Historical Document · 1907
The US Army board's report on its 1907 trials of .45 revolvers and automatic pistols, printed as an appendix to the Annual Report of the Chief of Ordnance with nine plates. The Luger P08 dive reads the .45 Luger's velocity table from it; the Bergmann 1896/1897 dive cites its test of the .45 Bergmann.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE, 1007 APPENDIX REPORT OF BOARD ON TESTS OF REVOLVERS AND AUTOMATIC PISTOLS NINE PLATES WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1907 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE, 1907 APPENDIX REPORT OF BOARD ON TESTS OF REVOLVERS AND AUTOMATIC PISTOLS NINE PLATES WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1907 APPENDIX. REPORT OF BOARD ON TESTS OF REVOLVERS AND ADTOMATIO PISTOLS. (9 plates.) SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, Springfield, Mass., March ~8, 1907. Proceedings of board of officers convened by the following order : WAR DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL ORDERS,} No. 305. Wash-ington, December 28, 1906. [Extract.] • • • • • • • 12. A board of officers, to cons ist ofCol. Philip Reade, Twenty-third Infantry, Maj. Joseph T. Dickman, Thirteenth Cavalry, Capt. Guy H. Preston, Thirteenth Cavalry, Capt. Ernest D. Scott, Artillery Corps; Capt. John H. Rice, Orqnance Department, is appointed to meet at 10 o'clock a. m., Tuesday, January 15, 1907, or as soon thereafter as practicable, at Springfield Armory, Springfield, Mass., for the purpose of testing such revolvers and automatic pistols as may be referred to the board by the Chjef of Ordnance. Captain Rice will act as recorder of the board. A programme of tests will be drawn up and the trial conducted and expedited in the most practical manner for the purpose of ascertaining a design of automatic pistol or revolver best adapted to fu lfill the t•equirements of the military sen· ice. The board wi ll report as to whether, in its opinion, the design selected is a sufficient improvement upon the servi ce cali bet· .38 revolver to justify its adoption. Upon the comp letion of the programme the board will submit a report of the tests with recommendations to The Military Secretary of the Army, and upon the adjournment of the board the members thereof will return to their proper stations. The travel directed is necessary in the military service. By order of the Secretary of War: THOMAS H. BARRY, Brigadim·-Geneml, Acting Ohief of Staff. Published as reference material1969 James C. Tillinghast Box 595, Marlow, N.H. 03456 Official: HENRY P. McCAIN, MilUm·y Secretat·v. 1. The board met pursuant to the foregoing order at 2.20 o'clock p. m., on January 15, 1907, all the members berng present. Meetings were held twice daily, Sundays excepted, until January 26, when ad0'> 85 APPENDIX. TESTS OF REVOLVERS AND AUTOMATIC PISTOLS. journment was taken in accordance with telegraphic authority from The Military Secretary, and the members of the board proceeded to their proper stations pending instructions to reconvene. 2. The board reconvened at 9.30 a. m., March 20, 1907, in accordance with the following order: 5. The following specifications for automatic pistols for mounted service embody the views of the board: (1) Caliber not less than .45. (2) The magazine to hold not less than 6 cartridges. ( 3) Weight of bullet not less than 230 grains. ( 4) Initial velocity not less than 800 feet per second. ( 5) Trigger pull, measured at center of contact of finger with trigger, not less than 6 pounds. ( 6) A simple and durable mechanism with as few parts as possible, capable of being readily dismotmted and assembled, using as few tools as practicable. The number of springs, screws, and pins should be reduced to a minimum, particularly in the case of flat s,prings. (7) .A.s compact mechanism as possible and a shape adapted to carrying in a holster. (8) Adapted for use as a short-range weapon, not as a carbine. (9) The breech to be closed and locked before the firing pin can reach the primer. (10) An automatic safety, such that the arm may be carried cocked and with a cartridge in the bore without danger and be ready for the first shot without any other action than pulling the trigger. ( 11) Vertical in preference to side ejection of cartridge case. (12) Reasonable certainty of action in automatic loading and ejection. (13) Comparatively easy action in ejecting by hand in case of misfire or jam. (14) Automatic indication that the arm is loaded. (15) Automatic indication that the last cartridge has been fired from the arm. (16) Good balance and a shape of grip adapted to the hand. (17) A form of magazine ca tch that can easily be o,p erated by the pistol hand and which allows the magazine to drop out. The following features are desirable: (1) No !'