The N-SSA promotes the competitive shooting of Civil War firearms and artillery while encouraging the preservation of battlefields, artifacts, clothing and education of the period.
The Skirmish LineTM is the quarterly publication of The North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. Non-member annual subscriptions are available for $24 per year (U.S. Funds)
The N-SSA Corporate Seal and the magazine title, The Skirmish LineTM, are registered trademarks of the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. Reproduction in any form or manner without the expressed written consent of the N-SSA Board of Directors is strictly prohibited. All pages are copyrighted by the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. and The Skirmish LineTM magazine. Text and images in this publication are the property of the original owners (Authors). Text and images may not be published separately, in hard copy or electronically, without the expressed written permission of their owner(s). The authors and advertisers are responsible to secure the proper permissions and right to publish articles, photos, and illustrations not created by them. The North-South Skirmish Association, Inc., The Skirmish LineTM, and its staff are not responsible for copyright infringement. Please contact the Editor for questions relating to any matter, including but not limited to permission to copy materials herein.
Disclaimer: The North-South Skirmish Association does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse any product or service advertised in this publication. The publisher also does not guarantee the safety or effectiveness of any product or service illustrated, mentioned, offered, or advertised herein. The publisher does not assume responsibility as to whether or not products or services advertised in this publication comply with all state or local laws which may be applicable in regard to the purchase or usage of such products or services.
Warning: The author(s), The Skirmish LineTM and its staff, and the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. cannot accept any responsibility for accidents or differing results obtained using techniques, products, and combinations thereof that will make results vary. Firearms should be checked before firing and periodically thereafter by a competent gunsmith and all manufacturer’s instructions and warnings must be followed.
A heartfelt thank you to all our contributors. If you have anything you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at n-ssaeditor@gmail.com.
Nmlra Member Benefits
Muzzle Blasts
Members of the NMLRA receive Muzzle Blasts, our monthly membership publication devoted to all aspects of the muzzleloading sport.
Scholarship Program
The NMLRA sponsors a scholarship program for its members and their dependents.
National Competitions
With your NMLRA membership card, you have the opportunity to attend two national championship matches in centrally located Friendship, Indiana.
Muzzleloading Education
Members of the NMLRA can take advantage of the Association’s Muzzleloading Education Program
Charter Clubs
The NMLRA has over three hundred muzzleloading charter clubs across the country, each with its own schedule of events and range times.
National Range
The Walter Cline National Range in Friendship, Indiana, is open to NMLRA members who wish to shoot–whether it be for a day or a weekend camping facilities are available at the range.
Territorial Competitions
NMLRA-sponsored territorial matches are held throughout the United States, and your NMLRA membership card allows you to participate in these events.
r Sign me up! Annual membership fee of $75.00 ($95.00 in U.S. funds for addresses outside the United States). Send me the monthly membership magazine Muzzle Blasts, and full membership credentials.
r Sign me up for digital! Here is my annual membership fee of $50.00 Send me a digital copy of the monthly membership magazine Muzzle Blasts, and full membership credentials.
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
E-mail
r Payment Enclosed (Check or Money Order)
Charge To: r Visa r Master Card r Discover r AMEX
Card Number
Expiration 3 Digit V-Code
Signature
Daytime Phone #
Mail to: NMLRA Membership Dept., PO Box 67, Friendship, IN 47021 OR call 812.432.2670 • Sign up online at: www.nmlra.org E-mail: lbrown@nmlra.org for more information.
Send in any photos or articles that you feel may be of interest to other N-SSA members. When sending photos, please include captions and the names of those pictured. Don’t forget to credit yourself as the writer. Submit all articles in text format (ex. Word, not a pdf). All photos must be at least 300 dpi (credit the photographer). Submit via e-mail to nssaeditor@gmail.com. Deadlines as follows
November 1st
February 15th
June 21st Summer: August 25th
the FiriNg LiNe
Dear Skirmishers,
I’m excited to bring you this special digital issue following our January Board of Directors meetings. Inside, you’ll find the meeting notes from these important discussions, along with something unique to our digital editions—photography! We have some truly talented photographers in our ranks, and this format allows us to showcase even more of their incredible work. To our staff photographers and members alike, I encourage you to send in your photos—not just the award shots, but the moments that capture the heart of our sport. Let’s celebrate our passion and dedication through the lens!
Sadly, we enter this season with heavy hearts, mourning the loss of two respected Region Commanders: Bob Kelley of the Northeast Region and Charlie Bondurant of the Deep South Region. Their passing is a great loss to our organization. Please keep their families, teams, and Regions in your thoughts during this time.
