In the course of our activities, the use of muzzle loading firearms requires a very high level of diligence toward safe and careful conduct. As such, the following guidelines must be adhered to with the strictest care.
Type
1. For the purposes of our use, enlisted men are either to carry the .58 M-1861 Springfield Rifled Musket or the .69 M-1842 Springfield Smoothbore Musket. The M-1861 is the preferred weapon, but the latter shall be allowed. Only officers may carry a sidearm (Pistol), primarily the Colt model 1860 Army. The following guidelines refers PRIMARILY to muskets, but much of it can also be seen to apply to sidearms as well. Specific issues with sidearms will be dealt with in a subsequent addendum.
M-1861 Springfield Rifled Musket
M-1842 Springfield Smoothbore Musket
(Click image above to view illustrated M1842, M1861)
Handling
2. Safe handling of firearms is of the utmost importance. Follow the following guidelines at ALL TIMES:
A. Remember to treat all firearms as though they are loaded. Keep finger off the trigger until you are prepared to discharge the weapon.
B. Even during a combat exercise, we never aim directly at another person. Always aim above others or well before them in the grass. To this effect, ALWAYS be aware of where your muzzle is pointing at all times. It is more likely that you will direct your weapon to point towards another person while in camp than on the battlefield.
C. NEVER put hands or fingers over the muzzle when holding your musket. This goes for during the process of loading your weapon as well. Remember when using your ramrod to pinch with forefinger and thumb, and never to push into the muzzle with the flat of your palm.
D. NEVER allow ANYONE to handle your musket. You may show the weapon to interested parties, but nothing more. Your musket should ALWAYS be within your control.
E. When a soldier is in direct control of their musket, greatest care shall be taken to be aware of the direction of the muzzle. No charges shall be loaded into the musket unless directed, or shall any cap be placed upon the nipple. Bayonets shall never be fixed unless a soldier is given express direction to do so. When bayonets are fixed, it is of the utmost importance that the soldier be fully aware of those around them to avoid accidents.
Storage
3. Maintaining control of your musket is easy when you follow these steps.
A. Muskets not in your direct control shall be stacked in the appropriate manner. Whenever muskets are stacked in camp, a person shall be assigned for the purpose of keeping watch over the weapons. The ranking individual or Ordinance Officer shall assign this person.
B. A musket shall NEVER be stacked when loaded, or with a cap on the nipple.
C. At NO TIME is a musket to be left lying on the ground (directly on the grass), leaning against a tree or even a soldiers tent. Violation of this rule is punishable by official sanction through the Board, or by 19th Century Military Punishment as ascribed by the ranking individual.
D. Soldiers are expected to stack and see to their OWN WEAPONS, and are not to pass off weapons to others unless given express permission to do so by the Ordinance Officer or ranking individual.
Click to view Illustrated "Weapon Storage"
4. All soldiers are expected to give the utmost attention and care to their muskets. While the appearance of a soldiers weapon may to be perfect; it is EXPECTED AND REQUIRED that all muskets be clean and oiled. All parts must be serviceable and any and all malfunctions or problems reported AT ONCE to both the ranking individual and the Ordinance Officer. Here is a short list of expectations regarding basic maintenance of muskets:
A. All surface steel should be free of deep blemishes (the type of rust that is more than simple discoloration).
B. No fresh rust should be visible within the muzzle of the weapon.
C. All screws and barrel bands must be tight and snug (and present) in place.
D. While at half-cock, the hammer should remain firm when the trigger is pulled. There should be very little give to the trigger when the weapon is at half-cock.
E. Flash pan should be as free of corrosion as possible.
F. Nipple vent should be clear of matter.
G. Fire channel should be free of matter.
H. Ram rod should be free of fresh rust and be removable at will from the stock.
In addition, during the time that the musket is being inspected the bayonet also should be appraised. It should be maintained free of fresh rust with the same diligence as the musket. The interior of the socket (where the bayonet attaches to the musket) is an area that should be kept after, as this area often goes missed by casual maintenance.
Loading
5. When given the command to load your musket, it is important to follow the 9 steps in the SAFEST manner possible. On LOAD, the weapon is placed between the feet with the trigger TOWARDS the body. This allows the muzzle to angle AWAY from the soldier, which is great import. NEVER load with your body over the muzzle.
