The Rifle in America by Philip B. Sharpe. 1938.
Published for the NRA by Odysseus’ Editions. My copy is a special reprint in pig skin special edition for Firearms Classics Library and a big deal.
Getting on with it.
Page 570-571. Rifle in America, Philip B. Sharpe. Chapter 31. The Future American Rifle.
“This author recalls experimental research conducted with one of the early experimental.220 Swifts in a velocity in excess of 4,000 f.s. A report came to him from one of the experimental engineers and was duly witnessed.
It seemed that a mule condemned for service was about to be executed and experimenters desired to use this mule as a test object. The experiment was conducted with two prominent physicians in attendance to observe the effect of the very tiny high velocity bullet.
The mule was tied to a stake at a range of about 75 yards to await his demise. The rifleman stood by with a .30/06 Springfield with heavy expanding hunting ammunition, ready to put the mule out of misery. A single shot with the tiny 46-grain soft-point bullet was fired into the mule and the section selected for this shot was the paunch. Hunters of experience insist that this is the poorest possible shot on game and, since it eventually dies, it invariably escapes from the hunter and can travel many miles before exhaustion takes its toll.
When the experimental shot was fired the mule fell over as though struck in the forehead with a sledge-hammer. There was no reflex action to the muscles; he died instantly and without a quiver. The doctors immediately went to work. One of these noted surgeons examined the wound and failed to find it serious enough to cause death-from all general appearances. Yet the mule was dead! An autopsy was performed and one astounded surgeon remarked:
“This is the most amazing experiment I have ever witnessed. This mule has all the symptoms of death by electrocution rather than death by gunshot wound.”
Page 569
“The United States Army has been conducting secret research for a number of years and at Springfield Armory early in 1937 a tremendous velocity of 9000 f.s. was achieved. Believe it or not!”
__________________
|