Looking ahead, I can’t wait to see everyone back on the competition lines. As we prepare for another season, let’s remember that if we want this sport to thrive, we must preserve what makes it truly special—our history and the remarkable weaponry that connects us to it. The North-South Skirmish Association is built on tradition, and it’s up to all of us to ensure its legacy continues.
Finally, I want to personally thank everyone who contributes to this magazine. Your stories, photos, and insights keep it alive. I welcome any and all submissions—whether it’s a historical piece, a skirmish highlight, or a unique perspective on our shared passion. Keep them coming!
Until next time keep your powder dry and your shot’s X’s Eddie Davenport
Editor The Skirmish Line Hannover Greys (11366V)
Welcome to all New Recruits
December 1, 2022 – March 27, 2023
North-South Skirmish Association National Commanders
*John Gilmer 1956-1958
*James Waters 1959-1962
*Albert Hardin 1963-1964
*Carl Jensen 1965-1970
Richard Corrigan 1971-1974
*Frank Schoch 1975-1976
*John Sharrett 1977-1982
*James McAleer 1983-1984
John Robey 1985-1988
*Royal Inge 1989-1992
Earl Coates 1993-1996
Gary Crawford 1997-2000
Earl Coates 2001-2004
*Charles Smithgall 2005-2008
Linwood McMahon 2009-2012
Phillip Spaugy 2013-2016
David Booz 2017-2020
Charles Kindle, Jr. 2021 - 2024
Dave Cole 2025 -
National Commander
Dear N-SSA Members,
Thank you for your trust in my leading the N-SSA for the next few years. We had our first board meeting in January and got a lot accomplished.
As most of you know, we lost two region commanders this year: Bob Kelley from the Northeast Region, and Charlie Bondurant from the Deep South Region. Their losses are tragic, so please keep the teams, Regions and most importantly their families in your thoughts and prayers.
I am very thankful for good staff officers to keep the Association going. Walt Kreitler, the Corporate Relations Officer, has been reaching out to local hotels seeing about membership discounts. We have two strong responses and hopefully more to come. Betty Sheperd, our paymaster, along with Matt Galloway and Lance Walter from our Finance Committee, have been looking at better ways to view our finances. This, along with Tim Scanlan’s working to find better rates for materials and services is paying off, with a forecasted surplus in this year’s budget.
Recruiting is, and always must be, one of our priorities. At the board meeting, we merged the Marketing Committee and the Recruiting Officer, as these two activities are complimentary. Chris Kreicidio, from the Northeast Region, is our new recruiting officer. He and Chris DeFrancisci from the Marketing Committee will be working together with Regional Recruiting Officers to help swell our ranks.
See you soon on the firing line. Keep your powder dry and keep casting those bullets for the upcoming season!
Dave
Dave Cole National Commander
Would you like to help the N-SSA History Center?
We want to create a display of the Doc Hocker First Aid Center at Ft. Shenandoah as it existed back in the 1960s and ‘70s. (Think Sibley tent era.) Do you have any photos or medical equipment that you can loan? We’ll make copies of the photos and return the originals to you.
And, do you have any no-longer-used uniform pieces, still in decent shape, that you would like to put back into service? The N-SSA drive to enlist new recruits will bring in people with a lot of immediate uniform and equipment needs. Well maintained trousers, jackets, vests, foot-wear or leathers might be just the thing to help a new shooter offset the often-expensive start-up costs. Or, do you know of previous members or families of passed-on skirmishers who do not know what to do with their uniforms etc.? The History Center will be a clearing facility to help put those still-very-serviceable items back into valuable use.
Contact Gary Crawford (540-931-4033 or gary.crawford18@outlook.com with items you would like to donate or loan to help keep the N-SSA going strong.
Something Free!
No kidding ---- it’s something you can take home and it’s absolutely free!
You’ve been skirmishing for years ---- or perhaps this is your first season ---- but do you really know how to effectively clean that rifle --- or any arm --- and make every valuable minute count? the N-SSA History Center will be hosting “Cleaning Black Powder Firearms” seminars on Friday May 16 at 3:00pm and again on Saturday May 17 at 3:00pm on the porch of the History Center. (In case of inclement weather, we’ll move indoors.)
Your firearms are valuable and to keep them that way and working properly they must be thoroughly cleaned. Proper cleaning skills will save time and the frustration of a fouled and non-functioning arm on the line.
These two half-hour seminars, led by veteran skirmishers John Bly and Bill Jordan, will demonstrate the most effective ways to clean muskets, carbines and pistols….for both between-relay cleanouts and the more complete “at home” attention. These are valuable skirmishing skills you can learn and take home for free!