\pecial tools for dismounting or assembling. (2) Such design and relation of parts that each may be readily replaced if required. Parts riveted together or permanently joined are objectionable. (3) Loading by box magazine, and not by clip. (4) An automatic indication of the nwnber of cartridges in the magazine, the mechanism to be so arranged as to preYent the entrance of dust, etc. ( 5) .A. position of the center of gravity as near as practicable to the axis of the bore. The following features are preferable: (1) A bolt securely locked to the barrel until the bullet has left the bore. (2) A bolt in one piece rather than one with a separate head. (3) A loading mechanism which will permit the use of non jacketed bullets. 6. The requirements for revolvers are too well known to need insertion in this report. 7. The board does not recommend for the military service the Webley-Fosbery automatic revolver, the Knoble automatic pistols, the Bergmann automatic pistol, or the White-Merrill automatic pistol for the reasons stated in the reports of tests of those arms. 84 WAR DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL ORDERS,} No. 62. Washi ngton, Mm·ch 15, 1901. [Extract.] * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 23. Capt. William JU. Cruikshank, Artillery Corps, is detailed as a member of the board of officers appointed by paragraph 12, Special Orders. No. 305, December 28, 1906. War Department, for the purpose of testing such revolvers and automati c pistols as may be referred to the board by the Chief of Ordnance, vice Capt. Ernest D. Scott, Artillery Corps, \Yho is het·eby relieved. The board, as now constituted, cons isting of Col. Philip Reade, Twenty-third Infantry; Maj. Joseph T. Dickman, Thirteenth Cavalry ; Capt. Guy H. Preston, Thirteenth Ca\' alry; Capt. William 111. Cmikshank, Artillery Corps, and Capt. John H . Ri ce, Ordnance Department, will r eassemb le at the Springfield Armory, Springfield, Mass. , at 10 o'clock a. m .. March 19. 1907, or as soon thereafter as practi cable, for the purpose of resuming the tests, and upon the adjournment of the board the members thereof will r eturn to thei r proper stations. The travel directed is necessary in the military service. By order of the Secretary of War: J . FRANKLIN BELL, Major-General, Ghi.ef of Staff. Official: HENRY P. McCAIN, Adj11tant-Geneml. All the members were present. Meetings were held twice daily thereafter, Sundays excepted, until March 28, 1907, "When adjournment was taken in accordance with the above order. 3. The weapons r eferred to the board by the Chief of Ordnance, with their weights when empty, were as follow s : Automatic pistols, calib er .45. [Weight, In cluding magazine.] The Colt _______________________________ __ _____________ _____________ 2 Luger ____________________________________ ______ ________ _____ __ _ 2 The Savage ____ __ _____ ________________________ __________ __ __________ 2 Lbs. oz. The Knoble single a ction--- ----------------------------- ----------- - 2 The Knoble double action ____________________________________________ 2 The Bergmann ___ __________ -------------------------- ___ ____________ 2 The White-MerrilL ____ _________ --- --------------- -- - - -------- _______ 2 11! 10! 3! 6! ~'he 2! 8 3 Double-action re'l/oh;ers, caliber .45. l Weight.] The Colt------------------------------------- --- ------------------ 2 The Smith & Wesso n _____ __ __________________________ ____ ___________ 2 67 A atom a tic 1·evol ver , ca lib er .45. The Webley-Fosbery __ __ ______________________ ______ __ _______________ 2 10 Ten rounds of ammunition weighs for the pistols 0.483 pound, and for the revolver 0.5 pound. 4. Programmes of test were adopted, copies of which are inclosed. These programmes were departed from in certain minor particulars, which may be noted in the reports of tests, also inclosed herewith. 86 8'7 APPENDIX. TESTS OF REVOLVERS AND AUTOMATIC PISTOLS. 8. This leaves for further consideration the Lu~er, Colt, and Savage automatic pistols, and the Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers. 9. In the opinion of the board, the advantages of automatic pistols are as follows : (1) Red~ced shock of recoil , increasing accuracy and reducing tendency to fhnch. (2) Facility of recharging, especially in cold weather or when mounted. ( 3) Greater number of rounds in magazine than is carried in any revolver cylinder. (4) Great rapidity of fire. ( 5) Trigger has but one function-that of releasing striker. (6) Relatively short total length, increasing ease of carrying and drawino-. (7) Superior accuracy and ballistic qualities. (8) Reduced chance of misfire. (9) Favorable location of center of gravity. (10) Desirable balance and grip. (11) Comparative ease of putting arm into action after severe rusting. 10. The principal disadvantages of automatic pistol s are considered to be as follO\YS : (1) In case of mi sfire the use of two hands is necessary to deliver the next shot. (2) Undemonstrated reliability of functioning under service conditiOns. (3) Ammunition in good condition and manufactured with special care is required. (4) Accuracy of construction and delicate adjustment of parts are required. (5) Comparative unfamiliarity with the weapon on the part of those eligible for militarl service. (6) Impracticability o firing blank cartridges for instruction and at maneuvers. 