A method and apparatus for measuring a dynamic tensile stress and/or tensile strain response of a material such as an elastic material and/or a ductile material. The apparatus may include a striker bar, a stretcher bar, and a drive assembly configured to propel the striker bar toward the stretcher bar. The apparatus may further include a stationary specimen mount and a movable specimen mount that receive a test sample. The striker bar and the stretcher bar of the apparatus may provide a continuous stress on the test sample and an accurate tensile stress/strain measurement.