A method of oscillation-free print hammer and return is provided in an apparatus having an inertial hammer, a relay and a resilient backstop. In this method the armature of the relay is pivotably mounted and imparts motion to the hammer. The solenoid of the relay physically restrains the motion of the armature and then holds the armature by residual magnetism. The hammer continues in inertial flight until it reaches the printing area. On rebound the hammer strikes the armature and part of the kinetic energy of the hammer is absorbed as the hammer drives the armature free from the residual magnetic field. The armature and hammer continue to the backstop which absorbs or dissipates the remainder of the kinetic energy. The absorption of kinetic energy is for damping hammer oscillations and permits higher frequency of operation.