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It is the responsibility of each individual to follow these rules. It is the responsibility of the unit commanders to provide training and guidance and also to enforce these rules
In General:
Guns are loaded with measured amounts of powder, either from paper cartridges, a bandolier of flasks (wooden/tin chargers), or a flask with a measure spout poured into the hand or a separate measure. All shooters should know the amount being loaded, measured in grains for small arms, grains or ounces for artillery.
All gun users are inspected & registered by the Black Powder Safety Officer or an authorized subordinate, before going onto the field.
All parts of the gun must function and be in safe condition.
Guns are loaded and fired in the designated areas, no loaded guns elsewhere unless approved by the Black Powder Safety Officer.
Keep your gunpowder safe, away from the public and fire.
Gun locks should not be fully ready to fire until the final command (i.e. "Make Ready!") is given. Matchlock pans should be covered by fingers, flintlocks and caplocks not fully cocked, wheellocks not spanned.
The Specific Rules:
1. Shooters must have fully functioning weapons and all required saftey equipment, and have been passed by the Black Powder Safety Officer or an authorized subordinate before firing a weapon. The law, common sense about firearms safety and these rules will be adhered to at all times.
2. It is important that all shooters have a thorough knowledge of: (a) The correct loading procedure. (b) What should be done in the event of a misfire. (c) How to carry a loaded gun.
3. Powder for the main charge must be carried in either: (a) Measured paper cartridges, which are to be carried in a leather or canvas bag. The bag should be closable and protected from stray sparks. (b) Flasks on a bandolier, being made from wood with tight fitting wood or pewter tops, must be flash proof. (c) A main-charge flask with measured pour spout, with a flash proof closure - measured powder then being poured into a measure or the hand, then into the barrel, NOT directly from poweder flask. Powder for priming must have a flash proof closure.
It is important that all these items are checked before every battle for damage and are kept clean and in good working order.
4. All guns must be provided with a working lock, serpentine screw or sparking flint, and pan cover.
5. Guns must be cleaned at the end of each day, or after two consecutive misfires caused by fouling.
6. Muskets and rifles must be kept in good repair i.e. make sure that the pan cover is tight fitting, the stock is in good repair, barrel firmly seated in the stock, etc.
7.If ramrods are used: Musketeers, riflemen and their officers are reminded that before giving fire a check must be made and an order given to "Secure your Scouring Stick (Ramrod)".
8. A gun must never be aimed at a person or animal and the recommended safe firing distance of twenty yards should be adhered to.
9. All stocked weapons must be fired from the shoulder, care should be taken to see where the musket is aiming and that the face is protected from any flashback.
10. If wadding is used in Muskets and Rifles: Only soft toilet paper or florists foam (NOT green styrofoam) is to be used for wadding and the thickness of this should not exceed the bore of the gun. A cleaning rod with a worm is needed to remove wadding from soaked charges for unloading misfires. If paper cartridges are used, the paper should not be used as wadding due to danger from powder grains becoming entrapped in the folds.
11. No weapon shall be loaded off the shooting area except under the direct order of a responsible officer during organised training or drills. Weapons will be unloaded before units march off of the battlefield, and all match extinguished. Unloading consists of successfully firing a blank charge, completely emptying the main charge and pan onto the ground, or pouring water down the barrel and emptying the slurry onto the ground.
12. Shooters will not engage in hand to hand combat whilst carrying lit slow match or with a loaded gun, and should not "take fatalities" while loaded -- fire first, control your match and musket as you fall, then "die".
13. Shooters on the battlefield must be organised to fire by command only, unless specific orders are given for firing at will. Shooting demonstrations should be organized in advance to have a clear order of firing, particularly if people may subsequently move downrange of some shooting positions during the demonstration.
14. Shooters must only use guns with barrels that are in current proof, or that have been tested by firing ball or a double charge off the field.
15. The minimum musket bore permitted is .45 caliber, and the charge for this size must not exceed 60 grains. Larger caliber muskets and rifles must not exceed a charge of 1 grain per caliber, with a maximum load of 80 grains strongly recommended for 12 gage barrels.
16. Everyone shooting or crewing guns at the event must be registered with the Black Powder Safety Officer. Each unit that contains shooters or artillery is to store their powder in marked containers in the centralized magazine set up by event organizers.. The approved individuals handling powder are solely responsible for its safe keeping and must not transfer possession to others not approved by the Black Powder Safety Officer. Shooters should make certain that all powder is returned to safe storage after battles or drill, and that flasks, bandoliers and other containers of powder are secure from public access and any potential spark or flame.
17. No propellant other than commercial black powder will be used in any weapon - no Pyrodex or smokeless powder. Projectiles must not be fired.
18. The use of pistols will be permitted only on the specific authority of the Black Powder Safety Officer. Florists foam wadding should be used to hold down the pistol charge, and an extra-length commerical-style loading ramrod may be required if the provided ramrod is too short or narrow. A cleaning rod with a worm is needed to remove wadding from soaked charges for unloading misfires.
19. On land, loaded pistols should be carried with the barrel up and pointed away from all people. On shipboard, loaded but unprimed/uncapped pistols may be stored wrapped individually in canvas, fabric or leather, further incased in a bag, bucket or other container -- separate from any stored charges, priming flasks, etc.