Friday May 16 at 3:00pm Saturday May 17 at 3:00pm
Gary Crawford History Center Chairman
TAPS
Winter 2025
Charlie Bondurant Forrest’s Escort/DS Region Commander
W. Glavin Buck
Dennis Coleman
Michele Dam
Tony DeGeorge
David Di Fatta
Steve Dobbs
Ronald Evans
Neal Friedenthal
David Gaston
Gary Hines
Robert (Bob) Kelley
Michael Laney
John Lohmeyer, Jr.
Robert (Bob) Long
3rd NC Cavalry
6th KY Volunteer Infantry
1st MI Volunteer Infantry
13th Confederate Infantry
19th MI Infantry
Hampton Legion
Durell’s Independent Battery
15th NJ Volunteer Infantry
1st CT Volunteer Infantry
Lenoir Braves
72nd NY Vol./NE Region Commander
St. Marys Light Infantry
2nd Maryland Artillery, CSA
6th KY Volunteer Infantry
Jack Miller Palmetto Sharpshooters
James Rambo Forrest’s Escort
George Schutte VI
John Shepherd, Jr.
67th NY Volunteer Infantry
McNeill’s Rangers
Steve Smith 14th VA Cavalry
Ronald Wolford
Steve Light
Washington Blue Rifles
Washington Blue Rifles
“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.” - Emily Dickenson
Regional Commander’s Corner
Recently, the N-SSA received the sad news that Steve Light has crossed over the river to rest in the shade of the trees. It seems we’ve had to use that phrase far too often lately.
Many of you knew Steve as a dedicated member of the Washington Blue Rifles and a fierce competitor in our sport. I had the privilege of competing alongside him many times during Sunday musket matches, watching as he and the Blues tore through targets with incredible precision. I still remember the day Steve and his team set a national match record—he was a machine on the line. Beyond team events, he was also a formidable “paper” shooter, winning numerous musket and carbine aggregates and matches.
One Veterans Shoot stands out in my memory. Steve and I had posted our targets side by side and shot the match. When we walked down to retrieve them, we stood there, looking at the holes we had punched in the paper. Steve turned to me and said something I’ll never forget:
*”Mike, that’s a great target—fine shooting.”*
Coming from such a well-respected marksman, that meant a lot. Steve had just shot a 95 multiple-X target. I had shot a 97 3X. I told him his was pretty good too, and he simply responded, *“There’s only one winner in a match—today, that’ll most likely be you. I’m proud to shake your hand.”*
That moment still resonates with me whenever I step up to the firing line. Some days are better than others, but on that one day, to be recognized by a top competitor—and a friend—was something special.
You never know the impact you might have on someone. So keep striving for that 100-10X, and bring a new shooter to the range. One day, you may have the same lasting impact on them.
Mike Davenport
Dismal Swamp Rangers, 5494V
Just a reminder
To all Regional Commanders—don’t forget that you can submit an article to me at any time, and I will make sure it gets printed. This is your magazine, and your contributions help keep it alive and thriving. I look forward to featuring your stories, updates, and insights! - Eddie Davenport, Editor
North-South Skirmish Association
Membership Meeting
Friday, October 4, 2024
Fort Shenandoah, Winchester, Virginia
Commander Kindle called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Deputy Commander Cole reviewed the rules for the meeting.
Mike Santarelli, Elections Committee Chair conducted the election. He announced there are four officers, National Commander, Deputy Commander, Adjutant and Inspector General. He called for nominees from the floor three times for each office and then closed the nomination after each office.
• Position of National Commander – David Cole, 12th PA Reserve Volunteers
Opened nominations from the floor. No nominations from the floor. Nominations closed.
• Position of Deputy Commander – Richard Clements, 49th VA Infantry, CSA.
Opened nominations from the floor. No nominations from the floor. Nominations closed.
• Position of Inspector General – John Defilippi, 12th U.S. Regular Infantry.
Opened nominations from the floor. No nominations from the floor. Nominations closed.
Mike Santarelli announced that with no nominations from the floor for these positions, the officers are elected by acclamation.
• Position of Adjutant – two candidates.
Shawn Shaffer, 2nd MD Artillery, CSA
Erick Shaw, Harlan’s Light Cavalry.
Opened nominations from the floor. No nominations from the floor. Nominations closed. After counting the ballots, the results of the election for National Adjutant are:
Shawn Shaffer 47 Erick Shaw 101
Erick Shaw is elected to the office.