*When loading a musket that has been previously fired, special care needs to be taken to follow the safety guidelines listed here. Further, NEVER put a musket on half cock if the spent cap has been removed. This can introduce oxygen where embers may be lodged, and potentially ignite or "cook off" the powder of the next round as it is loaded.
Loading in 9 times:
A. Handle Cartridge. Remove cartridge from cartridge box. It is very important to be sure to load your box carefully as to avoid jamming cartridges together too closely. When jammed together it is common for several cartridges to become dislodged at once. While it is not an immediate danger to drop cartridges at your feet, it is wasteful of munitions, it looks sloppy, and potentially hot sparks could cause those loose rounds to ignite.
B. Tear Cartridge. Tear with the teeth about 1/2 inch from the top of the cartridge, and spit paper out. Don't worry if you ingest a little powder. Just tear a little higher next time.
C. Charge Cartridge. This movement MUST BE DONE in the prescribed way to avoid possible injury. This is especially true when loading a musket that has already been fired several times. The cartridge is moved to the right side of the muzzle, and then tipped straight into the barrel in quick but careful movement.
D. Draw Rammer. This step may or may not be done, depending upon whether or not you are given the order to "Ram paper". If you are given this order, you are wadding the remaining paper of the cartridge and stuffing it down the barrel.
E. Ram Cartridge. Grasping the ram rod between forefinger and thumb, tamp down the paper wadding unto the top of the powder charge in the barrel. This can usually be done with two to three strokes; but MUST be done as mentioned above. NEVER PLACE YOUR THUMB YOUR THUMB OR PALM OVER THE END OF THE RAM ROD DURING THIS EXERCISE. If for some reason the charge in the barrel were to ignite as you ram, and you were using this improper method, the rod would very likely blast through your thumb or hand.
F. Return Rammer. The rammer is placed back into its' sleeve in the musket. It is very important throughout the loading process that the musket be held in a manner so as to ensure that the muzzle is never directed towards other people. The musket (during steps A through F) should be butt down in front of the individual loading, muzzle at a 25-30 degree angle (or slightly inclined away from the individual loading). It is often necessary to "seat the charge" after ramming by slapping the butt of the weapon several times, or against the ground to help completely knock powder inline of the fire channel to ensure ignition.
G. Prime. The musket is brought to "at the ready" position (butt against the right side of the body just above the belt, muzzle slightly elevated and deviated to the right so as to pass over the shoulder of the man in front of you (if firing in two ranks). Remove a cap from the cap box and place it onto the nipple. It is often necessary to crimp the cap very gently with your teeth to make sure that it wont slip off before firing. The weapon is left at half-cock . Priming can be a risky activity if the weapon has been fired recently, as opening the nipple (where the percussion cap is placed) to oxygen could potentially ignite embers stuck within the barrel and prematurely discharge the weapon. Do not allow this possibility to shake you however. Simply follow through the steps, carefully and precisely.
H. Shoulder Arms. The musket is loaded, primed and brought to the shoulder arms position to await the order to fire.
Click here to view
"Dry Run full loading process"
Click here to view
"Individual steps of the full loading process"
Discharging
6. Discharging a loaded musket is not, in itself difficult. Doing it safely isn't difficult either, so long as you follow these simple guidelines.
A. Make sure your field of fire is clear. NEVER discharge any firearm with less than 30 feet of empty space down range.
B. Bring the butt of the musket into your shoulder tightly, left hand supporting the musket near the middle barrel band. There is almost no recoil when firing a blank cartridge, but securing the musket tight against your shoulder will go a long way to making the "aim" position more comfortable. Your finger should still not yet be on the trigger at this point.
C. Slowly move your finger to the trigger. Before you fire, it can help to take a slight breath and slowly let it out as you squeeze the trigger. The musket will discharge.
D. Bring the musket to the "Ready" position, muzzle at approximately eye level. In this position, you are ready to reload and fire again, or (in the case of malfunctions) able to safely call for assistance for a "hot weapon" without risking danger to yourself or others if there is a sudden discharge.
Malfunctions
7. There are several malfunctions with which we are concerned with, but they all basically fall under two distinct categories: Hot Weapon issues, and Weapon Functionality issues. We'll deal with the most immediately life threatening first.