20. Shooters will not engage in hand to hand combat whilst carrying a loaded pistol.
21. Treat all guns as potentialy loaded and THINK SAFETY.
Here are some recommended guidelines, and groups should have procedures in place that meet or exceed these guidelines. Unit members must be trained to follow these procedures, and officers directing units or displays need to enforce them.
Open-pan weapons like matchlock, wheelock, and flintlock guns are covered in sections 1 and 2, with caplock weapons covered in section 3. Artillery misfires are also a separate type which will not be covered in this document.
First and foremost -- SHOOTERS MUST STAY SILENT AFTER FIRING unless they have a problem. This allows communication from shooters about any problems, and allows the officer's commands to be heard by all. Other shooters should not offer suggestions or speak out, as this often confuses both shooter and officer as to what needs to be done by whom.
1. HANGFIRE -
1a. Shout "HANGFIRE!" -
Whether shooting in volleys or individually, when a gun fails to fire the shooter should shout out, "HANGFIRE!". Guns must be kept poised in the firing position and pointed at the same angle and direction as before the trigger was pulled. Do NOT look in the pan or change your grip on the gun!
1b. Wait 15 seconds -
If the gun fires, the shooter should recover the gun as usual and the demonstration should continue. Pans, flints, match and other parts should be quickly checked to determine what caused the problem before the shooter reloads.
1c. After 15 seconds with no ignition -
The unit officer, person directing the display, or designated officer (like file leader, corporal of shot, etc) should move to the non-gun side of the hangfire shooter -- or take verbal command of the situation from their place.
1c Option 1. Fire again on command -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should fire the gun again. Depending on the unit, safety equipment like gloves and glasses, lock type and training, this may involve different procedures. For matchlocks the preferred method is to remove the match, cover the pan, blow on the match, recock the match, open the pan, present the piece and give fire.
1c Option 2. Empty pan and dump charge to unload gun -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should unload the gun. Great care must be taken to handle the gun as if it might fire at any time, keeping the pan pointed away from the shooter and muzzle off the ground. Guns with no wadding can be tapped on a boot or just pointed downwards. To unload the pan it should be left open and the gun rotated so the pan points downwards.
1c Option 3. Remove gun from display area to unload -
Guns with wadding must be taken to a safe location and dealt with as directed by the officer. Projectiles like ramrods should never be inserted in guns after attempted firing when dry gunpowder is in place! The pan should be emptied and main charge soaked with water through the touch hole and barrel end before any attempt to remove the wadding is made.
2. FLASH IN THE PAN -
2a. Shout "HANGFIRE!" -
Whether shooting in volleys or individually, when a gun fails to fire the shooter should shout out, "HANGFIRE!". Guns must be kept poised in the firing position and pointed at the same angle and direction as before the trigger was pulled. Do NOT look in the pan or change your grip on the gun!
2b. Wait 15 seconds -
If the gun fires, the shooter should recover the gun as usual and the demonstration should continue. Pans, flints, match and other parts should be quickly checked to determine what caused the problem before the shooter reloads.
2c. After 15 seconds with no ignition -
The unit officer, person directing the display, or designated officer (like file leader, corporal of shot, etc) should move to the non-gun side of the hangfire shooter -- or take verbal command of the situation from their place.
2c Option 1. Re-prime pan and fire again -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should refill the pan -- taking great care to check for hot coals in the pan to avoid primer-flash explosions. Depending on the unit, safety equipment like gloves and glasses, lock type and training, this may involve different procedures. For matchlocks the preferred method is to remove the match, check the pan for coals, prick the vent, reprime the pan, cover the pan, blow on the match, recock the match, open the pan, present the piece and give fire
2c Option 2. Reload and fire again -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should reload -- taking great care as there may be hot coals in the barrel or pan. Depending on the unit, safety equipment like gloves and glasses, lock type and training, this may involve different procedures. Pricking the vent is recommended if possible.
2c Option 3. Empty pan and dump charge to unload gun -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should unload the gun. Great care must be taken to handle the gun as if it might fire at any time, keeping the pan pointed away from the shooter and muzzle off the ground. Guns with no wadding can be tapped on a boot or just pointed downwards. To unload the pan it should be left open and the gun rotated so the pan points downwards.
2c Option 4. Remove gun from display area to unload -
Guns with wadding must be taken to a safe location and dealt with as directed by the officer. Projectiles like ramrods should never be inserted in guns after attempted firing when dry gunpowder is in place! The pan should be emptied and main charge soaked with water through the touch hole and barrel end before any attempt to remove the wadding is made.
3. CAPLOCK HANGFIRE OR MAIN CHARGE FAILURE -
3a. Shout "HANGFIRE!" -
Whether shooting in volleys or individually, when a gun fails to fire the shooter should shout out, "HANGFIRE!". Guns must be kept poised in the firing position and pointed at the same angle and direction as before the trigger was pulled. Do NOT look at the lock or change your grip on the gun!
3b. Wait 15 seconds -
If the gun fires, the shooter should recover the gun as usual and the demonstration should continue.