Congratulations to all of our officers for the term 2025-2026.
Dave Cole thanked everyone for their confidence and looks forward to the challenges ahead.
Paymaster Bette Shepherd reported that by combining the fall and winter 2024 Skirmish Lines, even with the increase in the cost of pumpouts we have managed to stay within budget.
Executive Secretary Sherry Myers informed the teams that their renewal forms for 2025 are in the packages and there are changes to what is reported on the form. There is now a column to write in the number of extra membership cards ordered, and another column for the option of whether to receive the Skirmish Line in print or online.
Skirmish Director Craig Stanley reported that the skirmish is going well. He also stated that teams assigned to host nationals are given two years’ notice and there is no excuse for not showing up to take your turn.
Charitable Giving Chair Wayne Jordan stated that donations to the N-SSA are tax deductible. He is planning one more mailer this year with return envelopes.
Endowment Chair Chris DeFrancisci commented that the goal of the Endowment is that the principal won’t be touched, but will generate revenue into the future. If the fund is 10% funded, it would generate approximately $4000 in interest for the next year’s budget. If the Endowment is fully funded at $1,000,000, that would equal $40,000 per year.
Commander Kindle thanked the membership and stated it’s been a long haul, but that he’s grateful for the chance to serve.
Finance Committee Chair Matt Galloway informed the membership that he and his committee created a document that has been submitted to the board, and he recommends that the document be released to the membership.
Tidewater Commander Mike Davenport was pleased to report that his region’s Cancer Skirmish has, through the years, generated $100,000 in donations to cancer charities.
Commander-Elect Cole reminded the membership that uniforms are required on Fridays at nationals and unfortunately some individual targets were disqualified earlier in the day.
Host staffs for the 151st, 152nd, 153rd, 154th will meet in various corners of the barn after the meeting.
After a motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
MINUTES APPROVED JANUARY 25, 2025
Österreichische Infanteriegewehre 1650-1938
By Stefan Schuy
This is the latest in a series of books on Austrian military arms from the Schuy family, unquestionably the premier experts in the subject area.
This book by Stefan seems at first to be over ambitious. The close to three hundred years of arms development and usage in the Hapsburg Empire seemed to me like a big bite.
Boy was I wrong! This book is a masterpiece: Over 500 pages, most with color pictures. Clear shots of details of the examples shown and four views of most of the iconic Austrian infantry arms. The book takes no short cuts and covers every possible facet of this fascinating subject.
Whether your interests lie in the later World War I and II arms used by the Austrians or those imported by both sides during the Ci vil War here, you will find a wealth of information. The
chapter on the Lorenz is amazing. The flintlocks, and tubelocks leading up to the percussion era are also extremely interesting.
I have been a huge fan of the Schuy family’s books for some time now, and can recommend this book without reservation.
It is a bargain at Euro 119.00 plus shipping, and is in German. Despite these two seeming drawbacks, it is a real treasure trove and even a rudimentary knowledge of the arms discussed in the book will result in easy understanding of the facts provided.
Stefan’s book can be ordered at: http://www.waffenbuecher-schuy.com/
If you have any questions or trouble ordering, I can be reached at lorenzriflebook@gmail.com
Book Review for the Skirmish Line
By Carl Kruger / 49th Virginia Volunteer Infantry
I’ve received many great photos over the years but haven’t had the chance to print them all. With our digital issues, I can finally showcase these pictures. If you have event photos you’d like featured in the magazine, send them my way!
Society of Color Bearers and Advance Guard
Proud D onors to the N -SSA
By Wayne Jordan, Charitable Giving Committee
AVOID TAXES ON YOUR IRA ACCOUNT THIS YEAR
It is 2025 now and a new tax year to plan out. Do you have an IRA account? Are you going to be 70 ½ or older this year? You can use your IRA account to make donations directly to your favorite nonprofits and avoid paying income taxes on the proceed s. Congress has seldom been so generous, so take advantage of it.
This year if you are 70 ½ you can give any amount up to a total of $108,000 directly to a 501 c 3 nonprofit including the N -SSA. It is called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). You can have the financial institution that manages your IRA send it directly to the nonprofit.
If you are 73 years old then you are obligated to withdraw and pay taxes on a portion of your IRA each year whether you need it or not (the Required Minimum Distribution o r RMD). And you will be taxed at your highest marginal tax rate for this extra income. Also, this additional income will be counted by Medicare in calculating your IRMAA (income related monthly adjustment amount) penalty and could increase your future mon thly Medicare payments significantly. But any funds that you donate via the QCD will not be counted toward the IRMAA.