A. Hot Weapon Issues
A "hot weapon" is one that is KNOWN to be loaded. Technically all weapons should be treated as though loaded at all times, but in this case there is absolutely no question since the soldier has just placed a charge into the barrel themselves. These types of malfunctions almost always occur during a firing demonstration or combat exercise, and come in two types (we'll call them A and B). Here is an example of an A type malfunction:
Soldier is given the order to load. He does so, and await the command to fire. The command to fire by files is given, but when the soldier pulls the trigger the cap snaps (this is important, because type B involves a cap that does not snap) but the weapon does not discharge.
Type A malfunctions are potentially problematic since it is possible that when the cap fired into the barrel, it may have started a slow burn in your powder charge. This means that your musket could possibly discharge at any time without notice. In addition, removing the old cap may well introduce oxygen to smoldering embers and cause ignition of the powder as well. Any malfunction that happens when in formation should immediately be brought to the attention of the ranking individual or Ordinance Officer. Most likely (if either is worth their pay) they will already be aware by observation and give the solider with the malfunction immediate directions for clearing the weapon. In MOST cases this would simply involve the soldier keeping the musket pointed well down range, replacing the percussion cap and attempting to discharge the charge a second time. If by some chance, the soldier tries and fails to discharge the weapon 3 times without luck, the ranking individual or Ordinance Officer will then have that person fall out of formation so that they may both work on clearing the weapon. If that still is not effective, the charge may have to be pulled by the use of a worm (THIS is only to be done by the ranking individual or Ordinance Officer).
B Type Malfunction:
Soldier is given the order to load. He does so, and await the command to fire. The command to fire by files is given, but when the soldier pulls the trigger the cap does not snap, and the weapon does not discharge.
Type B Malfunctions are also most likely to occur during demonstrations and combat exercises, but the difference here is that the percussion cap did not ignite. Although you must still report this issue to the ranking individual or Ordinance Officer and be cautious of the potential for a sudden discharge (or "Cook Off"), it is most likely that replacing the cap will do the trick on the next shot. If not, then the process is repeated until it may become necessary to step out of line to have the issue addressed.
Why do such Hot Weapon Malfunctions happen in the first place?
There can be any number of reasons. High humidity can result in powder fouling (or when powder gets slightly thick and gummy); the weapon may have been cleaned recently, but the soldier didn't swab the barrel out sufficiently and as such the powder fouls; It could be raining, or (if you have fired A LOT in a battle exercise) you may simply have so much residue from previous shots that the fire channel is gummed up. The important thing to remember is to report the malfunction, keep weapon aimed safely down range, and stay calm. Remember, do it right and no one outside of yourself and your comrades in arms may ever know you had an issue.
Click to view "Discharging a Common Malfunction"
B. Weapon Functionality issues
While such malfunctions are quite serious, they usually seem to happen when one is in camp or during daily inspections. These could include lost screws, pins, mechanical problems (such as a hammer at half-cock being able to fall when the trigger is pulled), or loose barrel bands. These are quite serious issues that must be remedied before participation in firing exercises, but usually don't present immediate danger since they almost always are caught before any ammunition has even been issued out. Such malfunctions happen sometimes without a single bit of negligence on the soldiers part. With the rough use our muskets get, it's not surprising that pins and screws can get loose and fall out. This speaks though to the utter importance of regular weapon inspection, and a diligence on the part of all of us to keep our gear in working order.
Munitions Safety Protocol
8. In the course of our activities, the use of black powder blanks (hereafter known as cartridges and caps) requires a very high level of diligence towards safe and careful conduct. As such, the following guidelines must be adhered to with the strictest care.
A. Storage/possession of munitions/record keeping
When not in use, cartridges shall be kept in the provided munitions case. This container is to be under the care of the Ordinance/Safety Officer, his appointed assistants, and or the ranking individual in camp. Soldiers shall not be allowed to have cartridges on their persons unless their use is imminent. As such, cartridges shall be isseud just prior to their use in a firing detail. When issued, cartridges and caps are to be kept in the proper storage containers (cap and cartridges boxes respectively) and are not to be handled except during the firing exercise. The only time when soldiers shall be issued cartridges to be carried over an extended period shall be during a long duration firing exercise (where the issuing during would be impossible or impractical) or "battle" reenactment (combat exercises). After the completion of any and all such exercises, the Ordinance Officer or etc (as previously listed) shall gather up all cartridges/caps from the soldiers and return the unused portion to the proper storage box. It is recommended that the Ordinance/Safety Officer with the assistance of the ranking individual should require and maintain an inventory of all munitions during each and every event. These reports should be forwarded then to the Board, for the purposes of allocation of funds to the purpose of maintaining the store of munitions for the Regiment. It is vital that soldiers take great care to maintain control of all cartridges isseud to them. While it is encouraged for soldiers to show guests a cartridge for the purpose of education, a guest should NEVER BE ALLOWED to handle or touch a live munition at ANY TIME.
