Blues

no recollections of any discussions, ever, on how to preserve them. The original Civil War guns we use in the N-SSA lead a lively existence; they are not indolent, like the museum guns. Being I sometimes find my thoughts a bit out of step with “normal” N-SSA thoughts, I looked at what the official N-SSA documents had to say.

In the association’s, what us old military guys would call, mission statement, we find the phrases “unique sport,” and “recreating history through competition” used. Also, down the way, I believe it was in the N-SSA Official Policy bullets, I found the phrase “commemorate the heroism” in reference to the Civil War soldiers on both sides. But again, I was not able to find any reference to weapons preservation. My thought is, if there is a preservation element in our association, it’s a cultural thing, not a policy thing.

Moving on, I also found Don’s unequivocal statement, “relining will destroy any value it might have to a collector,” most interesting. I believe that collectability, whether relined or not, is relative to several factors, most importantly, the condition of the gun at the time of relining. To illustrate, let’s talk about my original 1860 Spencer carbine. I bought the gun as you see it in Photo 1 in 1995--- I mean 1975 for $140. Notice the modified loading lever, the missing hammer spur, and the lack of loading tube/butt cover, and the signs of pathological abuse in the receiver area. Not shown is a hopeless crud bore with acres of rust and corrosion, and, of course, the rimfire breach. Let me add here, I collect antique guns, and I collected this gun, but the rationale for collecting can vary, and in this case the desire to restore and shoot the gun was paramount. I soon began accumulating replacement parts, mostly from Dixie Gun Works. I worked with a friend of mine in a metals factory to produce .56 caliber rimfire cases using .22 blanks for primers (which we sold wholesale to Dixie for the next thirty years). At that point I could begin shooting the gun which with the atrocious bore like it was, turned out to be a hopeless proposition regardless of the powder charge or the projectile used. I continued to try to make the gun shoot for the next forty years eventually converting it to center fire with the new breach block.

Finally, I think it was around the 2010s, I decided to install a Hoyt liner. And of course, as is the case with all Hoyt liners, the result was fantastic. While the competition in the repeater category is fierce, it’s still great fun to get out there and compete. However, where the gun really shines is taking it down to the local range. It seems everyone in the shooting community has seen “Unforgiven,” so the unexpected presence of an actual Spencer carbine on the firing line always creates a stir. And when you offer these modern gun shooters a chance to shoot the gun, they go nuts. Be prepared though, these non-black powder folks invariably jerk the trigger, so be prepared to shoot a nine or ten for them to save face.

So back to the collector issue. You’ll notice in Photo 2 that the replacement parts, though original, are much shinier and sort of stand out. Don is probably right. A collector with flabby arms and driving a Volvo probably won’t like the looks. He may not even get to looking down at the gorgeous, shiny bore before he walks off in disgust. Take it to a national and sell it there. I think it’s still worth $140, maybe more.

Notice the Missing hammer spur and modified lever.

Notice replacement parts to bring it up to N-SSA standards.

Back to Basics continued from page 22

A clean and functioning lock is important to the operation of the firearm. If it works, don’t mess with it more than necessary. Check the lock regularly. Clean and lubricate it to ensure smooth movement in all parts of the lock. Rust and grime can and will harm the parts if they are neglected. If the lock is disassembled be sure to know how to put it back together first.

The firearm’s stock must also be cared for. Depending on the finish, linseed oil or other oils may be used to protect the wood’s integrity. There are formulas of oil and preservatives that may be used. Having working metal parts is no good, if there isn’t a base from which they can be used.

With proper care the originals have been proved to work and be very accurate for over two hundred years, now. There is no reason for that to change going into the future. Take care of your investment, be safe and have fun.

