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CONTINENTAL LINE
Safety Guide to Black Powder
GENERAL GUIDELINES
"For member units of the Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes & Drums, the age limit for artillery is 18 years of age
and we do allow the use of friction primers for ignition in artillery demo's and timed firings by Nathan Hale Member Units."
These guidelines apply to the use of Black Powder firearms for historical demonstration purposes
by Continental Line (C.L.) Member Units. "Member Units" mean an organization that is recognized by
the C.L. and is officially enrolled as such, or any unit that is a guest of the C.L.
"Demonstration" means the loading and firing of a black powder weapon, for the purpose of
public education, under the direction of a Safety Officer.
Every Member Unit is required to have a Safety Officer. This individual is thoroughly
knowledgeable of the Safety Standard and Guide to Black Powder. This individual is directly responsible
for the weapons and/or Artillery Piece and how they are used by the members of their own Unit. This
individual is answerable to the C.L. for any compromise or violation of these Guidelines, and has signed
a statement declaring such.
Only two types of weapons may be fired by Member Units: muzzleloading black powder
flintlocks, and full-scale muzzleloading cannons. Pistols may NOT be fired in demonstrations except by
Mounted Troops with approval of the Field Commander.
Edged weapons, swords, knives, tomahawks, etc. must always be considered dangerous.
Except for use as a camp tool, they should never be unsheathed.
The two types of weapon demonstrations permitted are; Individual Demonstrations and Tactical
Demonstrations.
Individual Demonstrations are demonstrations during which a single weapon is loaded and fired
by a member or, in the case of a cannon, a crew of members. Tactical Demonstrations are those where
two or more weapons are loaded and fired under simulated battle conditions. This includes but is not
limited to, reenactments in which opposing forces face each other.
An individual who operates a muzzleloaded black powder weapon in an Individual Demonstration
must be trained and the weapon inspected prior to use by a Safety Officer. A Unit participation in a
Tactical Demonstration (including reenactments) must have present, during the demonstration, at least
one member who is a Safety Officer.
INDIVIDUAL DEMONSTRATION
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1. The only weapons authorized for Individual Demonstrations are muzzleloaded black powder
shoulder arms. These include flintlock muskets, rifles, musketoons, and carbines. Pistols
may be demonstrated only by Mounted Troops.
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2.
A minimum of two members must be present for an Individual Demonstration. One to
operate the weapon and another to provide crowd control and watch for safety. Either
member may address the public. Each must be at least 16 years old. All Individual
Demonstrations must have prior approval of a Safety Officer.
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3.
The Individual Demonstration must be held in an area as detailed in the appended diagram
for Individual Demonstration Range
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4.
The weapon being demonstrated is subject to inspection by a Safety Officer using the
appending checklist.
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5.
Blank charges are not to exceed the maximum load designated in the appended Table of
Maximum Loads for the particular weapon used.
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6.
Muskets are to be loaded from pre-wrapped paper cartridges prepared according to correct
period procedures. Aluminum foil, coin wrappers and metal staples, etc, are not to be used.
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7.
Wadding is permitted for Individual Demonstrations but NOT in Tactical Demonstrations.
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8.
The demonstrator must carry cartridges in an authentic leather or leather and wood block
cartridqe box, worn well around on the right hip. The demonstrator must take care that the
flap is kept down except when the cartridge is being withdrawn. Extreme care must be taken
when carrying a belly box.
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9.
Rifles may be loaded with powder from horns, however, the powder of the main charge must
first be poured into a powder measure conforming to the Table of Maximum Loads, then
poured into the muzzle. The main charge must never be poured directly from the horn into
the barrel. Riflemen must carry loose powder in a well maintained horn that is kept
stoppered.
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10. When loading and firing, the demonstrator will follow the correct manual for the type of
weapon being fired. Riflemen who do not have a prescribed manual will follow safe
procedures.
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11. It is the responsibility of the non-shooting demonstrator to see that the shooter observes
correct loading and firing procedures.
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12. At NO time is the demonstrator to surrender control of the weapon to a member of the
public. A visitor may feel the heft of the weapon while the demonstrator holds the sling.
Likewise, edged weapons must remain under the control of the demonstrator.
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13. Tomahawk and knife throwing demonstrations are permitted under supervision of the Safety
officer. The appended Artillery Demonstration Range will be the safety standard.