Many people like to take their RMD from their accounts early in the year, but I think there is a better way. Liquidate enough stocks, mutual funds, etc., to cover this year’s RMD but leave it in your account in a money market fund or short term CDs o r Treasury Bills. It will grow a little more during the year and you can decide throughout the year how much you want to withdraw and/or donate. By the end of the year you can withdraw any remaining RMD with the money you’ve kept safe for this purpose.
Similar retirement savings accounts like 401k, 403b, etc will also be highly taxed when you withdraw funds. Unlike the IRA there is no QCD provision to avoid taxes. But, you can convert some or all of the investments in those accounts into an IRA an d then distribute the money tax free to your favorite nonprofits.
Numerous skirmishers have utilized this benefit to make donations to the N -SSA and its Endowment. If it works for you, please join them in doing so.
Of course, we are happy to receive any size donation from any of our members, too, regardless of age or IRA.
Thank you all for your support. I can be contacted to discuss donation ideas , questions, or strategies at wvjordan@aol.com or 703-407-2445.
DONATE DIGITALLY BY USING OUR NEW QR CODE
We now have another way to make donations. The QR code can be scanned with your cellphone and it will take you to the official N -SSA website Donations page where you can quickly and easily make a donation by credit card or Paypal. After it takes you to the page, just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the donate button. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, and email.
Or send in a check using the form below. Maybe you still have a return envelope from a recent mailing.
Would you like to mail in a donation now? Just print or copy this form and send it in with your donation to: N-SSA , c/o Wayne Jordan, 8606 Eagle Glen Terrace, Fairfax Station, Va 22039
All Checks should be made out to the N -SSA. All donors will receive a letter of receipt by mail. The N -SSA is a 501 c 3 organization and donations are eligible for tax deductions.
20TH
20TH GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY &
THE PALMETTO GUARDS, 2ND SOUTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY & THE PALMETTO GUARDS, 2ND SOUTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
Invite YOU and YOUR UNIT
Invite YOU and YOUR UNIT
To OUR SKIRMISH and the Breast Plate
To OUR SKIRMISH and the Breast Plate
Challenge March 28,29, and 30th, 2025
Challenge March 28,29, and 30th, 2025
BRIERFIELD IRONWORKS PARK, 240
BRIERFIELD IRONWORKS PARK, 240
Furnace Parkway, Brierfield, AL 35035
Furnace Parkway, Brierfield, AL 35035
Greetings and I hope this letter finds everybody in good health , high morale and ready to Compete in What many believe is the PREMIER Regional Match in the North-South Skirmish Association, The 100 Yard Breast Plate Challenge with a chance to win an Engraved W.J. McElroy Sword (Reproduction) From Confederate Memorial Hall, in New Orleans !!!!!!! Donated by the DITTO Family it’s SCABORD was ENGRAVED to let ALL who see it know that YOU won the COL. KEN ENGER
Greetings and I hope this letter finds everybody in good health , high morale and ready to Compete in What many believe is the PREMIER Regional Match in the North-South Skirmish Association, The 100 Yard Breast Plate Challenge with a chance to win an Engraved W.J. McElroy Sword (Reproduction) From Confederate Memorial Hall, in New Orleans !!!!!!! Donated by the DITTO Family it’s SCABORD was ENGRAVED to let ALL who see it know that YOU won the COL. KEN ENGER
MEMORIAL 100 YARD BREAST PLATE CHALLENGE!!!! A FINE ADDITION TO ANY GENTLEMAN’S OR LADY’S DEN!!!! WINNING Will mark you as one of the N -SSA’s great Shooters and Owning the sword Acknowledge s your martial skill with a Rifled Musket!!!!!!!!
MEMORIAL 100 YARD BREAST PLATE CHALLENGE!!!! A FINE ADDITION TO ANY GENTLEMAN’S OR LADY’S DEN!!!! WINNING Will mark you as one of the N -SSA’s great Shooters and Owning the sword Acknowledge s your martial skill with a Rifled Musket!!!!!!!!
Saturday You can attend our Louisiana Gumbo (Shrimp Turkey, Chicken, Pork, Sausage and OKRA), and New Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce for a donation of your choice!!!!!
Rally
Around your Flag and through VICTORY begin your finest year of GLORY or just come and eat delicious Gumbo!!!!!! Either way the March match is always one of the Best!!