11. The principal advantages of double-action reYoh·ers are in the opinion of the board as follows: (1) In case of misfire but one hand is required to deliver the next shot. (2) Demonstrated reliability in service. (3) Practical certainty of firing contents of cylinder. ( 4) Ammunition of wide divergence in characteristics, including blanks, may be used. ( 5) ·w idespread familiarity with revolver on the part of those eligible for military service. (6) Ease of cleaning. 12. The principal disadvantages of double-action revoh-ers are considered to be as follows: (1) Extreme shock of recoil with large calibers, impairing accuracy and tending to produce flinching. (2) Pra.ctical impossibility of reloading in combat, when mounted, in cold weather, or when wearing gloves. ( 4) Double function of trigger, causing derangement of aim. ( 5) RelatiYely great total length , causing difficulty· in carrying and drawing. ( 6) Infenor accura cy and ballistic qualities. 13. The advantages of the automatic pistol and the disadvantages of the double-action revolver, especially those enumerated under subheads 1, 2, and 3, in each case are deemed by the board of such importance that it desires to state its conviction that the principle of the automatic hand firearm should be adopted for the military service, and that the adoption of a specific arm should be contingent only_upon the question of whether it is mechanically satisfactory in service. 14. The distinguishing characteristics of the Luger automatic pistol are as follows : (1) The shape of the grip conforms to the anatomical features of the hand. (2) The center of gravity is well to the rear. There are two points of support as the arm lies naturally in the hand. (3) An automatic and a mechanical safety are provided. (4) There is an automatic indication that the chamber is loaded, visible to the eye, and sensible to the touch. (5) The empty magazine may be expelled with the pistol hand. ( 6) The parts are easily accessible. (7) The arm ha s vertical ejection. (8) The final seating of the cartridge is mainly dependent upon r emaining momentum and not upon sprin~ action. (9) The retraction of the breech mecharusm by hand is difficult. ( 10) The magazine holds seven ca rtridges. 15. The distinguishing characteristics of the Colt automatic pistol are as follm>s: (1) No automatic safety is provided. (2) The .firing mechanism includes a flying firing pin and a hammer with notches and sear. (3) There is no automatic indication that the chamber is loaded. (4) Both hands are required to withdraw the magazine. ( 5) Some of the parts are difficult to dismount and assemble. (6). The arm has side ejection. (7) The arm is noticeably flat , neat, compact, and portable. (8) The total length is short compared with the length of the barrel. (9) The r etraction of the breech mechanism by hand is not difficul t. (10) The magazine holds seven cartridges. 16. The distinguishing characteristics of the Savage automatic pistol are as follows : (1) The center of gravity is well to the rear. There are two points of support, as the arm lies naturally in the hand. (2) A mechanical safety only is provided. (3) There is no automatic indication that the chamber is loaded. (4) The empty magazine may be expelled with the pistol hand. ( 5) The parts are accessible. ( 6) Ther e are no pins, scr ews, or flat springs. (7) There is great simplicity, with small number of parts. (8) The arm has side ejection. (3) Difficulty of partial reloading. 88 89 APPENDIX. TESTS OF REVOLVEllS AND AUTOMATIC PISTOLS. (9) The barrel is free to rotate within limits, and is locked to the breech mechanism by the friction due to the bullet taking the rifling. (10) The retractiOn of the breech mechanism by hand is not difficult. (11) The grip is noticeably thick and is provided with corrugated metal side :plates. (12) The cartridges are staggered in the magazine. ( 13) The magazine holds e1ght cartridges. 17. The distinguishing characteristics of the S mith & W esson double-action revolver are as follows : ( 1) There is a sliding block safety device for holding the hammer on rebound. _(2) A front cylinder lock maintains the barrel and cylinder m ahg:nment. (3) The cylinder latch operates forward. ( 4) The barrel is pinned to the frame to prevent rotation. (5) The grip and trigger-guard are too small. (~) The shoulder of the frame, against which the hand rests, is vertical and narrow. (7) _The cylin~er may be revolved by manipulating the trigger and without cockmg the hammer. (8) The cylinder rotates to the left and swings out to the left. (9) The barrel of the weapon tested was 6~ inches in len!rth. 18. The distinguishing characteristics of the Colt double'=action revolver are as follows : (1) There is a positive safety device interposed under the hammer on r ebound. (2) The cylinder latch operates to the rear. (3) The barrel is not pinned to the frame. (4) The shoulder of the frame, against which the hand rests, is rounded and broad. ( 5) The cylinder may be revolved by manipulatino- the trio-ger and without cocking the hammer. "' o (6) The cylinder rotates to the right and swings out to the left. (7) The cylinder rod nut is apt to be lost. (8) The barrel_ of the wea_pon tested was 5~ inches in length. 