SECTION 4 -- FIREARMS, EQUIPMENT AND AMMUNITION

IMPORTANT NOTE: In this, and all other Sections and sub-sections of these Rules, the notation of " approval" by designated N-SSA representative(s) shall mean that the item in question has been certified as meeting the dimensional, configuration, mechanical function and authenticity criteria of the N-SSA. It does not infer, or in any way guarantee, the safety of any particular item.

4.1 SKIRMISH MATCH ARMS

Only original or reproduction military firearms issued to U.S. or C.S. military forces during the American Civil War, which meet the criteria set forth in these rules, shall be used for competition.

4.2 DEFINITION OF "ISSUED TO U.S. OR C.S. MILITARY FORCES"

The term "issued to U.S. or C.S. military forces" when used in these rules means a "production" military arm manufactured prior to 26 April 1865 in a quantity of at least 100 firearms. Excluded are experimental arms or arms issued to or used by only a few individuals. Also excluded are arms made primarily as sporting arms, or made and issued primarily for the purpose of sharpshooting and which are characterized by target sights, sporting stock configurations, and calibers other than those suited for general military use. (October 1998)

4.3 FIREARMS DEFINITIONS

The following definitions are accepted for N-SSA competition purposes under the criteria set forth in Skirmish Rules 8.0 and 8.1.

a.	Musket: a muzzle loading shoulder arm having a smooth bore and a barrel length exceeding 36 inches.
b.	Rifled Musket: a muzzle loading shoulder arm, originally manufactured as a smoothbore, now having a rifled bore and a barrel length of approximately 40 inches. (October 1998)
c.	Musketoon: a muzzle loading shoulder arms having a smooth or rifled bore and a maximum barrel length of 26.5 inches. (October 1992)
d.	Rifle: a muzzle loading shoulder arm having a rifled bore and a barrel length of approximately 33 inches.
e.	Rifle Musket: a muzzle loading shoulder arm having a rifled bore and a barrel length of approximately 40 inches.
f.	Carbine: a breech or muzzle loading shoulder arm having a smooth or rifled bore, using externally primed ammunition and a maximum barrel length of 26.5 inches.
g.	Revolver: any percussion revolver, suitable for general issue to military forces.
h.	Breech Loading Rifle: a breech-loading shoulder arm firing a black powder cartridge and having a barrel length of approximately 30 inches. (April 1990)
i.	Carbine II: a breech-loading shoulder arm having a rifled bore, using internally primed black powder ammunition and a maximum barrel length of 26.5 inches. (April 1990)

4.4 PROHIBITED ARMS

The use of any firearm employing exposed loaded chambers which must be held so that portions of the body of the competitor, other competitors, or spectators are in the line of fire of unfired chambers is prohibited.

4.5 REPRODUCTION HAND AND SHOULDER ARMS

In recognition of the decreasing availability of original arms or parts for arms of the period specified, reproductions of entire arms and replacement parts for arms is permitted. However, such reproductions must be replicas of production arms, the originals of which would qualify for use in individual and company matches under these Skirmish Rules.

4.6 IDENTIFICATION OF REPRODUCTIONS

In the interest of preserving the identity of original arms and parts, and in order to discourage counterfeiting of originals, the use on reproductions of original names, markings, and dates of their prototypes is discouraged. Manufacturers of reproduction arms are required to mark their arms with their own names, trademarks or symbols in such a manner as to be visible on the completed firearm to distinguish these from the originals. (October 1998)

4.7 APPROVAL OF REPRODUCTIONS

Each reproduction firearm or replacement barrel to be used in official skirmishes may be submitted for approval by the Small Arms Committee under rule 4.7.1. If such reproductions are to be produced in quantity, only pilot models need to be submitted for approval by the Board of Directors. Such pilot models must be in all respects true representative specimens of the modes to be approved. Deviations resulting in any firearm or barrel not so complying shall cause the arm or barrel to not be used until it is re-approved. Reproduction replacement parts for use with original or approved reproduction arms need not be submitted individually for approval but are subject to challenge and inspection and may be disqualified for use in the event of non-compliance with rule 4.5. Samples of reproduction arms or barrels offered for approval must be submitted to the Inspector General or to the Small Arms Committee at least 30 (thirty) days before the January or August board meeting. Production firearms, barrels and processes will be considered only at these two meetings. A competitor using an individually-approved reproduction firearm must carry and be able to show proof of such approval (see 4.8). (October, 1996)

