SAFETY

On The Line --  In The Camp -- Event Safety Standards - Safety Tips

 

On The Line

Safety on the field is paramount in reenacting, and that means primarily weapon safety. For the Cavalryman, specifically musket AND pistol safety.  YOU are responsible for the integrity of your weapons. If you feel a piece is NOT in a safe working order, do not use it. Go through the Safety Tips, and the Event Safety Standards.  Practice the loadings and firings. I will attempt here to put the logic behind the sequence.

 Prior to each battle, at each event, you will also be subject to a weapons inspection.. With that in mind, 

 SQUAD, FALL IN.  ATTENTION.  INSPECTION ARMS.  The instructors will inspect the weapons. While attending the School of the Soldier, you will go through a process of loading and firing.  This process is designed to make the firing of the piece as safe as possible, and to make the piece safe, even between firings.

LONG ARMS  Unloaded musket, and unfired. Firing by the Nines. The safety in procedure.

1. LOAD

Left foot on the line and right foot behind and to the right about one foot, and turned outward, Place the butt inside the left foot. With the barrel to the front; seize it with the left hand near the muzzle, which should be about 20 degrees away from the body; carry the right hand to the cartridge box.

2. Handle-CARTRIDGE
3. Tear-CARTRIDGE
4. Charge- CARTRIDGE
5. PRIME- Half-cock. Remove the old cap with one of the fingers of the right hand.
6. ARMS at the READY-
7. READY- Raise and cock the piece
8. AIM- Instructors will be careful to observe that they aim at some distinct object.. e.g. the top of a tree line beyond the opposing force… the closer the "target" the higher the elevation.
9. FIRE-

 This process is repeated for subsequent firings.  When firing at Will, the identical process is used, but independent of firing commands and at the individual soldier's pace.  Notice that when charging the weapon, the hammer should be down, on an exploded cap.  This serves the same function as covering the vent on an artillery piece. It prevents air (oxygen) from getting into the barrel, suppressing potential sparks that could ignite the next powder charge. 

 Become accustomed to the order of events!  It's for your own safety!

 REVOLVERS

Pistols are also a primary safety issue. They should be carried in a military style flap holster, or in an open holster that securely straps the weapon in place by a strap which precludes the cocking of the piece.

Some style pistols have a safety notch, Colts and others do not. When a pistol is fully loaded, the hammer should ALWAYS be placed half way between two chambers. After the firing sequence, it should lie on an exploded cap.. When returning your piece to it's holster, it should be secured in one of these two conditions.  

 NEVER put a pistol in a holster with the hammer resting on an unfired chamber!!!

 Again, the firing sequence is designed for optimum safety.

1. Prepare to Withdraw REVOLVERS.  At which time the recruit will un-flap his holster with the left hand and grasp the piece, by the grip, with his right hand. The left hand will then drop to position

2. Withdraw REVOLVERS.  At this command the recruit will pull the piece from it's holster, and raise it, so that his upper arm is parallel to the ground, and his forearm is perpendicular to it, with the muzzle pointed directly up. (At this time the recruit should be selecting a target)

3. PRESENT.  At this command, the recruit will lower his forearm, while simultaneously cocking the piece with his thumb, and taking aim at his intended target.

4. FIRE.  Once fired the recruit will raise his forearm to the perpendicular position, awaiting the next command.

5. Recover REVOLVERS.  Open the holster flap with the left hand and return the piece to it's place, secure the flap.

Once the "Present" command is issued, the piece will ALWAYS be fired. By following these instructions, the pistol can, after firing, always be ordered "Recovered" in a safe condition to be replaced in the holster.  The exception being a misfire, where the cap did not explode.. Then the soldier must be extremely careful to half-cock and rotate the cylinder half way to the next chamber and set the hammer down prior to returning it to it's holster.

 MUZZLE INTEGRITY!  Always know where your muzzle is pointed.. and make it NOT at others.  A sling for your musket is HIGHLY recommended, so that when commanded "Arms at Will" you can sling the piece over your right shoulder with the muzzle pointing directly down.

IF YOU ARE EVER HURT on the field, holler MEDIC! This is a non-period cry for help, and will bring the EMT's and 1st aiders within the unit running.

 

In The Camp

1.                   Fires should ALWAYS be in a pit, and of a size according to need.

2.                   Weapons, unless in your hands, should ALWAYS remain in your tent and out of sight of the public, or others wandering through the camp. Not just for safety, but for the issue of something just.. walking away.  It happened at Gettysburg.

3.                   NEVER let someone "handle" your weapon, loaded or unloaded.  A lot of events are required to acknowledge this for insurance purposes.  And it's ALWAYS a requirement when giving demonstrations in schools.

4.                   Keep an eye out for your pards, and an ear open for others.. Just ask Trooper Paleschic about Chickamauga.

5.                   Sergeants have fire extinguishers, know where they are.

These rules are not all-inclusive. The most important thing is common sense, you have it,. USE IT.

Always follow the published Safety Tips, and remember the Golden Rule.. 

Don't do it to, or at, others, if you wouldn't like it done to you!

 

 

Event Safety Standards

A.     General

  1. It is the responsibility of the UNIT commanders to insure compliance with any and all regulations. It is their further responsibility to determine whether an individual or their animal, are properly trained for the event.
  2. All combatants are REQUIRED to participate in a weapons inspection prior to each battle.
  3. No participant shall be allowed on the field if intoxicated, or under the influence of a controlled substance.
  4. Every reenactor should understand that mounted reenacting is potentially dangerous and good judgment should be used at all times. Mounted reenactors must also understand that they are responsible for the actions of their animals.