ALL N-SSA AND BRIERFIELD PARK RULES APPLY
REGIONAL RULES REQUIRE THE WEARING OF UNIFORMS ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!!! Friday Uniforms are not required, so wear your favorite bathrobe, civilian wear (as long as safe) or Batman Costume Crocs and Sandals aren’t safe, for dropped bayonets, so please don’t bring them to the Range, !!!!
We are continuing the Traditional “Can’t miss ‘em “ revolver team match. All Targets will be Shot at only 12.5 yards!!! If your 7-foot tall falling twice and you can practically hit it with your head, it’s close people, great chance to bring home a pistol medal!!!! We just need three teams to do it!!
*NOTE/Warning/Promise/Threat: If we do not have at least THREE Revolver Teams muster at the Commanders Meeting, the Revolver Match will be cancelled The Skirmish Director will cry and pout and we will proceed with Individuals instead.
We have limited tables, so if you are participating in the Revolver Match please bring a table in case we run short.
ACCOMIDATIONS
BRIERFIELD IRONWORKS PARK HAS NUMEROUS CAMPSITES FOR RV AND TENT CAMPING. SOME HAVE FULL HOOK-UPS SOME DO NOT . THERE IS A CENTRAL BATH HOUSE FREE TO USE AND TOILETS TOO (THERE GOES YOUR HYGEINE EXCUSE). THE PARK HAS CABINS FOR RENT WITH MODERN ELECTRCITY, TOILETS, SHOWER, BEDS AND COOKING AND ALL OF THE ARE ARCHITECUALLY/HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT, SOME HAVE FIRE PLACES AND BAR-B-QUE PITS!!! CAMPING AND CABIN RENTAL IS HANDLED THROUGH THE PARK, WHO CAN BE CONTACTED AT PHONE # (205) 665-1856
BUNKHOUSE & Motel ACCOMIDATIONS
Jeff Bland from 44th Georgia Infantry rents out bunks for Sleeping and competitive snoring at the Bunkhouse. Bunks are First Come, First served. Unfortunately, this is a Male only option. Information can be obtained from Jeff Bland of the 44th Georgia Infantry.
Motels and Hotels can be Rented within 30 miles of Brierfield on Orbitzt, Expedia and Travelocity Apps at reasonable prices, prices are even more reasonable if you don’t mind your accommodations being scary, Pelham, Alabama is not nearly as Expensive or hard to book as London & Paris despite Alabama having a bigger selection of Fried food and more Civil War history!!!
Schedule of Events
Friday, March 28
12:00 PM-5:00 PM Range open for Individuals (15 Minute relays
Saturday, March 29
6:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast sold at the Concession Stand
7:30 AM Commander’s Meeting for Revolver Team match
8:00 AM REVOLVER TEAM MATCH
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Range Open for INDIVIDUALS (15 Minute Relays
12:30 PM Commander’s meeting for Carbine & Smoothbore Match
1:00 PM Carbine Team Match
3:00 PM Smoothbore Musket Team Match (Range will Close immediately After)
5:30 PM Dinner will be served
Gumbo/Cajun Bread
Pudding/Famed Cajun Bread
Pudding and Sauce, Etc
Sunday, March 30
6:00 AM – 7:30 AM Breakfast sold at the Concession Stand
7:30 AM Commander’s meeting for MUSKET TEAM
7:45 AM OPENING CEROMONIES, Teams Form on the 25 Yard Line
8:00 AM MUSKET TEAM MATCH (Range will close immediately After
Approved Company Matches
Rifled Musket (5 Man Teams) 5 Minute Events
tiles
1 Hanging Breast Plate on Soda bottle
Carbine (5 Man Teams) 5 Minute Event
Revolver (3 Man Teams) 5 Minute Events
Yards
(4 Man Teams) 5 Minute Events
25 and 50 Yards 12.5 Yards
There will be NO Team events for Smoothbore Pistol, Breechloader/Carbine II, or Artillery Matches!!!!
There Will be Non-Member Firing , conducted under Rule 16.2.2. If interested contact the Skirmish Director, Myself Dan Ditto and I will turn you over to an approved mentor.
RSVP TO THE SKIRMISH DIRECTOR IS APPRECIATED FOR ALL AND REQUIRED FOR OUT -OF-REGION TEAMS TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT TARGET FRAMES AND MATERIAL IS ON HAND. THANKS!!
Fees are due at the Skirmish, make Checks payable to the 20th Georgia Infantry, Please.