147th National Skirmish

May 17 - 21, 2023 Fort Shenandoah

Host Teams: Palmetto Guard Co. I,2nd SC Vol, 251CR* Knaps Battery E, PA Lt Arty, 129AL* Hazelwood Volunteers 167PT* 1st Tenn Vol Inf Regt 195CV* 8th Regt Va.Vol Inf. 240PT* 110th Ohio Vol. Inf 082MW* 19th Ind Inf 084MW* 4th Kentucky Cav 088MW* Laurel Brigade 108AL* 13th Regt. NC Inf. 111MA* 19th Mich Inf 116NW*1st Mich Vol. Inf 121NW* 1st SC Vol. Inf 148NW* 11th Indiana Zouaves 168NW*

Skirmish Director: Robert Gorsky, 8th Regiment, Virginia Volunteer Infantry

Small Arms Committee (SAC) Inspections – Hocker-Hughes Building – IG Office, Wed.-Fri. mornings only – 9:00-11:00AM

Executive Secretary Office Hours – Wed: 1:00-3:30PM Thurs-Sat: 8:30-2:30 Sunday: Closed

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS –

Tuesday, May 16 – Sunday May 21, 2023

Registration/Target Pickup: Noon Tuesday – Noon Sunday

AllMembersattendingtheNationalsarerequiredtosign inatRegistration.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

8:00 Required Training: All Range Personnel – Stat House;

8:15 Required Training: Line Judge at Stat House, Ord. at Main Tower-Tower Staff behind Main Tower

8:30 Scorers Training, Stat Personnel: inside Stat House

8:30-9:00 Set up ranges for Individual Matches

9-5:00 Main & revolver ranges open for Individual Matches

Thursday, May 18, 2023

7:30-8:00 Set up ranges for Individual Matches

8-5:00 Main & revolver ranges open for Individual Matches

4:00 Revolver ranges closes, set up for Smoothbore Team

4-6:00 Artillery Inspections – 1st Va. campsite

4:30 Smoothbore Pistol Team Match

Non-Shootinng Events - Thursday

1:00 PM “Doc” Chambers Memorial Golf Outing

5-6:00 PM SCV & UDC Social – lower-level History Center

7:30 PM Board of Director’s Meeting – lower-level History Center

Fridday, May 19, 2023

7:30-8:00 Set up main range for Individual Matches and set up revolver range for Revolver Company Matches

8:00-10:00 Artillery Inspections – 1st Va. campsite

8:00-11:45 Main range open for Individual Matches

8:00-9:15 Phase I Revolver Company Match

9:15-10:30 Phase II Revolver Company Match

10:30-1:30 Resume Revolver Individual Matches

11:00 Artillery meeting - all cannon/mortar crews – Barn

11:45-12:15 Set up main range for Smoothbore Match

12:15-1:45 Smoothbore Co. Match 2 relays, 2 teams per Pos.

1:45-2:15 Set up main range for Breechloader/Spencer Match

2:15-3:15 Breechloader/Spencer Match – 1 relay, double hang

3:00-5:00 Tenderfoot Ind. Matches – revolver range (targets, air rifles & safety glasses issued).

3:15-3:45 Set up main range for Single Shot Match

3:45-4:30 Single Shot Match – 1 relay, triple hang

4:30-5:00 Set up main range for Mortar Match

5:00-6:00 Mortar Match

Non-Shootinng Events – Fridday

10:00AM Inspection of Probationary Teams – IG Office

11-1:00 Sewing Circle – Memorial Park (opentoall)

6-7:00PM AA meeting – lower-level History Center

7:30PM Membership p Meeting at Memoriaal Park Allunits mustbe represented .

8-9:00 PM History Committee Speaker Series – lower-level History Center

8:30 PM Irish Jam – Ruritan Pavilion – All musicians welcome

Saturday, May 20, 2023

7:30-10:00 Tenderfoot Ind. Matches – revolver range (targets, air rifles & safety glasses issued). Last relay 10:00AM.

7:30-11:00 Stat Office open for Individual Match protests; the reconcile period will end at 11:45 am.

8-11:00 Artillery Inspections – 1st Va. campsite

8-8:30 Set up main range for Carbine Company Match

8:30-12:00 Carbine Company Match

11-11:45 Tenderfoot Ind. Match protests – SAC/IG Office

12:30-1:00 Set up main range for Artillery Matches

12:45 Tenderfoot Team Match Check-in – main range, Position 55+ (Match begins at 1:30PM)

1-5:00 Smithgall Memorial 21 Gun Salute followed by Artillery Matches

3:00 Protest period closed for completed Company Matches

3:30-5:00 Individual awards available for pickup – Stat House

5:30-6:00 Tenderfoot Awards Ceremony – Memorial Park

6:00 Awards Ceremony (no Artilllery or Musket) –Memoriaal Park

Non-Shootinng Events – Saturday

4-7:00 PM Gainesboro Fire Hall – Roast Beef & Ham Dinner

7:00 PM Protestant Worship – lower-level History Center

8:00 PM Catholic Worship – lower-level History Center Barn Dance is canceled for Spring 2023

