Originally Posted by
Dick Hosmer
I think Chuck may have come up with the answer - it would probably be possible to measure whether ALL of the impact centers fall within the range of a bounced rod; if they do I'd bet that's it. The block face should be hard, too, though. Also, remember that these were essentially test guns - maybe it was a controlled experiment at the Armory to see what kind of abuse the block would stand? Somewhere I have seen instructions warning that the soldier was NOT to "spring" the rod in the bore, but do not recall the exact time-frame, or specific model. Best part about it is that the "damage" is totally concealed and can be exhibited (or not) at your option.