19. The followmg table gives the results of tests made, excluding the rust and dust tests. The term " malfunction " includes all failures due merely to the improper working of the mechanism and excludes all failures due to jamming of cartridge or empty case: 20. After the dust test, the three automatic pistols under consideration all operated with comparatively little difficulty. The contents of one magazine were fired from the Colt in 1 minute and 5G seconds when the !11agaz~e was loaded after the arm had been subj ected to dust , and m 1 mmute and 53 seconds when the arm was subjected to dust with a loaded magazine inserted. The corresponding times for the Savage automatic, under similar c:onditions, were 51% seconds and 53 seconds, and for the Luger 2 mmutes and 50 seconds, and 2 minutes and 32 seconds. The Luger did not operate as satisfactorily as the other two. 21. In the rust test, the contents of the magazine were fired from the Colt in 1 minute and 8 seconds; from the Savage in 2 minutes, and from the Luger in 3 minutes and 20 seconds. The first two mentioned operated successfully as self-loader s, while the Luger was opera ted by hand. 22. From a car eful consideration of the characteristics of each weapon and of the tests made by the board, it is of the opinion that the Savage and the Colt automatic pistols possess sufficient merit to warrant their being given a further test under service conditions. With commercial ammunition especially adapted to the arm each ha s shown promising certainty of action. Among the most desirable features of the Savage pistol are its simplicity and small munber of parts and their accessibility, the lack of scr ews or flat springs, the number of cartridges (eight) h eld by the magazine, the position of the center of gravity, the way the pistol lies in the hand, the expulsion of the magazine by the pistol hand, and the ease with which the breech mechamsm may be retracted. Among the most desirable features of the Colt pistol are its flatness, compactness, neatness, and ease of carrying, the comparatively short total length, and the ease with which the breech mechanism may be r etracted. 23. It is, however , desired to emphasize the view of the board that both these pistols should be changed in certain particulars for the military service, and that these changes should be r equired of the manufacturer before either is conside-red for final adoption. Both weapons are def ective iJl having side ejection , no automatic indication that the chamber is loaded, and no automatic safety. The grip of the Savage should be made, if possible, more convenient for the hand, and the corrugated metal plates of the grip should be r eplaced by wooden plates secu.rely fastened on. The r etention of the mechanical safety in the locked position should be made more positive. The front sight should be moved slightly to the r ear and should be more securely attached. The trigger stirrup of the Colt should be strengthened and its pin made longer. The hammer should be of a modified ty pe exhibited to the board, which fa cilitates cocking by th e thumb of the pistol hand and should not be of the type ordinarily furnished. A location of th e magazine catch that will permit of expulsion of the magazine by the pistol hand is preferred. 24. The Luger automatic pistol, although it possesses manifest advantages in many particulars, is not recommended for a service test because its certainty of action, even with Luger ammunition, is not consider ed $atisfactory, because the final seating of the cartridge is not by positive spring action, and because the powder stated by Mr. Luger to be necessary for its satisfactory use is not now obtainable in this cotmtry. ' v eapon. Automati cs: Luger .... ..... . .................. Do.... . ....... .. ..... . ..... . .. Savage - ... -..... .•. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Do .. .. - ..... . ......... . . . .. . .. Colt .... ... ..... . .. . ... ... .. .... .. Revolv,?; ,········· · ·· ··· · ···· · ·-····· Colt ······ · ······· · ···· · ··· · ······ Smith & 1\"es.,on ........... . ...... Number Malfunc. of sh ots. tions. MJPfi res. I~--- - - - - - 225 . 746 8 4 Jams. 17 ~2 1~ 9 250 2 .......... 604 .... ...... 1 24 300 ~ · ······ · ·· 3 631 12 a6 1, 056 ... ....... 1 1, 136 ......... . Ammunition. Frnnkfo rd Arsena l. L uger. Frankford Arsenal. Commercial. Frankford Arsenal. Com mercial. 18 ......... Frankford Arsenal. 6 . ... ...... Do. 1 • Failures t o CJect lust ca 1·tridge case of set·ies ; co rrected with one b a nd by sp illlng. 90 91 APPENDIX. TESTS OF REVOLVERS AND AUTOMATIC PISTOLS. 