At NO time will any member of the public be allowed to fire a weapon and at no time will a
demonstrator carry live ammunition.
ARTILLERY DEMONSTRATION
Cannons are extremely dangerous to load and fire. Cannons may be demonstrated by members
only under the direct supervision of a Safety Officer. The Safety Officer and the Gun Commander
should be one in the same.
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1.
Ideally a cannon crew will have six (6) or more members, but no gun will be operated with
less than four (4). The members of the crew are:
The Gun Commander - This man has overall command of the gun and crew. He is
responsible for giving commands and assuring that crew members execute their duties
correctly and safely. He does not normally take part in any of the loading or firing
activities. If he does serve the gun, he will only serve as Gunner #1.
Gunner #1 - (Firer) This job is to maintain the linstock and to touch off the charge when
ordered by the Gun Commander.
Gunner #2 - (Vent Tender) This man stops (tends) the vent to be sure NO air escapes
during worming, sponging and loading. He picks open the charge with a priming wire and
priming the piece. This man must have a leather thumbstall to protect his thumb from
the heat of the gun while tending the vent. This position is critical to safe operation of the
piece, and should always be manned by an experienced Artillerist.
Gunner #3 - (Ram & Sponge) This man sponges the piece and rams home the
cartridge. He must always be sure the sponge is in good condition and that there is water
for the artillery bucket. This man is required to wear heavy duty welder's gloves for
protection while performing his duties. It is the most dangerous position on the crew
and, must exercise extreme caution at all times. Like #2, this position should always be
served by an experienced crew member.
Gunner #4 - (worm & Loader) This man's job is to extract the spent cartridge casing
(search the piece), and to place the new round in the muzzle for #3 to ram (charge the
piece).
Gunner #5 - (Powder Handler) This man's job is to remove the powder box to a secure
position before the piece is fired, and to bring each round forward to #4 for loading. He is
also responsible for manning the tiller for aiming the gun, and guarding the powder box
at all times.
Gunner #6 - (Powder Handler) This man is charged with the security on the powder box
at all times.
Any additional gunners perform duties as assigned (pulling the gun, relieving casualties
during tactical demonstrations, etc.)
In case of a four man crew, Gunner #4 will double as #5. Gunner #4 should never carry
extra rounds in the pass-box, as he will be close to the piece when it fires. For guns without
a removable ammunition box (gallopers), the crew must always be certain that the side
lockers are closed and latched.
NOTE: the members of the various positions are arbitrary, and serve-only to list the
necessary crew-members for any gun.
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2.
Cannons used in firing demonstrations must be full-scale reproductions and must conform to
the specifications in the Cannon Inspection Checklist. Original cannons may be used
provided they too, conform to the same checklist.
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3.
All drill performed by the Artillery crew is subject to the approval of a Safety Officer using the
Artillery Checklist.
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4.
Ammunition for artillery is to be prepared off-site of the demonstration or in an approved
laboratory under the Safety Officer's supervision. Cartridges are to be made of at least 3
thicknesses of heave gauge aluminum foil made around a former of a width corresponding to
the bore of the Gun they are to be used with. Powder charges shall not exceed the
specifications in the appended Table of Maximum Loads.
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5.
Demonstrations will be held in an area that conforms to the appended Range Diagram for
Cannon Firing.
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6.
ALL FIRING SHALL BE WITH A LINSTOCK AND SLOW MATCH. Quills are preferred,
black powder priming acceptable. Port-fires will not be used.
TACTICAL DEMONSTRATION
Tactical Demonstrations are inherently more dangerous than Individual Demonstrations for
several reasons;
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1.
The number of demonstrators involved.
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2.
The close proximity of demonstrators to each other.
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3.
In the case of reenactments, the fact weapons are being discharged at opposing forces.
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4.
The greater difficulty in observing safety violations.
To assure maximum safety for demonstrators and visitors, the following standards will govern
Tactical Demonstrations;
1.
Participants in the Tactical Demonstrations shall be limited to members of the Continental
line.
2.
Shooters must be at least 16 years old.
3.
Each unit shall have at least one member who has been appointed as a Safety Officer.
4.
Weapons, ammunition, ammunition containers and weapon drill are subject to inspection by
a Safety Officer who has the power to require correction of incidents of non-compliance with
these Guidelines.