4.7.1 ARMS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL

a.	As of June 2000, all arms being used in N-SSA competition which are individually produced replicas of Civil War arms must have a card showing inspection and approval by the small arms committee.
b.	A prototype example of any reproduction of an original Civil War firearm being produced by any individual or commercial concern at a rate in which production shall exceed two such arms per year. The prototype shall be accompanied by duplicate copies of a detailed description and/or drawings of the configuration (including principle dimensions and tolerances) of the arms that shall be produced and sold for use in N-SSA competition if approved. (January 1998)
c.	Any arm, original or reproduction, in which any major component (lock, stock, barrel, or sights) has been dimensionally altered, changed, or relocated in any way from the same part found on an original, unaltered Civil War arm of the exact same type, model, or variant, as issued or reissued prior to 26 April 1865.
d.	Any arm, original or reproduction, in which any major component is used which is of a type or style not intended by the original issuing authority for use on an original, unaltered Civil War arm of the exact same type, model or variant as issued or reissued prior to 26 April 1865.
e.	Any arm using a barrel not previously approved for use in N-SSA competition.
f.	Any arm that has the original manufacturer's identification removed or in any way altered. (August 1994)
g.	Production approval of reproduction arms, barrels and processes will occur only at the January or August board meeting. All shipping costs for materials submitted to the board must be paid by the manufacturer or distributor seeking approval. The N-SSA shall not assume and cost or liability for items submitted to the board for approval. (October 1996)

4.7.2 ARMS NOT NEEDING APPROVAL

a.	Previously approved arms which have any major component part or parts replaced by the same major component part from another original or reproduction arm of the exact same type or model found on the N-SSA list of approved arms.
b.	Original or N-SSA approved arms on which an N-SSA approved barrel is used, provided the barrel is of a type intended for use on said arm. (Note: Any firearm, approved or not, is subject to a challenge and inspection for compliance with N-SSA rules. The burden of proof rests with the competitor (see also rule 4.8.4).

4.7.3 ARMS SUBMISSION LIABILITY

4.8 PROOF OF APPROVAL OF INDIVIDUALLY APPROVED ARMS

Non-production arms may be granted approval by the Small Arms Committee for skirmish use. Approval shall be for the arm in the configuration in which it is presented to the committee. Future modifications shall invalidate the approval and the arm must be submitted again for re-approval. Proof of approval shall be in the form of a card issued to the owner of the arm by the Small Arms Committee. Presentation of the card to an inspector shall be proof that the arm is approved for skirmish use, provided the arm matches in all respects the dimensions listed on the card.

4.8.1 TRANSFER OF INDIVIDUALLY APPROVED ARMS

4.8.2 RESPONSIBILITY OF FIREARMS OWNER

4.8.3 REPRODUCTION BARREL CALIBERS

4.8.4 BURDEN OF COMPLIANCE, NON-STANDARD ARMS

4.1

4.2

4.9 MODIFICATIONS (HAND AND SHOULDER ARMS)

The only modification allowed for company and individual match arms shall be those allowed below in rules 4.9.1 through 4.14.2. Interchanging of parts as practiced by the issuing military forces of the period shall be allowed. No other modification, addition or alteration which changes the original design or function of the arm shall be permitted.

4.9.1 SIGHTS (HAND AND SHOULDER ARMS)

a.	FRONT SIGHTS may be modified or rebuilt provided the resulting sight is a metallic blade on an original type base, in the original location for the model of arm concerned, not to extend beyond the base and with no limitation as to height or thickness of blade.
b.	The addition of non-issue auxiliary front sights and sight hoods shall be prohibited.
c.	Barrels may not be altered (machined, drilled, welded, etc.) to receive rear sight alterations.
d.	REAR SIGHT modifications shall be limited to the modification of existing sight notches, substitution of new sight leaves or the addition of sighting holes in the sight leaf. Modifications to the new or original sight leaf shall not include additional thickness from that of the original model concerned. All rear sight leaves must be in the same position in the base as the original for the model concerned and the rear sight base must be in the same position as the original. The new sight leaf must function the same as the original. This rule shall apply to only simple leaf-type sights which consists of one or two sighting leaves with sighting notches or holes therein.
e.	Auxiliary rear sights or non-issue rear sight sunshades are prohibited.
f.	All sights and sight alterations shall be metallic.
g.	Sighting holes may be added to existing rear sights as long as the dimensions of the block, leaf, or ladder remain the same, and no additional material may be added except to fill a notch. (April 1990)
h.	Fixed-blade Kentucky-type rear sights may be modified only by the addition of an extra piece of metal to the rear sight. The addition should be the same width and no higher than 3/8" above the original sight height.
i.	Replacement leaves of the "L" type may be no higher than the height of the 300 yd. leg and the 500 yd. leg of the original sight leaf.
j.	Long-range or tangent sights may be modified only by the addition of metal to the vertical height of the sighting notch area of the ladder or slide. The added metal shall not exceed the width or thickness of the original area to which it is attached, and the total height of the notch area shall not exceed 3/8-inch.

