~ Be a Reenactor for a weekend ~

~ Basic Equipment ~

This is a basic equipment list for those who
desire to become a Civil War Reenactor.
CAUTIONARY NOTE: If you are new to the hobby please Do Not purchase any equipment until you have consulted with somebody from our unit. We can save you allot of time and money. We've been there and can help you out.

• Hat- Forage Cap or Bummer. Since civil war soldiers were permitted to purchase their own hats. We don't have any strick guidelines for head gear. (within reason)
• Coat- Sack Coat or Frock Coat Dark Blue wool
• Trousers with Braces - Made from sky-blue wool with button fly, pockets and held up by suspenders.
  
• Shirt - Since CW soldiers often received shirts from home, purchased elsewhere or wore Government issue. Shirts must be accurate to the time period. Shirts are long sleeve with sleeves generally looser than a modern shirt with 3 to 4 wooden, tin or bone buttons and made from muslin, calico or flannel. The shirts are pull overs. Latitude is allowed here because these are generally under the sack coat.
• Accoutrements:
  Cartridge Box with shoulder Strap and Cartridge Box Plate (US)
  Cartridge Box Tins (optional)
  Breastplate (Brass eagle)
  Waist Belt with US Buckle
  Cap Box
  
• Canteen - You must have a canteen. This should be your first purchase.
• Haversack - Black tarred, canvas sack which is hung over the shoulder containing, rations and personal items.
• Brogans - (Shoes)
  
• Tent - A-Frame (or Wedge Tent), Shelter half dog tent. Size restriction
• Extras - Knapsacks, gaiters, greatcoat, poncho, haversack stuffers all can wait. The best advice is to discuss all purchases with members of our unit.
• Musket with (Bayonet & Scabbard) -
  If you are going to purchase a gun. There are three muskets to chose from. The 11th Reserves primarily were issued the .69 caliber 1842 Smoothbore musket.
  The Britsh made Enfield .577 caliber and the 1861 .58 caliber Spingfield rifles were the most widely used weapons during the American Civil War. Any of the three are acceptable by our unit guidelines. No breach loading weapons or repeating arms are permitted in this unit.

  

  69 caliber 1842 Springfield Smoothbore

  

  .577 caliber 1853 British Enfield Rifle musket

  

  58 caliber 1861 Springfield Rifle musket

There is No Dues or Membership Fee
to become a member of the 40th PA.
All we ask is that you make it to
three events on our schedule a year.

AGE RESTRICTION
You must be at least 18 years of age unless accompanied by a parent.

~ Safety Guidelines ~

The complete United States Volunteer Safety Regulations Booklet will be made available upon request
to any new recruit at an event.
Always treat a gun like it is loaded!
Since we use real working replica rifles and muskets. Safety is always a concern. Accidents do happen from time to time but it is very rare.
We have never had an incident involving our unit.

• Age restrictions: All participants must be 16 years of age or older to carry a weapon, i.e., rifle, musket, carbine, pistol or edged weapon, on the battlefield at living histories or battle reenactments. Participants between the ages of 16 and 18 must have parental consent in writing and/or parent present on the field in order to take part in events. Participants between the age of 11 and 16 may serve as musicians.
• Weapons inspection: All weapons will be inspected for safety by each Company commander and/or Company Ordnace/Safety Officer prior to each event.
• Firearm Safety: Fallow the common sense of firearm safety i.e., don't place any part of your body over the muzzle of any weapon and always be aware of the direction of the muzzle. Always treat a gun like it is loaded! Never point a gun at anybody.
• No modern firearms OF ANY KIND are allowed.
• Infantry rifles will be 3 banded percussion Springfields or Enfields ONLY. No Hawken, Zouave, Kentucky, Plains or Flintlock firearms are allowed.
  
• Sidearms are carried by officers only.
• We do not use our Bayonet on the field. It is a deadly weapon and we keep them in the sheath during a battle NOT on the end of our guns. They are for Dress Parade's, inspections and marches.
  
• NO sheath knives will be worn or carried into battle.
• Never pull a ramrod on the battlefield. The only time we pull our ramrods are during safety inspections.
  
• We recommended that you do not shoot live rounds from your weapon. But if you do you must be certain it is clean and free of debris.
  
• Learn the commands new recruits will be placed in the front row so you are not shooting over anyone else’s head. Back row is for taller seasoned reenactor's. Only fire when orderd to do so. "Follow all commands of the officer's" they know the ropes and will show you how to do things the safe way.
  
• ELEVATE YOUR MUZZLE can’t stress this enough. You must shoot over the heads of opposing forces. Point the muzzle at about 40 degrees. At close range point the muzzle straight up. Do not level it at anyone. Even if “you know” it is empty. Always treat a gun like it is loaded. Black powder can burn and pelt someone at 40 paces. Not all of the powder burns completely and little pieces fly an astounding distance. From the spectaters point of view they can't tell the differance.