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To keep it simple and safe, minimum standards are important to ensure, as best as possible, the safety of participants and spectators while presenting an accurate portrayal of combat. These weapon standards should be familiar to you.
All weapons will be inspected. Each shoulder arm and handgun must have fully functioning half cocks, trigger pull within a satisfactory range, cones that are clear, secure, intact, and clear barrels. Those failing inspection cannot be loaded or fired until they are repaired and re-inspected. Artillery pieces will be inspected. All limbers containing powder will remain locked unless directly supervised. Each detachment will demonstrate knowledge of proper drill and safety in order to participate. Participants who report for duty just prior to battle scenarios will not be allowed to participate without proof of inspection at this event. The management will name safety officers. These people are empowered to unconditionally evict any participant from the event for safety violations.
Officers of all branches may carry an appropriate sidearm and sword/saber.
Infantry NCO and enlisted participants must carry 3-banded muzzle loading, percussion rifles, or muskets. Reproductions are preferred to originals. Each must have proper type and proper-fitting bayonet to properly facilitate the stacking of arms. Bayonets may be fixed only upon the order of an authorized officer. All other types of arms and weapons are excluded.
Cavalry NCO and enlisted participants are permitted to carry one sidearm and saber of the proper type. Pommel holsters and pistols/revolvers are permitted (please limit to no more than two). Cavalry is also permitted to carry one shoulder weapon of appropriate type. Shoulder holsters and other anachronisms are not allowed.
Ramrods may not be used in battle or any situation where there are people in the line of fire. If a weapon must be cleared, participants must drop out of the line of battle and enlist the aid of an NCO. Unauthorized use of the ramrod may result in immediate expulsion from the event.
Artillery Pieces will only be full-scale guns of the type used at the Battle of Perryville. Mortars, volley guns, and Gatling guns are prohibited. Artillery pieces will be equipped with limbers. Guns served only with limber chests should be placed outside the direct view of and at a distance from the spectators, if possible. Artillery should function under the National Park Service rules for operation. The only exception is the interval between rounds, which may be increased to one round per minute from time of discharge to placing the next round in muzzle.
Artillery NCO participants are permitted to carry one sidearm and a saber of the proper type. Artillery enlisted participants will not carry any weapons unless they are acting as drivers. There are no side arms allowed on gun crews! For safety reasons, the full attention of all gun crewmembers should be on the cannon.
Horse-drawn artillery will operate no faster than a slow-trot, except when traveling up-hill at a cantor.
Ammunition
Small Arms:
Cartridges must be made of off-white, lightweight paper in period style. Only paper wadding may be used. Powder loads may be no greater than 60 grains for shoulder weapons and 30 grains for handguns.
Artillery:
Cartridges must be made of aluminum foil, double wrapped, and contain only black powder. All unattended limbers must be locked! Loads may not exceed one-half pound for bore diameters up to 3.67 inches. Loads may not exceed one pound for bore diameters 4.65 inches or larger. Only friction primers may be used as the ignition device.
All ammunition must be kept in accurately reproduced cartridge boxes, packages, and crates. It will be stored in a safe manner away from open flames and other heat sources. All cartridges should be made prior to the event. Cartridge making and any other dangerous exposure to loose gunpowder are not allowed.
Drill
All military participants are required to attend all drills conducted by their assigned formations, unless assigned other duties approved by the respective commanders. Those attending drill will be issued a pass to participate in battle scenarios. No drill, no pass, no battle.
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