This is a brief description of what we as reenactors go through to make our hobby as safe as it most possibly can! Most of us already know this, but for those new to the hobby, "Fresh Fish" as we call them, it may be new! Saftey is always a must!
1) Always follow orders of the NCO's or officers, if you don't understand, ask!
2) All weapons will be checked on the Night of arrival, we make sure that they are clean, NOT loaded and in proper working order, serial number wil also be recorded incase one would go missing or an incident occurs.
3) Musket cartridges are to not exceed 70 grains, under certain cirmstances DBL loads may be used, but this order will be given by NCO's or Officers.
4) Musket Ramrods will not be sprung on the field unless ordered to do so. (Usually they are only sprung for inspection of arms before the battle) Using a ramrod on the field is a saftey hazard and if seen, must be reported immediatly to an NCO or Officer!
5) Always elevate while firing during "combat". There is the very small chance that there may be hot embers, obstructions or paper down your barrel, if aimed @ a person, it can pose a saftey hazard. { Please see the images below to proper distances etc. for firing and saftey}
- Saftey Guidlines.JPG (12.53 KiB) Viewed 334 times
- Saftey Radius.JPG (21.01 KiB) Viewed 334 times
6) When firing from the back ranks, always keep your file partner's (the peron n front of you) head in between the 2nd and 3rd band of your musket rings, this is so (A) broken caps don't hit them & (B) Sound/Concussion/Fire or powder doesn't injure them.
7) Pistols are to be checked on the night of arrival and before any battle. The barrel, cylinder, hammer and trigger will be checked for any obstructions and proper working order.
8) Bayonets may be carried but never attached to your weapon unless ordered to do so. (The only time you usually use your bayonet is A) parades and B) stacking arms)
9) Musket caps must be of the 4 flange style, usually brass in colour. 6 or 8 flange caps pose a saftey hazard as they tend to break apart when struck and hit those around you. If you are in need of caps, ask anyone in the unit, there are usually some available and they can recomend which brand to buy!
10) This does not deal w/ firearms but safety! Canteens must always be full before venturing on to the field. These will be checked prior to "combat", if the NCO or Officer believes that it is not full enough, they will send you out of line to refill it. No matter how much water you think you will need, heat exhaustion is very dangerous, always drink water when you get a free moment OR the order is given!
11) Always clean your weapon! If you do not clean your weapon, A)It may malfunction, springs may break etc. and will not work, B) Residue may build up on the inside of the barrel or nipple and cause a "cookoff". This is when powder goes off w/ out it being ignited by the hammer and musket cap, it can have very serious consiquences and caues severe injuries. Proper loading techniques help alleviate many injuries if this should occur!
12) Alyways load your weapon properly! Holding the musket between the 2nd & 3rd musket band OR by the sling, point the barrel away from you @ a 20 degree angle w/ your LEFT hand. With your RIGHT hand grasp the cartridge between your thumb and pointer finger and have the back our your hand facing your face as you pour the powder down the barrel. This helps shield your face if a "cookoff" should occur. This is proper loading technique, if you have questions, always ask!
13) When firing from the back rank, announce to your file partner, (the person directly infront of you)"I am coming over" or something to that degree. Place your RIGHT elbow on their RIGHT shoulder (or shoulder blade depending on your and their height), this ensures that the barrel is placed correctly, with your file partner's head between the 2nd &3rd Musket band. This makes sure that A) that debris from the musket cap does't hit them & B)If your too far forward, the cap can be lound on the ears and too far back the sound of the cartridge can injure the ears as well! Always ask if you have questions!
14) Always follow orders, there are NCO's and officers for a reason, we always have your saftey in mind, IF you ever see anything that doesn't look safe inform the NCO or Officer immediatley! Again I can't stress this enough, if you don't understand something always ask! We have no problem teaching you how, it's our job!
We enjoy it and you will too!15) Last but not least, Alleriges, injuries,heat exaustion etc. If you are allergic to anything that may pose an issue while @ an event, have a previous health condition that may "flare up" or become injured, notify and Officer or NCO (for the previous 2) and if you become injured ask for a "MEDIC"! There are several people on the field that are real Dr.s EMTs etc. Never call for a MEDIC unless your injured, if your "playing" injured as for a Dr. or a Surgeon. We don't want to cry wolf, as in the case of Real Emergencies, the entire event ceases and the injury is taken care of!
I know this is alot of information, but most of it is common sense stuff, for those that ARE new, you will be taught all of this as you progress from "Fresh Fish" to "Veteran". We are always learning and always adapting to make events more safe and ensure we all get home safely @ the end of the weekend, after all we are there to HAVE FUN!
Your Servant,
1st Sgt. Z.G. Bleacher
45th PVI. Co.K
Thanx for pointing that out, those typos have been changed, it is 2nd and 3rd! Thanx Aimee!
Any takers @ events just let me know, it'll be there! 