B.     Horses and Equipment

  1. Each horse MUST have proof of a current, negative, Coggins test (In Texas it is valid for 12 months, but other states may be 6)
  2. Horses are not to be taken into another's camp without permission, unless unavoidable.
  3. Individuals are responsible to perform inspections of their saddle, girth, headstall, and reins before you fall in line.
  4. Surcingles are a MUST.
  5. No stallions permitted
  6. Each unit shall maintain their own picket line. No one shall place a horse on another's picket line without permission.

C.     Battle Guidelines

  1. A minimum of 15 feet is required for a horse to pass between infantry, Artillery, or casualties on the ground
  2. Only experienced riders on experienced horses may carry sabres.
  3. Powder shall not be carried on the field in flasks, or any other container except in pre-rolled cartridges, or extra cylinders. Cartridges should be carried in a cartridge box ALWAYS separated from caps.
  4. Caps are to be kept in a cap pouch. Pistol and musket caps should be kept separate.
  5. Pistols are to be carried in belt, or saddle holsters, or saddlebags. When loaded, the hammer should always be between the nipples.
  6. No wadding of any kind is allowed. Pistols should be loaded with black powder only, and packed with cream-of-wheat only.
  7. Sabre tips should be dulled, and gauntlets worn when in use.
  8. Match your opponents weapon. Sabres to sabres, pistols to pistols.
  9. Always fire your weapon at an angle away from an opponent. NEVER fire directly at another reenactor, or the spectators. ALWAYS elevate when firing.
  10. Riding through other units whether in formation, or as skirmishers will ONLY be done if prearranged.
  11. Hand-to-hand fighting shall only be done if scripted.

D.     Violations

  1. If there is a violation of these rules. THOSE INVOLVED (the person(s) making the claim, and their CO, and the accused violator(s) and their CO) will meet immediately after the battle to discuss and resolve the problem. If it can not be resolved among those involved. The appropriate Branch of Service Commanders will meet to resolve the problem on site.
  2. A first time violation will generally produce a warning. If repeated, the violator may be subject to disciplinary action through a hearing.

Although written primarily for Cavalry, this set of rules can be applied to any Branch of Service and will be in effect at all events that the 12th Texas Cavalry attends.  Just remember the Golden Rule…  If you wouldn't like it done to, or at, you, don’t do it to others.

 

Safety Tips

By Jonah Begone
edited by WRG
This article originally appeared in the April, 1991 issue of Camp Chase Gazette ( Vol. XVIII, No. 5 )

Heaven knows I don't have the brains to set myself up as yet another Black Powder Expert, but in the interest of a safe and happy reenactment fraternity, please read and heed.

1.       Magnum rounds are uncool. No one can pick out your individual shot in company and battalion firing anyway, so why waste the powder? (And if they can, you might get the reputation for being a fool and neither you nor your unit needs that kind of attention.) 60 grains 2Fg is the standard load for National Park Service weekends. Fight the temptation to use more than a sensible and frugal 80 grains 2Fg elsewhere.

2.       Clean out that barrel! Why? Because there is a direct relationship between the dirtiness of the inside of your barrel and the possibility of a "cook-off." If you don't do a thorough job of cleaning out the black powder goo that accumulated from the last event, after a shot or two sparks can reside therein and give you an unpleasant surprise when you next pour powder! By the way, remove the barrel from the stock when you clean - you'll do a better job.

3.       Avoid a sloppy "right shoulder shift" you know, when you're not keeping the butt end of your rifle snug against the upper part of your chest. What happens - and you can't see it - is that your rifle barrel threatens to bop the guy behind you. This can be a real problem when you're loaded, in "company front" and running. The guy behind you is then looking right down your barrel. Not a reassuring sight. (Note: if your right shoulder shift is comfortable, you're probably not doing it correctly!)

4.       Get some firing space between you and the enemy!  Why make 'em mad? Give it 50 yards at the closest, and then elevate your musket.

5.        The definition of a combat "safe" musket: At the half-cock, cap off nipple. Your half-cock can be tested by supporting your rifle's weight upside down by the trigger; it passes if the hammer doesn't release to strike the nipple. And never run around with the hammer down onto an unexploded cap - you could drop the rifle on its hammer and have it go off.

6.       Discharge weapon before taking a hit. You can never tell where that thing will end up pointing to (could be your face), and one good kick could set it off. Then you'd really take a hit! This also goes when "charging" an enemy position. If you have a "hot" weapon when the order to "charge" is given, dump the load.

7.       Never use your ramrod in a battle. The reasoning here is that you could get frenzied and careless with the realism of it all and accidentally send your ramrod flying into someone (it has happened). Even if you're the cool type, other guys can see you ram and get nervous about it, and once again, your unit probably doesn't want that kind of publicity. If you have a weapon problem, step out of line and see your nearest NCO, or even easier, dump the charge, and take a hit.

8.       Never use a nipple pick when loaded. You could ignite the powder charge when your rifle is pointing somewhere you rationally wouldn't want it to. Don't believe me? - I saw it happen once! (And if when you're firing the powder charge doesn't go off, re-cap and try again. If you're still firing duds, dump powder and then pick.).

 Remember these kindly little hints and watch out for one another.

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