The National Rifle Association was established in 1871 as an association for military rifle competition. Its goal to improve the shooting ability of American soldiers and civilians stemmed from the poor marksmanship of Union soldiers during the Civil War. The founders of the NRA, many former Union Army officers, deemed it necessary for Americans to be able to handle firearms proficiently in order to defend America against aggressors.

During the 19th and into the 20th century, the NRA organized shooting competitions and marksmanship classes for all to attend. The military benefitted from NRA training by drawing from the pool of trained shooters for World War I and II.

As technical editor for American Rifleman after World War II, Maj. Gen. Julian Hatcher's "Dope Bag" columns provided advice for shooters nationwide. General Hatcher was a technological genius who could modify any firearm and make it better.

Pedersen Device
During the first World War, Hatcher played a prominent role in developing the top secret Pedersen device. It was through his Army ordnance experience in two world wars with both the M1903 Springfield and the M1 Garand as well as hundreds of other military arms that Hatcher was able to provide technical information to NRA members that helped millions shoot effectively.

The belt equipment assembly shown on this page is configured in the method envisioned by J.D. Pedersen. The rectangular pouches on this belt each hold four .30 caliber Pedersen magazines while the metal sheath is for the device when not in use. The belt could also hold 80 rounds of .30-'06 ammunition for the Springfield.

Developed in 1917 by Remington arms designer, J.D. Pedersen, the Pedersen device allowed for the conversion of the M1903 Springfield rifle into a semi-automatic rifle capable of firing 40 shots in seconds. It could fire a .30 caliber pistol cartridge at half the muzzle velocity of the issue .30-'06 service round.

Designed for use by American forces in the trenches in France during World War I, the war ended before the device could be issued. By removing the bolt, inserting the device and putting a magazine into a modified rifle designated as the Mark I, the Springfield could fire semi-automatically until the magazine was exhausted. A fresh magazine could be inserted or the bolt replaced for longer range firing. This unusual ordnance item is extremely rare, as most were later destroyed. Less than 30 are known to exist.