FEES, Matches and Medals are as Follows
Individuals Individuals Medals Individuals Fees
Musket: 50yd, 100yd & Agg* 1st-3rd Place for each range & Agg $2 Initial Entry/ $1 for ReEntry/$2 for AGG
Carbine: 50yd, 100yd & Agg* 1st-3rd Place for $2 Initial Entry
each range & AGG
Smoothbore: 25yd, 50yd & Agg* 1st-3rd
Place for each range & AGG
Revolver: 25yd, 50yd & Agg* 1st-3rd Place for each range & AGG
1st-3rd Place for each range & AGG 1st-3rd Place for each range & AGG
Musket/Carbine: Aggregate* 1st-2nd Places
$2 for each Agg entered
Grand Aggregate *: (Musket + Carbine + Smoothbore) 1st-2nd Places $2 for each AGG entered
Junior and Senior Skirmishers 1st Place, based on Musket score Free Team Matches TEAM Medals. TEAM FEES MUSKET (Team of 5)
1st-3rd Place A, 1st-2nd B Teams $35 per Team of 5 Carbine (Team of 5) 1st-3rd Place A, 1st - 2nd B Teams $35 per Team of 5
Smoothbore (Team of 4)
Revolver (Team of 3)
1st-3rd Place A, 1st-2nd B Teams
1st-3rd Place A, 1st-2nd B Teams
Emergency Contacts
$28 per Team of 4
$21 per Team of 3
STATE PARK: Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park, 240
Furnace Parkway, Brierfield, AL 35035
PHONE: 205-665-1856
HOSPITAL: Shelby Baptist Medical Center, 1000 1st Street N, Alabaster, AL 35007
PHONE: 205-620-8100
In Closing
Thanks for your patience and allow me to wish you luck in winning the Colonel Ken Enger Memorial Sword given out for the Breast Plate Challenge
Signed your friend, skirmish director and 20th Georgia’s Team Captain,
Dan O. Ditto wenddiver@aol.com (850)288-2430 2826 Villager Circle, Pensacola, FL 32504
The Hanover Grays invites you to the 2025 SPRING REGIONAL SKIRMISH
FORT MAHONE, CAPRON, VIRGINA
14060 Pinopolis Rd Boykins, Va 23827
May 2-4, 2025
THE TIDEWATER REGIONAL IS NOW OPEN!
The Hanover Grays is proud to be the host team for the Tidewater Spring Regional skirmish. The competition will include team matches for Musket, Carbine, Revolver, Repeater, Mortar, Smoothbore, Pistol and BB gun.
Individual targets are $2 per entry, ten shots for score, no re-entry; 20 minute relays for Musket, Carbine, Smoothbore and Repeater, 30 minute relays for Revolver and Pistol on the Pistol range. Pigeon elimination event Friday and Saturday. $1 One Shot closest to the center target for cancer research, all proceeds donated.
The Cook Shack will be selling drinks and limited entrees on Friday and serving breakfast and lunch both Saturday and Sunday. There will be a $15 Fried Fish platter dinner with all the fixins on Saturday night, please purchase tickets Friday or Saturday.
Plenty of space for camping, hotels and food within 30 minutes of location. If using electrical hookup for camping, please pay $5 fee at the stat shack.
NOTE: All N-SSA rules will be enforced and proper uniforms for team events are required. Teams are required to provide Safety and Line Judge for team events. Additionally, uniforms are not required on Friday for individuals but are on Saturday and all team events per N-SSA rules.
EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
9:45am Range opens
10:00am Individual events begin, relays will be every 20 mins hot, 20 mins cold on main range, 30 mins relays on pistol range until 4pm
12:00pm Cook shack opens for drinks and limited entree options
4:00pm Range closes for Henry match
4:45pm Team captains meeting for Henry match
5:00pm Henry Match
Cook shack closes at conclusion of match
SATURDAY
7:30am Cook Shack open
8:00am Individual Event Begins
10:30am BB gun match (shelter)
11:15am Team captains meeting for Smoothbore Pistol match
11:30am Smoothbore Pistol Match (Pistol Range)
1:00pm Main Range closes for Carbine match
1:45pm Team captains meeting for Carbine
2:00pm Carbine match
Est 4:00pm Revolver match following Carbine event (Pistol range)
Est 5:00pm Mortar match following Revolver event (main range)
6:30pm Fried Fish Dinner served
SUNDAY
7:30am Cook Shack open
7:45am Smoothbore Captains Meeting
8:00am Smoothbore match
Regional Meeting following Smoothbore match at the pavilion
9:45am Musket Team captains meeting
~10:00am Opening Ceremony at 25yd line
~10:15am Musket match
Musket (8 man)
A Team 3 places
B Team 2 places
C Team 1 places
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!