25. The results obtained in these tests of automatic pistols with special commercial ammunition and with Frankford Arsenal ammunition do not furnish a sufficient basis for ascertaining the degree of reliability of these weapons in actual service. While the conditions will not often be as severe as in the dust and rust tests, yet in the hands of troops the arms and the ammunition would be exposed to a variety of usage and climate which can not be foreseen and reproduced in tests. The most vital question to be determined concerning automatic pistols in their present state of development is that of reliability of function, which should be equal to or closely approximate that of the revolver. For this purpose, it ill believed that the pistols and ammunition should be actually issued to a limited number of units, in substitution for and to the exclusion of their revolvers, with instructions to use them, carry them, and conduct target practice with them precisely in the manner previously prescribed for revolvers. In the target practice ~ourse a complete record should be kept of all malfunctions, misfires, and jams, and of the repairs necessary to keep the weapons in serviceable condition : a similar record should be kept by some troops at the same posts equipped with caliber .45 revolvers. If the troop commanders designated to conduct these service tests be selected with care, a comparison of reports should show whether automatic pistols of the best type are sufficiently reliable for general adoption, the decision being based upon data which have not previously been developed in our ow11 or other armies so far as known. 2G. On account of the well-recognized and urgent necessity for a caliber not less than .45 for active service, in view of the fact that in the opinion of the board service tests of automatic pistols covering a considerable period of time are necessary, and because a satisfactory caliber .45 revolver can be obtained, the board considers that a sufficient number of these revolvers should be issued as soon as practicable to arm the troops serving in the Philippine I slands. 27. The tests show that both of the revolvers !>ubmitted are desirable weapons, but the board. prefers the Colt for the following reason. : (1) Less shock to the use1\ due to the broader and more rounded shoulder against which the hand rests. (2) The better shape and size of grip and trigger guard. (3) The greater simplicity and fewer parts. (4) The present familiarity of the troops 'vith the Colt revolver. Th:is revolver should, however, have the banel pinned to th e frame to prevent rotation , and should have the parts adjusted so a.:; to prevent the rotation of the cylinder by pressure on the trigger which does not cock the hammer. 28. As a result of careful consideration of the tests made and as a result of the views hereinbefore presented the board recommends as follows : (1) That sufficient Colt double-action revolvers, caliber .45, be issued to arm th e troops in the Philippines as soon as practicable. (2) That sufficient Colt automati c pistols, caliber .45, to completely ann three troops of cavalry be obtained and issued for a seryi.ce test of not less than one year. (3) That sufficient Savage automatic pistols, caliber .45, to arm completely three troops of cavalry be obtained and issued for a service test of not less than one year. (4) That one t~·oo l? of cavalry sta_tioned at each of the posts to whtch the autoiJ?-abc ptstols may be assigned be armed completely with Colt double-actwn revolvers, caliber .45, for a period of not less than one year. ( 5) That the pistols and revolvers so issued be used to the exclusion of the present weapons, which should be turned in. (G) That the troop commanders to whose organizations the pistols and revolvers referred to above may be issued be caref ully chosen for their interest in the selection of a proper weapon. (7) That these pistols and revolvers be used in all respects as are the present revolvers in drills, target practice, maneuvers, etc., and that a complete and detailed record be kept of all misfires, malfunctions, and jams, and of the repairs necessary to keep the arms in a serviceable condition. (8) That at the end of one year after date of issue complete and detailed reports be submitted by the respective troop commanders to the Adjutant-General. 29. Attached hereto will be found photographs of all the arms submitted to the board for test. PHILIP READE, Colonel, Twenty-thinl I nfant?:;, U.S. A1'1ny, P1·esident of Boa1·d. J. T. DICKMAN, llfajm·, Thi1·teenth Caval1·y, U. S . Ll1·my. GuY H. PREsToN, Captain, Thirteenth Caval1·y, U. S . .d.1·my. w~r. M. CRmKsHANK, Captain, A1·tille1'Y Corps, U. S . .il.?"lny. J. H. RICE, Captain, Ordnance D epw·tment, U. S . A1·my, RecmYler. I First Indor se ment.] To the Chief of Ordnance. A. G. 0., April 2, 1907. [Seco nd Ind orsement. ] On·rcE .OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE , 1Vashington, .d.pril B3, 1..907. 1. Respectfully returned to The Adjutant-General. 