"War is hell."

- William Tecumseh Sherman

Regimental Headquarters

 

 

General Safety Information and Regulations:

We use Model 1853 Enfield or 1862 Springfield Rifled Muskets (reproductions), which are muzzle loading rifles that fire black powder, ignited by a percussion cap.

We use blank charges when doing reenactments, no exceptions. These consist of rolled paper cartridges filled with 60 grains of black powder. Black powder is a substance that must be handled with care. It can ignite at any time, and explodes when compacted or confined.

Percussion caps go on the nipples of the rifles and ignite the powder in the barrel when struck by the hammer.

The following are our safety regulations that all MUST follow in this unit:

General Orientation

  • Treat all guns as if they were loaded.

  • Aim over the heads of opposing troops at reenactments.

  • When shooting towards opposing troops closer than 50’ use extreme elevation. That is greater than 45 degrees.

  • Hand to hand combat is attempted only when well rehearsed as “theater combat”

  • If you “take a hit” fall other rank of people/ loaded guns/ bayonets.

  • Wear hearing protection.

  • Consider the spectator’s hearing.

  • If a real injury occurs yell “Medic”,  a non-period term, and hold your rifle in the air with a hat on top as a signal to the location of the accident. Take care of first aid! All shooting stops.

  • Never allow “spectators” to handle your firearms.

  • All guns will be inspected before reenactments to see they are safe and function properly.

  • Keep control of your firearms. Firearms must be in hand, stacked under watch, or in an approved secured location.

Safety Orientation for Rifles and Pistols

  • Use hearing protection.

  • Never over charge. Never put "stuff" in the barrel. Avoid getting dirt in the gun... it can become a projectile or an obstruction causing the barrel to explode.

  • Keep firearms pointed in a safe direction.

Safety Orientation for Artillery

  • When facing artillery, watch for signals and be aware of the danger zone.

Safety for Rolling Rounds, Handling and Storing Powder and Primers

  • Follow ATF Laws on storage and transport of black powder.

  • Keep powder and primers separate.

  • Keep control of “supplies” – Inventory, Boxes, Locks & Keys.

  • Be aware of the dangers of static and flames.

Acceptable Period Firearms

  • Use Black Powder only.

  • Only period firearms are allowed- as defined by experienced troops and officers (ie. 1863 Enfield rifles, 1862 Springfield rifles, Colt 1860 revolvers).

  • Personal Firearms must be inspected and serial numbers recorded.

  • Unacceptable period firearms include those lacking half-cock positions.

Prohibitions

  • No lead, live round, bullets will be brought to any event. If such material is found it will be surrendered to the ranking officer, who will store it in a secure location. This is to remove ANY possibility of an accident.

  • No loose powder is permitted in personal possession.