Costume Committtee Events – Saturday, May 20, 2023

11-12:00 Registration: Infants, Children, Girls, Boys Civilian

11-12:45 Registration: Young Ladies, Adults & Revolving Trophy

12 Noon Children’s Competition; Young Ladies, Adults & Revolving Trophy category competitions to follow

4:00 Robert L. Miller Award – Memorial Park

CostumingeventsareheldinMemorialPark.Incaseof inclementweather,competitionwillbeheldinlowerlevelof Veteran’sBldg.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

7:30-8:00 Set up main range for Musket Co. Match – 3 relays

7:30-10:00 Stat Office open for Artillery Match protests

8:00 Opening Ceremonies; Match immediately follows

12:00 Registration closes ca. 1:30 Musket Match Protests close ½ hour after finnal results are posted

2:00PM Final cleanup of ranges

Awards Ceremony in Memoriaal Park ASAP followinng Musket Match

Musket and Artillery awards willl be presented at this time

Smoothbore Pistol Team Match

1. (12.5 yards) 9 clay pigeons on a backer

2. (12.5 yards) 6 hanging 6"x6" ceramic tiles

3. (12.5 yards) 6 hanging clay pigeons

4. (12.5 yards) 6 hanging 4"x4" ceramic tiles

Revolver (4 competitors/company)

1. (25 yards) 12 clay pigeons on a backer

2. (25 yards) 6 hanging 6”x6” ceramic tiles

3. (25 yards) 8 hanging clay pigeons

4. (25 yards) 8 hanging 4"x4” ceramic tiles

Smoothbore (4 competitors/company)

1. (25 yards) 12 clay pigeons on a backer

2. (25 yards) 8 hanging 4”x4” ceramic tiles

3. (25 yards) 8 hanging 3.5”x 3.5”wood blocks

4. (50 yards) 6 hanging 6”x6” ceramic tiles

Company Match Events

Breechloader (4 competitors/company)

1. (50 yards) 32 clay pigeons on a backer

2. (50 yards) 16 hanging 4”x4” ceramic tiles

3. (50 yards) 16 hanging clay pot silhouettes

4. (100 yards) 10 hanging 6”x6” ceramic tiles

Spencer (4 competitors/company)

1. (50 yards) 32 clay pigeons on backer

2. (50 yards) 16 hanging 4”x4” ceramic tiles

3. (50 yards) 16 hanging clay pot silhouettes

4. (100 yards) 10 hanging 6”x6” ceramic tiles

Single Shot BLR (4 competitors/company)

1. (100 yards) 6 hanging 6"x6" ceramic tiles

2. (50 yards) 16 clay pigeons on a backer

3. (50 yards) 8 hanging 4"x4" ceramic tiles

4. (50 yards) 8 hanging clay pot silhouettes

Carbine (8 competitors/company)

1. (50 yards) 32 clay pigeons on a backer

2. (50 yards) 16 hanging 4”x4” ceramic tiles

3. (50 yards) 16 hanging clay pigeons

4. (50 yards) 16 hanging 3.5”x 3.5”wood blocks

5. (100 yards) 10 hanging 6”x6” ceramic tiles

Musket (8 competitors/company)

1. (50 yards) 32 clay pigeons on a backer

2. (50 yards) 16 4x4 hanging ceramic tiles

3. (50 yards) 16 hanging clay pigeons

4. (50 yards) 16 hanging 3.5”x 3.5”wood blocks

5. (100 yards)10 hanging 6”x6” ceramic tiles

Fort Shenandoah Winchester, Virginia

Arrows on the map below indicate one-way traffic on Fort Shenandoah roads unless otherwise posted during the event. Failure to obey these restrictions will result in a citation and disciplinary action by the N-SSA Board of Directors. If you experience any problems while at Fort Shenandoah, please dial 911. Emergency evacuation routes are posted on all bulletin boards and available at the Executive Secretary’s office. AEDs are located at Doc’s Place or Registration and in each Sub-tower and Stat House during shooting events.