Front sights on revolvers and long arms may be secured to the barrel using a dovetail base in the original position. The attachment of the barrel-sight combination, after the insertion of the dovetail, must conform to the original configuration. The sight must be permanently affixed. There can be no method of adjustment built into the front sight. (April 1995)

4.10 LOCKS (HAND AND SHOULDER ARMS)

Lock parts may be replaced or fitted to insure competitive functioning of the mechanism (including the internal parts of revolvers). Removing the functioning of the half-cock notch is prohibited. The trigger pull for revolvers shall be not less than two pounds. The trigger pull for all other arms shall be not less than three pounds. Locks shall contain no externally controlled trigger pull adjustment. Set triggers are prohibited. Externally visible trigger stops are prohibited. (October 1994)

4.10.1 CENTERFIRE CONVERSION

a.	Tubular magazine-fed rifles and carbines may be used only with a centerfire conversion block and a specially modified flat-nosed follower mechanism with a diameter larger than the primer. (April 1991)
b.	All breech centerfire conversions which require a firing pin mounted within the breech or breech block shall utilize a spring-loaded `floating' type firing pin. (October 1998)
c.	Approved centerfire block conversions shall be stamped either upon the top or left side with distinguishing marks, names, etc. in a size large enough to be easily distinguished and visible when the action is closed. (April 1991)

4.11 STOCKS AND GRIPS (HAND AND SHOULDER ARMS)

No additions shall be made to stock exteriors except as required in making repairs or in parts fitting and then only in such manner that the completed addition shall not change or alter the original external appearance of the piece for the model of arm concerned. Cheek rests or recoil pads of any nature shall not be used. Stocks or grips of handguns shall be of the same configuration as the original arm concerned. Finger grooves, thumb rests, lifts or "grip adapters" may not be used. Exceptions to this may be approved by the Inspector General in the case of physical disability on recommendation of the Medical Officer. Composition bedding of barrels is permitted. The addition of checquering to any firearm is prohibited.

4.12 BARRELS (HAND AND SHOULDER ARMS)

Barrels for all arms must be originals or replacements approved by the Board of Directors. Replacement barrels listed in the official list of Approved Arms, Barrels and Processes - Hand and Shoulder Arms are approved only for the arms indicated. Reproduction barrels should be clearly marked on the left side, near the breech to identify the manufacturer. These markings shall be in a size large enough to be easily read and identified. (April 1993)

4.13 INVALIDATION OF APPROVAL

An approved replacement barrel may not be modified by welding on or around the breech. Welding the breech for any reason shall invalidate the approval of the barrel. Modification of the bolster by any method involving heat shall invalidate the approval of the barrel.

4.14 RAMRODS (RIFLES AND MUSKETS)

Ramrods must be of the correct pattern and dimensions for the arm. Copies may exceed exterior barrel length (less the tang) by no more than three (3) inches, and may be made partly or wholly of brass. "Knurling" the rod is prohibited, and threading may not be exceed one (1) inch.

4.14.1 RAMRODS (CARBINES AND MUSKETOONS)

4.14.2 RAMROD THREAD PROTECTORS

4.15 APPROVED REPLACEMENT BARRELS AND REPRODUCTION SMALL ARMS

See Appendix 1 for list. The listed barrels may be used in official skirmishes. Barrels must be used on the models of arms specified. Listed arms and barrels may be modified in accordance with the rules of this section, but some modifications shall invalidate approval, in which case the arms so modified must be submitted for individual approval (see rules 4.7 and 4.8).

4.16 SHOOTING EQUIPMENT -- GENERAL

One of the purposes of skirmishing, as stated In Article 1, Section 2, paragraph (3) of the By-Laws of the N-SSA, is to demonstrate the original manner in which firearms of the Civil War period were fired. The object is to demonstrate how they were used; not how they might have performed with modern improvements. The use of equipment or devices which are contrary to the spirit of the Skirmish Rules is forbidden. Skirmish or Association officials shall have the right to examine any participant's equipment. It shall be the responsibility of the competitor to submit doubtful shooting equipment to Skirmish or Association officials for inspection and approval in sufficient time to avoid inconveniencing either the competitor or the inspecting official.

4.17 COMPANY MATCHES

During the company matches, ammunition supplies, cleaning equipment and equipment boxes must be kept at least 25 feet behind the firing line and 8 feet from the nearest spectator. Competitors firing in a company event may not place shooting kits or accoutrements on the ground, with exception of an edged weapon of the period used to support the ramrod. All ammunition components and shooting equipment must be carried by, suspended from, or attached to the competitor's person, in cartridge boxes, waist belts, or haversacks. Ammunition used during firing shall be loaded only from a rigid leather cartridge box or one made from several stitched layers of cloth of the type made for the Confederacy. Cartridge boxes shall otherwise comply with rules 4.23, 5.18, and 5.18.1.