B. Pre and Post Munitions Inspection
It is the duty of the Ordinance/Safety Officer and ranking individual to ensure that each and every cartridge be inspected twice prior to their being accepted for use during any given event. They must repeat this process again just before issuing them to the Regiment. It is recommended that soldiers also visually inspect their munitions at the time of issue. This process will help ensure that mistakes (like the infamous "coffee & silver painted wooden balls affair") are avoided.
C. Use of Munitions
Issued cartidges and caps are to be used only in approved firearms when given the command to do so by the ranking individual. Only one cartidge is to be loaded is a soldiers musket at any given time. As a rule, the question of "ramming paper" (or putting the paper of the spent cartridge down the barrel as a patch or wad for increased report) shall be left to the decision of the ranking individual. When the order is given to ram paper, extra caution shall be used to ensure that the muzzles of all soldiers muskets are aimed well away from bystanders or other participants.
D. Manufacture of Munitions
Paper tubes for cartridges can either be purchased or created during the manufacture process. Powder shall be supplied by the Board. The Ordinance/Safety Officer and any others that are elected to take part shall conduct the manufacture of the cartridges. Extreme caution should be maintained when taking part in a "Cartridge making party" to avoid static charge or heat source introduction. No matter what, ONLY THOSE CARTRIDGES THAT HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND/OR PRODUCED BY OUR OWN ORGANIZATION SHALL BE USED IS COMPANY MUSKETS OR INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY STORE. When we use cartridges of foreign manufacture, we cannot be 100% certain of their integrity or purity (as we learned in the "First Ridgely first shirt incident").
7. There are several malfunctions with which we are concerned with, but they all basically fall under two distinct categories: Hot Weapon issues, and Weapon Functionality issues. We'll deal with the most immediately life threatening first.
A. Hot Weapon Issues
A "hot weapon" is one that is KNOWN to be loaded. Technically all weapons should be treated as though loaded at all times, but in this case there is absolutely no question since the soldier has just placed a charge into the barrel themselves. These types of malfunctions almost always occur during a firing demonstration or combat exercise, and come in two types (we'll call them A and B). Here is an example of an A type malfunction:
Soldier is given the order to load. He does so, and await the command to fire. The command to fire by files is given, but when the soldier pulls the trigger the cap snaps (this is important, because type B involves a cap that does not snap) but the weapon does not discharge.
Type A malfunctions are potentially problematic since it is possible that when the cap fired into the barrel, it may have started a slow burn in your powder charge. This means that your musket could possibly discharge at any time without notice. In addition, removing the old cap may well introduce oxygen to smoldering embers and cause ignition of the powder as well. Any malfunction that happens when in formation should immediately be brought to the attention of the ranking individual or Ordinance Officer. Most likely (if either is worth their pay) they will already be aware by observation and give the solider with the malfunction immediate directions for clearing the weapon. In MOST cases this would simply involve the soldier keeping the musket pointed well down range, replacing the percussion cap and attempting to discharge the charge a second time. If by some chance, the soldier tries and fails to discharge the weapon 3 times without luck, the ranking individual or Ordinance Officer will then have that person fall out of formation so that they may both work on clearing the weapon. If that still is not effective, the charge may have to be pulled by the use of a worm (THIS is only to be done by the ranking individual or Ordinance Officer).
B Type Malfunction:
Soldier is given the order to load. He does so, and await the command to fire. The command to fire by files is given, but when the soldier pulls the trigger the cap does not snap, and the weapon does not discharge.
Type B Malfunctions are also most likely to occur during demonstrations and combat exercises, but the difference here is that the percussion cap did not ignite. Although you must still report this issue to the ranking individual or Ordinance Officer and be cautious of the potential for a sudden discharge (or "Cook Off"), it is most likely that replacing the cap will do the trick on the next shot. If not, then the process is repeated until it may become necessary to step out of line to have the issue addressed.
Why do such Hot Weapon Malfunctions happen in the first place?
