1. Upon arrival (and after your camp has been established), please report to the Ordnance Sergeant with all weapons that you intend to use during the reenactment. Extra weapons that might be used in case of primary weapons failures and "loaners" should also be presented for inspection. If the Ordnance Sergeant is unavailable, another shall be appointed to assume these duties. This person shall be well versed in the safe handling and inspection of firearms, such as one of our police officers or trained ex-military members.
2. I recommend that all weapons be brought to the event unloaded in order to facilitate inspection. Sidearms that are pre-loaded will undergo a probing of each chamber by insertion of a pin to guarantee that no solid object lies beneath the chamber seal. It will then be necessary to re-seal your chambers. This will only be done to place you absolutely above suspicion in the event of a shooting incident.
3. If anyone has live-fired his weapons since the preceding reenactment event, you are honor and duty bound to inform the inspecting officer of this fact. This will merely mean that he will double-check the weapon for any remnant lead rings or uncleared debris which you may have missed. We recommend, but do not require, that your reenacting weapons be used specifically for blank rounds fired in the hobby. If you must shoot live rounds, it is best to have separate weapons for this purpose. Again, this is a recommended option.
4. On the day of battle, after loading your sidearms, all weapons will be subject to the usual pre-battle inspection. Rifles and muskets must be clean and empty for inspection. Rammers must "ping" when dropped down the barrels. You will be asked to pop a cap prior to moving out. Dirty rifles are not only unmilitary, but also tend to misfire in battle. Non-firing weapons mean that you must take an early hit and your fun is ended.
5. MOST IMPORTANTLY, never take dead aim at an opponent. Even when at considerable distance, fire above, below, or off to one side. If this precaution is observed, no one would be hurt in the event of the accidental discharge of a projectile. Lead bullets are not the only lethal missiles. Any solid object that falls down the barrel of a loaded weapon becomes a bullet. Special caution should be observed any time weapons are "grounded." A piece of gravel in a barrel can be deadly.
6. NEVER EVER bring lead ball into camp at a reenactment. Leave it at home. If our cartridge boxes or even our camp is searched after a shooting incident (as may well happen), anyone found with lead projectiles could be suspect.
7. As always, never ram charges unless instructed to do so. This might only occur before battle and would only apply to the first round fired. Leave the rammers in the rifle. Officers and NCO's are the only persons with clearance to use a rammer, and then only when attempting to clear a soldier's fouled weapon during battle.
8. Half cocks must be operable. This is the "safety" on a black powder weapon. It is for your own good, as well as the good of those around you, that this safety device not be defeated. If it's broken, get it fixed.
9. Pour your rounds down the barrel from the side of the barrel mouth. Holding your hand directly over a hot barrel is very risky. If a round "cooks off" during this action, serious burns to the hand will most assuredly occur. Keep the barrel away from your face. It is not necessary to look down the barrel when loading.
10. Gentlemen, we do not doubt your integrity. You are all loyal and trustworthy. My weapons will undergo the same scrutiny that yours do. The point of these rules and precautions is to avoid that "one in a million" accident that will inevitably occur. None of us are perfect. We must always strive to aid one another in matters of safety. For the safe enjoyment of our wonderful hobby, keep safety your number one priority at all times. Practice it religiously. Your pards in the hobby will appreciate it and thank you for it!