2. The board considers that an increase of caliber of the pistol to .45 of an inch is necessary, and recommends that the troops in the Philippines be armed with Colt double-action revolvers of this cali- ber. This Department has not on hand any double-action revolvers of caliber .45 and to purchase the number required for arming the troops in the Philippines would cost in the neighborhood of $40,000. The board is rather of the Or)inion that the use of these revolvers would be temporary only, and that they might be superE'eded later by automatic pistols. Under these circumstances and because of the expense involved it is recommended that this purchase and issue be not made unless it is apprehended that there will be serious military operations in the Phihppines during the next year. APPENDIX. TESTS OF REVOLVERS AND AUTOMATIC PISTOLS. 3. The board has found much promise from the automatic pistol, but it has not considered that it has reached such a stage of perfection as to justify its present adoption and issue to troops as a service weapon. The recommendation that a sufficient number of Colt and Savage automatic pistols, caliber .45, to arm three troops of cavalry with each be obtained and issued for a service test of a year, is rather a process to secure a service development of the pistol than a service test of it; the use under service conditions of peace time being expected to develop imperfections and the methods of curing them. This recommendation is approv~d. 4. The recommendation that a troop of cavalry stationed at each of the posts to which automatic pistols may be issued be armed with the Colt double-action revolvers, caliber .45, is apparently for the purpose of securing a comparative test of these revolvers and the automatic pistols. The revolvers if issued would be used under peace-time conditions, when they would secure the care and attention which soldiers in garrison are required to give their weapons and would not be subject to the hard usage of campaign conditions which, when had without field service, mu st be artificially produced. It is believed that the competitive test of the board itself, with the rough treatment specially inflicted upon the weapons, constitutes a better comparative test than one which would be secured in the service; and it is thought that the care and attention which the board has given to the study and examination of the weapons is more painstaking than that which could be expected from officers commanding troops in the service, and diverted by other duties. and that the conclusions a!ld recommendations of the board should command more confidence than those of troop commanders submitted under the conditions suggested. It is therefore recommended that issue of Colt double-action revolvers to troops in the United States be not made. 5. The recommendation that the automatic pistols be used in all respects as are the service revolvers, to the exclusion of revolvers in the troops which have them, and that a record be kept of all imperfect action and report made thereof to the Adjutant-General, is concurred in. (Signed) WILLIAM CROZIER, Attention is invited to the inclosed copy of letter of this date to the president of the board of officers convened for the purpose of testing revolvers and automatic pistols. By order of the Secretary of "VVar. (Signed) HENRY P. McCAIN, Brigadier-Geneml, Chief of Ordnance. [Third indorsement.] 13092-780. wAR DEPARTl\IENT, THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, J1fay 3, 1906. Respectfully returned to the Chief of Ordnance, inviting attention to the inclosed approved memorandum of the A ssistant to the Chief of Staff. It is desired that these papers be returned to this office at the earliest practicable date with information as to when the Savage and Colt automatic pistols will be shipped to the officers mentioned in the memorandum, in order that proper instructions may be issued to those officers with regard to submitting a report of the test of the pistol. 93 A dju,tant- General. l\IEMORANDUM FOR THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF WAR. . Subject: Proceedings of a boa_rd ~f officers for the purpose of testmg such revolvers and automatlC pistols as may be referred to it by the Chief of Ordnance. The following weapons were referred to the Board : Automatic pistols, caliber .15. 1. The Colt. 2. The Luger. 3. The Savage. -!. The Knoble single action. 5. The Knoble double action. 6. The Bergmann. 7. The \Yhi te-M:erril l. 1 DoLtble-act ion r evol t:ers, ca liber .-)5. I 2. The Smith & Wesson. 1. The Colt. A Lttom.atic r evo lve r, cctlib e1· .45. The Webley-Fosbery. The bpard adopted a programme of tests and also a number of pecifications for automatic pistols for motmted service and state that the requirements for revolvers are too "Well known to need insertion in the report. The board el~inU:tes the vVebley-Fosbery automatic revolver, the Kn~ble aut~mahc JHSt<;>ls, ~he Bergmann automatic pistol, and the \ Vlute-Merrlll automatic pi tal for rea sons given in the reports of tests of those arms. The board then emunerates: 1. The advantages of automatic pistols. 2. The disadvantages of automatic pistols. 