5.
Tactical Demonstrations will be held only under the direct supervisor of a Safety officer. The
scenario for each demonstration is subject to the Safety Officers prior approval.
6.
Tactical Demonstrations will be held in areas of relative open spaces allowing clear fields of
vision for participants.
7.
Weapons and blank rounds of ammunition used in Tactical Demonstrations shall conform to
the specifications laid down in these Guidelines . Powder loads shall not exceed the amounts
specified in the appended Table of Maximum Loads.
8.
There shall be no simulation of hand-to-hand combat.
9.
Opposing forces shall not discharge weapons at each other unless there is an interval of at
least 30 yards between them.
10. Weapons shall not be fired in the general direction or the public unless there is an interval of
at least 100 yards. In all cases, weapons shall be aimed over the heads of all spectators.
11. Ramrods shall not be used and rounds are not to be wadded.
12. Bayonets shall not be fixed, and they shall remain in their scabbards.
Hatchets, knives, and
tomahawks shall never be unsheathed and the blade edge must always be covered. The
exception for this bayonet rule will be by the command of the Field commander only.
13. Artillery crews shall follow the manual for their pieces, observing all safety procedures
specified above. Guns will be operated by a minimum of four crew members. Small pieces
(3 pounders, and below) shall not be discharged at opposing forces at ranges of less than 50
yards. Larger pieces (6 pounders and above) shall not be discharged at opposing forces of
less than 100 yards.
14. Mounted participants shall be strictly monitored.
The safe handling of horses shall be the
responsibility of the owners at all times. Horses shall be tethered in designated areas when
not in use. During tactical demonstrations, mounted troops will maintain a ten yard buffer
zone between themselves and dismounted troops and men portraying casualties, at all
times.
15. All Safety Officers have the power to order immediate correction of safety violations.
16. The Senior Safety Officer’s power shall extend to stopping the demonstration if they feel that
is a necessary course of action.
17. Under NO circumstances shall a weapon be discharged anywhere other than the Individual
Demonstration or the Tactical Demonstration. Weapons shall not be discharged in camp or
anywhere off the field of the demonstration.
18. Demonstrators are not to surrender control of their weapons to members of the public or the
public to fire a weapon.
19. At NO time during the demonstration will the ramrod be used to clean the barrels. The
ramrod will never be removed during demonstrations.
HANDLING BLACK POWDER AMMUNITION
Members will observe the following rules for the transportation and storage of blank ammunition.
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1.
Blank ammunition will be prepared off-site before the demonstration is held.
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2.
Loads shall not exceed the loads specified in the appended Table of Maximum Loads for the
particular weapon to be fired.
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3.
Cartridges will be paper-wrapped, rolled on a former of the proper caliber for the weapon
being fired, and secured with glue or string. METAL CLOSURES ARE NOT PERMITTED.
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4.
Ammunition should be transported in bulk, in secure, non-sparking boxes. Demonstrators
must carry rolled cartridges in cartridge boxes that are in good repair, have secure leather
flaps, and are kept clean of loose powder granules.
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5.
Member Units are required to store ammunition in a safe fire free area and out of the reach
of the public.
CARTRIDGES WILL NOT BE GIVEN AWAY TO THE PUBLIC.
CONTINENTAL LINE
MUSKET & RIFLE INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Before the inspection, the weapon is to be confirmed to be unloaded by springing the rammer.
The Stock;
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1.
No cracks or splits.
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2.
Butt plate, trigger guard, etc., fit tightly with no burrs that would snag clothing or hands.
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3.
If pin-fastened barrel, no missing pins, & tight.
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4.
If band-fastened barrel, springs work smoothly & not bound by wood.
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5.
Two-piece stocks must have sections securely joined.
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6.
No splinters or rough edges.
The Lock;
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1.
The lock works smoothly.
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2.
All hammer positions are firm and solid.
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3.
The half-cock (safety) position works properly.
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4.
The trigger pull is proper, not a hair trigger nor too heavy.
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5.
Rifles with set triggers must be adjusted properly.
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6.
Locks must fit properly into the stock and snugly against the barrel.
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7.
Insure the leather or lead holds the flint securely in the lock jaws.
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8.
The pan is clean and in proper relation to the touch hole of the barrel.
