of 1902 ; Luger-Borchard system; Leopold Gasser clip loading revolver, and the new model repeater pistol system of G. Roth. In Italy an automatic pistol made at Parma is being tested. Details are not available. If the pistol is to be used in earnest as a defensive arm in close contact it is important to the cavalry that it should be a pistol which can be used mounted as well as under other circumstances. REPRI-VTS A .VD TRA .VSLrl TIO-VS. 35 1 TABLE Xt). I. Size, Wright. Etc.

XH.\IS.

\ ChRl'tiE. PROjECTlLE. --- Same. Parabellurn Browning KO I, JI. rgoo Colt-Browning Mannlicher hlannltcher Carbine Hamilton Ruasian Re\*olver, XI. '"'. Schrredish Revoh-er, SI. 57 Browning So.

2. >f. 1903 I L -

L i . , = g$ - 9'1 5' -1- 7.6 j ' 0.93 j 7.65 0.625 7,63 0.830 6.50 1.200 7.65 0.800 7.50 0.sw 9.00 o.q& 0.50 1 1.Ooo i . 6 j 0.990 23.; 10.1 30. 6.0 ' 1J.j' 333 1 34 16.3 I 7:; 25: 4.6 1 11.71 259 19 23.0 13 3 32 1 8.3 14.8 295 1 37 5.6 1 I).o( a7o 2 1 23 0 9.0 28. 27.0 27.0 77.t 11.0 3j.

30. :P 1 14.0 14.0' 331 2 2 6 , 33 I 1 i s

I 24.0 I 1.7 30. 7.0 15.9, 20 26 24.0 1 1 . 0 ' 35. 6.; 16.41 223 17

Z O O 11.3

23. ' ;.I 13.0: 318 37 m . r,* " .,

I A D L C 30. 2.

Rapidity of Fire. Parabellurn, . . . . . . . . , . . . . . Browning No. I , M. ' 0 0 . . . . . Colt-Browning . . . . . , , Mannlicher , . . . . . . . . . , . . Mannlicher Carbine. , . . , Schwedish Revolver M. '87. Browning No. 2 XI. ' 0 3 . . . . . Frommer . . . . . . . . . . . , . . 21" - 7 1;" 14.1" Hamilton pistol jammed and was not tested.

359 REPRINTS AND TRAhrSLA TIONS.

TABLE NO. 3.

Results of Single Shots. Parabellom ........ with Oval head. 5.4 pieces, 4.6 pieces. 8.1 c. m. Parabellurn, ....... with Flat head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Browning No. I . .. with Oval head, 3.8 pieces : 2.; pieces. Browning No. I . . .. with Flathead, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.7 E. m. z) Colt-Browning . . . . with Oval head. 4.5 pieces, 3.0 pieces. 0.5 c. m. Hamilton. ......... with Oval head.! 2.8 pieces Browning No. 1. . . 9.7 c. m. 7 4 c. m. .I 9.1 c. m. 2) Mannlicher , . . , . , . . with Oval head, 3.4 pjeces. 3 o pieces 7.0 c. m. Mannlicher Carbine with Oval head . j.0 pteces .I 4.0 pteces . 8.7 c. m. Colt-Brmiog . . . . . with Flat head. . . . . . . . . . . . I . ~ . . . . . . Rwsiao Rev., m ‘95 with Flat head. ,! 4.5 pieces. 1 . . . . . . . . . .

z. j pieces. . . . . : . : : : . : . : with Oval head.! 4.9 pieces j 4.6 pieces. 8.2 E. m. 3) Browning No. z . . . with Flat head . \ 3.3 pieces I Frommer Schwedish Revolver with Oval point. I 2.5 pieces.] 1.6 pieces., 5.1 c. m. . . . . . . . 8.6 10.5 c. m. .......... . . . . . . . . . with Oval head. j 5.2 pieces 1 j.2 pieces. I . Clay plates were placed behind one another with a slight space between. :The record shows the average of at least three shots for each plate. The head of the bullet was filed off until the diameter of the same was mrn. The lowest records were made by flattened bullets, the nose of which showed a diameter of 4 mm. The higher records were made by bullets, the heads of which had a diameter of 6 mm. In the last case a tie resulted, as none showed more than a slight mark on the surface of the rear plate. 2. 3. ,

”X LESSOS IN PICTURE ” COSTISUED.

F O R T RORISSOE. SI:R.,

July 9. igoG. jro tht- Editor of Tht. Cimalry / o w n o / : HALVE read with some interest the different modes pro- 1 posed of holding the double rein, with the reasons for each method, and have received the cards sent out by the

JOCRS.\L

showing different means of obtaining the same end in view, simplicity and the easiest way to enable the rider, especially in our case, the enlisted man, to have and to keep perfect control of the animal which carries him and his equipment complete. Of all the ways suggested, I have come to the conclusion that the “French Cavalry (Anderson) Nethod” is the best one proposed and the one we should adopt slightly modified. Figures 2 and 4. in Captain Henry’s article, in the July issue of the JOURN.\L. 1906, are modifications of Figure 3, and in my opinion not as good, because the reins are not as free, and not subject to as perfect control as shown in Figure 3.