3. The advantages of double-action revolvers. 4. The disadvantages of double-action revolvers. After consideration of these four statements, the board remarks thatThe advantages of the automatic pistol and the disadvantages of the doubleaction re1·oiYer, especia ll y those enumemtecl uncler s ublJeads 1, 2, and 3 in eaclJ case, are deemed by the bonrd of such importance that it desires to state its conviction that tbe prin cip le of the automatic hand firearm should be adopted for the mi li tary sen-i ce, and that the adoption of a specific arm should be contingent on ly upon the question of whetlJer it is mechanically satisfactory in serv ice. The distingu~shing characteristics of ~he di~erent automatic pistols and double-actwn revolvers under consideration are classified. The three automatic pistols under consideration, viz, the Luger Colt, and Savage, "·ere given the dust and rust tests. ' 11023-WAR 1907-VOL 6 - 7 94 APPENDIX. The board then remarksFrom a careful consideration of the characteristics of each weapon and of the tes ts made by the board, it is of the opinion that the Savage and Colt automatic pistols possess sufficient merit to warrant their being given a further test undet· sen· ice conditions. With commercial ammunition especially adapted to the arm , eac h bas s hown promi~ing ce rtn int.1· of action. Among the most desirable fea tures of the Savage pi stol are its simplicit.1· and small number of parts and their access ibility. the lack of scre\YS or flat Rp rings. the number of cartridges (eight) held by the magazine. the pos ition of the ce nter of gravity and the way the pi><tol li es in the band. the expu lsion of the magazine by the pistol bane!, and the ease with whi ch the breech mecbanil'<m may be withdrawn. Among the mos t cles imble features of tbe Co lt pi~tol nre its f1atness. compactness, neatness, and ease of car rying, the comparative!_,. s hort total length, and the ease with whi ch tbe breech mechanism ma_v be withdrawn. It is, bOIYever, desired to emphasize the view of the bonrd tlmt both these pistols should be changed in certain parti cul ars for the military Rervice, and that these change: shou ld be required of the manufacturer before either is considered for final adoption. Both ·weapons are defecti\·e in baYing side ejection, no automatic indication that the chamber is loaded, and no automatic safety. The gr ip of the Savage should be made. if po. sib le, more con ven ient for the baud, and the co rrugated metal plates of the g rip shou ld be replaced by wooden plates securely fastened on. The retention of the mechanicnl safety in the locked position shou ld be made more pol'<itiYe. The front s ight should be moved slightly to the rear and shou ld be more secu rely attached. The trigger stirrup of the Colt ·bould be strengthened and its pin made longer. The hammer should be of a modified type exhibited to the board. \Ybicb facilitates cocking by the thumb of the pistol band, and shou ld not be of the type ord inarily furnished. A location of the magazine catch that will permit of expulsion of the magazine by the pistol bane! is preferred. The Luger automatic pistol, a lthough it possesses manifest advantageR in many particular. . is not recommended for a serv ice test beca use its certa inty of action, eYen with Luger ammunition. is not co n~iclered satiRfactory. because the final ~eating of the ca rtridge is not by po itive spring action . and because the powder stated by :\Jr. Luger to be necessary for its Ratisfactory 1,1se is not now obtainable in this country. The results obtained in these tests . of automatic pistols with specia l commercial ammunition and with Frankford Arsenal ammunition do not furnish a sufficient basis for ascertaining the degree of reliability of these weapons in actual servi ce. While the cond itions will not often be as severe as in the dust and rust tests, yet in the bauds of troops the arms and t.he amm uniti on wou ld be exposed to a vm:iety of usage and climate \Yhicb can not be foreseen and reproduced in tests. The most vital question to be determined concerning automatic pistol s in their preRent state of de,·e lot1ment is that of reliability of function , which shou ld be equa l to or closely approximate that of the revoh·er. For this purpose it is believed that the pistols and ammunition should be actually issued to a limited number of units, in substituti on for and to the exclusion of their re,·oJ\·ers, with instructionf' to Uf'e them. ca rry them. and conduct target practice with them 11recisely in the manner pre1· iously prescribed for revolvers. In the target practice co urse a complete record should be kept of all malfunctions, misfires, and jams, and of the repa irs necessa ry to keep the weapon in se n ·icea ble cond ition; a simi lar record shou ld be kept by some troops at the same posts eq ui pped with caliber .45 re,·oh·er;;. If the troop commanders designated to conduct these service tests be selected with care, a comparison of reports should sbow whether automatic pistols of the best type are sufficiently reliable for genera l adoption, the decision being based upon data which have not previously been developed iu our own or other a rmi e. so far as known. On account of the well-recognized and urgent necessity for a caliber not less than .45 for active sen·ice, in vi ew of the fact that in the opinion of the board service tests of a utom atic pistols co1·e t·ing a considerable period of time are necessary, and because satisfactory caliber .