The Release firing device is a standard firing devi-ce which can be threaded to all of the standard anti-personnel mines, hand grenades, and to the bangalore torpedo.

GENERAL:

The release-firing device M1 is a mechanical device designed for firing explosive charges by means of the removal of a restraining load from the device. A restraining load of at least 2 pounds is required. When the load is removed, a spring lever strikes a firing pin, which detonates a percussion cap. This in turn sets off a non-electric cap crimped to the base. This cap detonates the explosive charge. There is a safety pin, and a lever interceptor which serves as a positive safety pin.

DESCRIPTION:

The principal parts of this device are the body, which is a square metal container with a protruding nub threaded to receive the standard firing nipple, the latch, the spring lever, and the firing pin. The latch, when held down against the body by the safety pin or pressure on the box, engages the spring lever and prevents it from firing. The firing pin is held rather loosely in place, having leeway for slight horizontal motion. When the nipple is threaded on it forces the firing pin back as far as it can go, the fi-ring pin point resting squarely against the surface of the percussion cap.

INSTALLATION:

Place nail in safety pin holes and without removing them, remove the base (or nip-ple) containing the percussion cap. Remove cardboard protector tube from base. Slide open end of non-electric cap over projection on base and crimp with cap crimper. This should be done carefully to insure a tight crimp and a waterproof joint between the base and the non-electric cap. Screw base, with non-electric cap attached, to device. Insert non-electric cap in charge or when primacord is used, tape the looped end of the primacord to the non-electric cap and run the other end to the charge. Provide a level, solid foundation for the device to rest upon. A board is the best foundation. Place a restraining load (at least two pounds) such as anti-tank mine or box of ammunition on exposed surface of latch. Gently remove safety pin by pulling attached string. If no clicking sound has been heard, pull nail used as interceptor out in same manner as safety pin. If it does not come out easily, the spring lever probably has fallen end is pressing against it. If so, remove the charge; unscrew the base; remove the restraining load; and check the mechanism.

OPERATION:

When the device is set with a weight on top and both safety pins removed, it is in an armed condition. If the restraining weight is removed, the latch releases the spring lever. The spring lever will then snap down against the firing pin and drive it into the percussion cap in the standard nipple base, setting off the charge.

REMARKS:

This device can be used to detonate anti-tank mines when an attempt is made to remove them, or it can be used effectively as a booby trap by placing the device under some heavy object, such as a book, chair, ect.