3c. After 15 seconds with no ignition -
The unit officer, person directing the display, or designated officer (like file leader, corporal of shot, etc) should move to the non-gun side of the hangfire shooter -- or take verbal command of the situation from their place.
3c Option 1. Fire again on command -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should recock the hammer and fire the gun again without replacing the cap.
3c Option 2. Replace cap and fire again on command -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should replace the cap and fire the gun again. If the cap is jammed in place, the shooter should loudly inform the officer of this problem.
3c Option 2. Reload gun, replace cap and fire again on command -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should remove the cap, reload the gun, replace the cap and fire the gun again. If the cap is jammed in place, the shooter should loudly inform the officer of this problem.
3c Option 3. Remove cap and dump charge to unload gun -
As commanded by the officer, the shooter should unload the gun. Great care must be taken to handle the gun as if it might fire at any time, keeping the pan pointed away from the shooter and muzzle off the ground. Guns with no wadding can be tapped on a boot or just pointed downwards.
3c Option 4. Remove gun from display area to unload -
Guns with wadding must be taken to a safe location and dealt with as directed by the officer. Projectiles like ramrods should never be inserted in guns after attempted firing when dry gunpowder is in place! The main charge soaked with water through the barrel end before any attempt to remove the wadding is made.
1. Artillery must have fully functioning weapons and all required saftey equipment, and have been passed by the Black Powder Safety Officer or an authorized subordinate before being fired. The law, common sense about firearms safety and these rules will be adhered to at all times.
2. It is important that all artillery crew members have a thorough knowledge of: (a) The correct loading procedure. (b) What should be done in the event of a misfire. (c) How to transport a loaded cannon. (d) Period artillery drill.
3. Guns are loaded with measured amounts of powder, and all shooters should know the amount being loaded, measured in grains for small arms, grains or ounces for artillery. Powder must be carried in measured cartridges made of aluminum foil. Cartridges are to be carried in: (a) A leather or canvas bag, which should be closable and protected from stray sparks. (b) Cartridge boxes made from non-sparkable material. Priming flasks should have a measure and a flash proof closure.
It is important that all these items are checked before every battle for damage and are kept clean and in good working order.
4. All artillery weapons must be provided with a working ramrod, sponge, sponge-bucket (unless aboard a small boat), and linstock with match.
5. Cannons must be cleaned at the end of each day, or after two misfires if due to fouling..
6. Cannons and carriages must be kept in good repair, i.e. make sure that the barrel is free of obstructions, the ramrods and sponges are in good repair, wheels and carriage parts in working order, etc.
7. Artillery crews and their officers are reminded that before giving fire a check must be made to confirm the cannon is aimed properly and all ramrods and sponges have been returned to their places. All artillery crew must be a minimum of 1 foot behind the muzzle of the cannon before firing. An audible like "Have a Care!" or "Prepare for Artillery Shot!" must be given before firing during battles or demonstrations -- particularly the first shot of the day!
8. A cannon must never be aimed at a person or animal and the recommended safe firing distance of fourty yards should be adhered to.
9. No weapon shall be loaded off the shooting display area except under the direct order of a responsible officer during organised training. Weapons will be unloaded before units march off of the battlefield. Unloading consists of successfully firing a blank charge, or pouring water down the barrel and completely emptying the main charge and pan onto the ground.
10. Artillery crews will not engage in hand to hand combat whilst carrying lit slow match or manning a loaded cannon.
11. Cannons must only use barrels that are in current proof, or that have been tested by firing ball or a double charge off the field.
12. The minimum cannon bore permitted is .75 caliber, and the charge for this size must not exceed 80 grains.
13. Everyone manning cannons on the battlefield must be registered with the Black Powder Safety Officer. Each unit that contains shooters or artillery is to store their powder in marked containers in the centralized magazine set up by event organizers.. The approved individuals handling powder are solely responsible for its safe keeping and must not transfer possession to others not approved by the Black Powder Safety Officer. Artillery crews should make certain that all powder is returned to safe storage after battles or drill, and that flasks, bandoliers and other containers of powder are secure from public access and any potential spark or flame.
14. No propellant other than gunpowder will be used in any weapon. Additional substances like white flour on top of the main charge to provide more flame and smoke must be approved for both substance and amount. Projectiles must not be fired.
15. Treat all guns as potentialy loaded and THINK SAFETY.
US Government specs for Black Powder Storage Box.
WAC 296-52-70065 Explosives day box.
(1) A day box for explosives must:
Be fire, weather, and theft resistant
Be used in a manner that safely separates detonators from other explosives
Be constructed of a minimum of number 12 gauge (.1046 inches) steel
Be lined with at least either 1/2-inch plywood or 1/2-inch masonite-type hardboard
Have doors that overlap the sides by a minimum of one inch
Have appropriate ground slope for drainage
(2) Hinges and hasps must be attached by:
Welding
Riveting
OR
Bolting nuts on the inside of the door
(3) One steel padlock, which does not need to be protected by a steel hood, having a minimum of five tumblers and a case hardened shackle of a minimum of 3/8-inch diameter is sufficient for locking purposes.