-!5 revolver can be obtained, the board considers that a sufficient number of these r evo iYers s hould be iss ued as soon as practicable to a rm the troops serving iu the Philippine Islands. The board states that it prefers the Colt r evolver, and gives four reasons for this decision, but recommends certain changes in its con- TESTS OF REVOLVERS AND AUTOMATIC PISTOLS. 95 struction. After giving the tests careful consideration and " as a result o£ the views heretofore expressed," the board recommends : J. That sufficient Colt doubl e-action revohers, ca liber .45, he issued to arm the troops in the Phi lippines as soon as practica ble. 2. That s ufficient Colt automatic pistol;;. caliber .45, to arm co mpletely three troops of cava lry be obtained and issued for a senice test of not less than one year. 3. That sufficient Savage automatic pistols, ca liber .-!5, to arm co mpletely three troops of cava lry be obtained and issued for a serd ce test of not less than one J'ear. 4. That one troop of caYalry stationed at each of the posts to whi ch the automatic pistols may be as:;igned be armed completely with Colt double-action revolvers, caliber .-!5, for a period of not less than one year. 5. That the pistols a nd t'eYoh·ers so issued be u:ed to the exclusion of the present weapon. whi ch slJOuld be turn ed in. U. That the troop commander~ to wbof'e organizations the pistols and revolvers refel'l'ed to aboYe may be is ued be carefully t hose n for their interest in the selection of a propet· weapon. 7. That these pistols aud r evolvers be used in nil respects as are the present revolvers in dJ:ills. target practice. mnnem·ers, etc .. and that a com pl ete and deta iled reco rd be kept of all misfire:-:, malfunctions, and jams, and of the r epa irs necessa ry to keep tile arms in a sen-i ceable co ndition. 8. That at the end of one 3·ear nrte r date of i s~ u e c·omplete and detailed r eports be submitted by the r e. pecth·e troop commanders t o The AdjutantGeneral. The Chief o£ Ordnance in his indorsement on the proceedings o£ the board, r emarlc that: 2. The board considers that an incr eaRe of caliber of the piRtol to .45 of an inch is necessa ry. and r eco mmends that tile troops in th e Philippines be armed with Colt double-action r e,·oll·er: of tllis ca libe r. This Department bas not on band any double-action re,·olvers of calibe r .43, and to purchase th e number r eq uired for arming the troops in the Philippines would co:-:t in tbe neighborhood of $-±0,000. The board is rather of the opinion tllnt tile u ~e of these re>olvers would be temporary onl.v. and that they miio:ht be ~ up er:-;eLl ed late r by automatic pi stols. nd er these ci rcumstances. aud because of tile expense involved. it is r eco mmend ed that this purchase and iRsue be not made unl esf' it is apprellended that there will be serious military operations in the Philippines during the next year. R The b ard llas found much promi~e from the automatic pi stol, but it bas not co nsidered that it bas r eached suc-h a stage of pe rfection as to jus tify its present adoption and i,;>:ue to troop. as a . erYi<:e ll"eapon. The recommenda tion tllat a suflk ient number of Colt and San1ge automatic· pistols. caliber .43. to a rm three troops of cayaJry with each be obtained and issued for a service test of a year. is ratl1 er a proee!'s t o Hec ure a sen·ice development of the pistol than a sen· ice test of it; the use under se n· ice co nditions of peace time being ex pected to de,·elop imperfections. and the methods of curing them. This r ecommendation is approved. 4. The r ecommendati on that a troop of caYa lry f'tationed at eaeh of the posts to wbi cll automati c pi stols may be issued be arm ed with the Colt double-action re,·oiYer s. ealiber .-±5. is apparently for the purpo:;e o f securing a com paratiYe t est of these r e,·oh·er: a nd the automati c pistols. The reYol\·erf', if issued. would be used under peac·e-time co nditions. \Yh en they would secure the care and attention whi <: b soldiers in garrison Rre r eq uirecl to give their weapons, and would not be subj e<:t to tbe han! u sage of' campa ign conditions whiCh, when had without fi eld se!'YiC'e, must he artifi c-ially producecl. It is belieYed that the co mpetith·e t est of the board itself, \Yith tile rough trea tment specially intlicted upon the weapon,;, con:-:titutes a better comparatiYe test than one whi ch woulcl be secured in tile se n ·ic-e; and it is thought tbnt the care and attention \Ylli cll the boa rd has gh·en to the s tucly and examination of t