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9.
All muskets must have a well fitting and tight metal flashguard.
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10. The frizzen must not be deeply gouged. The frizzen must move properly against the frizzen
spring and fits tightly against the pan.
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11. Leather frizzen covers (hammer stalls) are highly recommended
The Barrel;
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1.
The flint is not striking the barrel.
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2.
The touchhole is clear with no signs of corrosion.
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3.
The ramrod is straight and fits properly.
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4.
The muzzle is not dented or worn.
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5.
Sights on rifles are not loose and are fitted as not to catch on clothing or hands.
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6.
Musket bayonet lug is securely welded and the bayonet fits easily and latches with a positive
twist lock.
CONTINENTAL LINE
TABLE OF MAXIMUM LOADS
Weapon Type Caliber Maximum Load
Shoulder arms;
Brown Bess Musket .75 100 Grains fffg
Charleville Musket .69 100 grains fffg
Rifles varies 80 grains fffg
Pistols varies 45 grains fffg
Artillery.
Grasshopper 3 pounder 8 ozs. fg
Light 6 6 pounder 12 ozs. fg
Howitzer 5.8 inch 10 ozs. fg
Iron Gun 3 pounder 8 ozs. fg
Iron Gun 4 pounder 10 ozs. fg
Iron Gun 6 pounder 12 ozs. fg
CONTINENTAL LINE
ARTILLERY DEMONSTRATION CHECKLIST
Before:
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1.
The Gun has been inspected, and bore is Clean of any foreign material.
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2.
The carriage is in good condition & all keys secure.
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3.
The accessory equipment is in good condition--sponge head in good repair, rammer and
sponge head secure on staff, etc.
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4.
Sponge head fits bore snugly but not too tight.
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5.
Ammunition boxes are clean and free of loose powder.
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6.
Necessary equipment on hand to handle a misfire.
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7.
The required number of personnel on hand to fire the piece.
8. The Gun is situated safely in relation to the public.
During:
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1.
The crew is following the approved manual with each person where they are supposed to be
at any given moment.
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2.
The sponge is adequately damp but not soaking wet.
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3.
The rammer is wearing gauntlets, but they are not so stiff & heavy as to cause fumbling.
4.
The sponge head does not contact the ground at any time as to prevent grass or sand etc,
from sticking to it.
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5. If there is a misfire, it is handled safely and properly.
After:
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1.
After firing, the piece is wormed and washed out & dried.
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2.
All weapons, explosives, & accessory pieces are accounted for.
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3.
The demonstration area is inspected carefully for smoldering residue.
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4.
The sponge head is thoroughly rinsed out and dried.
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5.
All remaining cartridges are promptly returned to the proper storage areas.
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6.
The Gun is secured and equipment stored properly.
CONTINENTAL LINE
CANNON INSPECTION CHECKLIST
The Tube:
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1. Tube is clean and free of rust or corrosion
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2. No sign of external damage or strain.
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3. Inside of tube is clean and relatively smooth.
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4. No internal signs of damage (bulges, pits, etc.).
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5. No sign of corrosion damage at breach.
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6. The vent is clear and of the acceptable size.
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7. No signs of cracked or bending around the trunnions.
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8. No signs of weakness at the chaplets on bronze tubes.
The Carriage:
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1. Wheels are tight and free of rot and infestation.
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2. The body of the carriage is free of rot and infestation.
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3. No pieces or parts are missing, cracked, bent, or broken.
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4. Wheels move freely.
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5. None of the iron work is loose.
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6. Tube rotates freely on its trunnions.
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7. Trunnion caps fit snugly and are properly keyed.
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8. Lids of Ammunition boxes and limber chests fit snugly, and are free of loose powder.
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9. Wheel hub does not gouge the end of the axletree.
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10. Linch pin is not digging into the wheel hub.
Equipment:
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1. All necessary equipment is present.
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2. Sponge is in good condition and is fitted to the bore.
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3. Rammer head is secure and free of cracks.
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4. Small items are in good condition (linstock, thumstall, buckets, etc.)
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5. Prongs of the worm are sharp and not bent.
The Gun Book is kept up to date.
CONTINENTAL LINE
INDIVIDUAL DEMONSTRATION RANGE
CONTINENTAL LINE
ARTILLERY DEMONSTRATION RANGE
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