4.18 INDIVIDUAL MATCHES

Shooting accessories and equipment in any reasonable amount, except as specified in rule 6.10.1, may be employed in the individual matches. Shooting equipment shall not be placed forward of the firing line. The use of open powder containers is prohibited. The use of tables, stools, portable benches or other devices to lay out shooting equipment and/or ammunition on the firing line during individual matches is prohibited, (October 1994)

4.19 REVOLVER MATCHES

Revolver matches at National Skirmishes shall only be conducted from a fixed firing line on which loading benches are erected. All loading gear and shooting kits shall be placed on the loading bench. Shooters shall stand behind the loading bench for loading and shooting. There shall be no open powder containers on the loading bench. Loading shall be done from sealed containers, each holding one pre-measured charge.

4.20 AMMUNITION

Ammunition shall consist of a projectile made of lead or lead alloy and a pre-measured charge of black powder. Projectiles may be coated with a lubricant, and hollow bases may be filled with lubricant. Carbine I and II, revolver, and breechloading rifle ammunition may include a non-explosive filler. Except for Carbine II and breechloading rifles, all ammunition must be externally primed. No competitor may have in his possession at an official skirmish more than one pound of black powder in excess of pre-loaded ammunition. Such excess black powder must be in a sealable factory container. Preparation of ammunition from loose powder in the ready area is prohibited. Breech-loading arms may use a cartridge casing of appropriate material as an integral part of the cartridge. (October 1991)

4.21 PROJECTILES

The use of multiple, separating, tracer, incendiary, or explosive projectiles is prohibited. Restrictions may be placed on the size or shape of a projectile, and it must approximate the weight of projectiles normally intended for use in the arm being fired. Ramrods and cleaning rods shall not be intentionally fired as projectiles. Projectiles for smoothbore matches shall be round ball only. In a smoothbore firearm, the ball may be wrapped with aluminum foil, with or without grease; but the use of patches, paper or cloth, or over-powder wads or plastic wads is prohibited. (October 1998)

4.22 POWDER CHARGES

The only propellant allowed for firing under the skirmish program shall be black powder. The use of smokeless powder in any quantity is prohibited. Powder charges must not exceed original Civil War issue charges for specific arms being fired.

4.23 CARTRIDGES

a.	No reserve cartridges shall be carried outside of an approved cartridge box except for fixed ammunition loaded into the magazine of tubular magazine-fed firearms. (See also 4.16). On the line, at least one flap of the cartridge box must cover the cartridges at all times, except when a skirmisher is actually reaching into the box, or looking into the box to examine ammunition. (January 1998)
b.	The use of powder flasks or powder horns of any description, or loading from anything but prepared individual charges during company or individual matches, is prohibited.
c.	The use of combustible cartridges in muzzle-loading arms is prohibited unless the cartridge casing is completely combustible and is approved by the Inspector General.
d.	Ammunition for tubular magazine-fed firearms must contain a bullet with a flat nose of a diameter which exceeds that of its primer. (April 1991)
e.	Centerfire cartridges for use in Carbine II and breechloading rifles should approximate the size of the original rimfire cartridges used in these arms prior to April 26, 1865. (October 1991)

4.24 PERCUSSION CAPS (or Primers)

a.	The only allowable method of ignition for percussion or flintlock arms shall be percussion caps or flints. (April 1990)
b.	Caps shall be carried only in regulation-pattern cap boxes, and at no time shall the caps be exposed by either allowing the box to remain open while firing, or by the use of non- regulation cap-holders.
c.	Cappers may be used by revolver competitors when competing in individual and company events. (April 1996)
d.	In the use of flintlock firearms, priming powder must be provided as part of a prepared cartridge.
e.	Internally primed ammunition may use modern cartridge primers. (April 1990)

4.25 FIREARMS ELIGIBILITY

During N-SSA competition, only firearms defined in Section 4 of these Rules shall be used. Within each category of competition, only the arms listed below shall be allowed: (April 1990)

MUSKET		PISTOL
Company	Individual	Company	Individual
a. Musket	a. Musket	a. Revolver	a. Revolver
b. Rifle	b. Rifle
c. Rifle Musket	c. Rifle Musket
d. Rifled Musket	d. Rifled Musket

CARBINE		BREECHLOADING RIFLE (individual competition only)
Company	Individual
a. Carbine	a. Carbine	a. Breech-loading Rifle
b. Musketoon	b. Musketoon	b. Carbine II