There can be any number of reasons. High humidity can result in powder fouling (or when powder gets slightly thick and gummy); the weapon may have been cleaned recently, but the soldier didn't swab the barrel out sufficiently and as such the powder fouls; It could be raining, or (if you have fired A LOT in a battle exercise) you may simply have so much residue from previous shots that the fire channel is gummed up. The important thing to remember is to report the malfunction, keep weapon aimed safely down range, and stay calm. Remember, do it right and no one outside of yourself and your comrades in arms may ever know you had an issue.
Click to view "Discharging a Common Malfunction"
While such malfunctions are quite serious, they usually seem to happen when one is in camp or during daily inspections. These could include lost screws, pins, mechanical problems (such as a hammer at half-cock being able to fall when the trigger is pulled), or loose barrel bands. These are quite serious issues that must be remedied before participation in firing exercises, but usually don't present immediate danger since they almost always are caught before any ammunition has even been issued out. Such malfunctions happen sometimes without a single bit of negligence on the soldiers part. With the rough use our muskets get, it's not surprising that pins and screws can get loose and fall out. This speaks though to the utter importance of regular weapon inspection, and a diligence on the part of all of us to keep our gear in working order.
Munitions Safety Protocol
8. In the course of our activities, the use of black powder blanks (hereafter known as cartridges and caps) requires a very high level of diligence towards safe and careful conduct. As such, the following guidelines must be adhered to with the strictest care.
A. Storage/possession of munitions/record keeping
When not in use, cartridges shall be kept in the provided munitions case. This container is to be under the care of the Ordinance/Safety Officer, his appointed assistants, and or the ranking individual in camp. Soldiers shall not be allowed to have cartridges on their persons unless their use is imminent. As such, cartridges shall be isseud just prior to their use in a firing detail. When issued, cartridges and caps are to be kept in the proper storage containers (cap and cartridges boxes respectively) and are not to be handled except during the firing exercise. The only time when soldiers shall be issued cartridges to be carried over an extended period shall be during a long duration firing exercise (where the issuing during would be impossible or impractical) or "battle" reenactment (combat exercises). After the completion of any and all such exercises, the Ordinance Officer or etc (as previously listed) shall gather up all cartridges/caps from the soldiers and return the unused portion to the proper storage box. It is recommended that the Ordinance/Safety Officer with the assistance of the ranking individual should require and maintain an inventory of all munitions during each and every event. These reports should be forwarded then to the Board, for the purposes of allocation of funds to the purpose of maintaining the store of munitions for the Regiment. It is vital that soldiers take great care to maintain control of all cartridges isseud to them. While it is encouraged for soldiers to show guests a cartridge for the purpose of education, a guest should NEVER BE ALLOWED to handle or touch a live munition at ANY TIME.
B. Pre and Post Munitions Inspection
It is the duty of the Ordinance/Safety Officer and ranking individual to ensure that each and every cartridge be inspected twice prior to their being accepted for use during any given event. They must repeat this process again just before issuing them to the Regiment. It is recommended that soldiers also visually inspect their munitions at the time of issue. This process will help ensure that mistakes (like the infamous "coffee & silver painted wooden balls affair") are avoided.
C. Use of Munitions
Issued cartidges and caps are to be used only in approved firearms when given the command to do so by the ranking individual. Only one cartidge is to be loaded is a soldiers musket at any given time. As a rule, the question of "ramming paper" (or putting the paper of the spent cartridge down the barrel as a patch or wad for increased report) shall be left to the decision of the ranking individual. When the order is given to ram paper, extra caution shall be used to ensure that the muzzles of all soldiers muskets are aimed well away from bystanders or other participants.
D. Manufacture of Munitions
Paper tubes for cartridges can either be purchased or created during the manufacture process. Powder shall be supplied by the Board. The Ordinance/Safety Officer and any others that are elected to take part shall conduct the manufacture of the cartridges. Extreme caution should be maintained when taking part in a "Cartridge making party" to avoid static charge or heat source introduction. No matter what, ONLY THOSE CARTRIDGES THAT HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND/OR PRODUCED BY OUR OWN ORGANIZATION SHALL BE USED IS COMPANY MUSKETS OR INCLUDED IN THE COMPANY STORE. When we use cartridges of foreign manufacture, we cannot be 100% certain of their integrity or purity (as we learned in the "First Ridgely first shirt incident").
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