TEAM EVENTS
50 yards 32- Pigeons on Backer
50 yards 16- 4” Hanging Tiles
50 yards 16- Hanging Pigeons
50 yards 16- Painted 4” Blocks
100 yards 10- 6” Hanging Tiles
Carbine (8 man)
A Team 3 places
B Team 1 Places
C Team 1 Places
50 yards 32- Pigeons on Backer
50 yards 16- 4” Hanging Tiles
50 yards 16- Hanging Pigeons
50 yards 16- Painted 4” Blocks
100 yards 10- 6” Hanging tiles
Revolver (4 man) 25 yards 12- Pigeons on Backer
A Team 2 places 25 yards 8- 6” Hanging Tiles
B Team 1 places 25 yards 8- Hanging Pigeon 25 yards 8- 4” Hanging Tiles
Smoothbore (4 man) 25 yards 12- Pigeons on Backer
A Team 3 places
B Team 1 place
yards 8- 4” Hanging Tiles
yards 8- 4” Painted Blocks
6- 6” Hanging Tiles
Smoothbore Pistol (3 man) 12.5 yards 9- pigeons on Backer
A Team 2 places 12 5 yards 6-6” Hanging Tiles
B Team 1 place 12.5 yards 6-Hanging Pigeons 12 5 yards 6- 4” Hanging Tiles
Repeater (4 man) 50 yards 32- Pigeons on Backer
A Team 3 places 50 yards 16- 4” Hanging Tiles
B Team 1 place
yards 16- 4” Painted Blocks
yards 10- 6” Hanging Tiles
Mortar (4 man) 100 yards Stake - Best 5 of 7
Awards 3 places
Musket 50 yards – 3 Places
100 yards – 3 Places
AGG– 3 Places
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
Carbine 50 yards – 3 Places
100 yards – 3 Places
AGG – 3 Places
Revolver 25 yards – 3 Places
50 yards – 3 Places
AGG– 3 Places
Smoothbore 25 yards – 3 Places
50 yards – 3 Places
AGG– 2 Places.
Smthbore Pistol 12 5 yards- 1 place
25 yards – 1 Place
AGG – 1 Place
Repeater 50 yards – 3 Places
100 yards – 3 Places
AGG – 1 Place
One Shot for Cancer Cure – 1 Place
Pigeon Elimination – 1 Place
Grand Aggregate- 3 Places
Five Gun Aggregate- 1 Place
TIDEWATER SPRING REGIONAL 2025
May 2-4, 2025
REGISTRATION FORM
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS APRIL 18TH, 2025. This is to ensure we have sufficient target material on hand. First 24 applications will receive priority.
Unit Name:
Seniority Number:
Your Name:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
We will enter:
– @ $64 ea.
– @ $64 ea.
Musket Team(s)
Carbine Team(s)
Revolver Team(s) –@ $32
Smoothbore Team(s) – @ $32 ea.
Pistol Team(s) – @ $24 ea.
Mortar Team(s) – @ $32 ea.
Repeater Teams- @ $32 ea.
Skirmish Director (Please indicate team name in the memo line)
7065 Senn Way
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 916-9487
EMAIL: will91396@gmail.com
Please note due to the digital nature of this magazine please reach out to William Smith directly through email for a printed version of the invitation.
Date received:
N-SSA Northwest Territory members help “Save the Flags”
By Bruce W. Miller
Every year the unit commanders of the North-South Skirmish Association’s Northwest Territory (NWT) identify a historically-based organization and donate $1,000 to that cause. Past donations have gone to the Gettysburg Foundation, Civil War Trust and Detroit’s Historic Fort Wayne where many Michigan regiments were mustered into service. For 2024, the NWT again selected the State of Michigan’s Save the Flags project.
Based on unit seniority, NWT commanders selected a flag of the 19th Michigan Infantry for adoption. Those adopted flags are honored in a special ceremony. The State Director of the Save the Flags project, Matt Van Acker, attended the regional skirmish at Laingsburg, Michigan on July 28. The 19th Michigan commander, John Fullerton, was given a legislative tribute signed by both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. In addition a photograph of the adopted battle flag was presented to NWT Regional Commander Ed Walters. The NWT will again be added to the “Roll of Honor” plaque displayed in the flag exhibit area at the Michigan Historical Center at the capitol complex in Lansing. Previously, the NWT has adopted flags of the 4th, 5th and 24th Michigan Infantry regiments.
Save the Flags is Michigan’s project to preserve, research and display 240 battle flags carried by Michigan soldiers in the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I. One of the projects great successes has been its “adoption” program. For a donation of $1,000 individuals, families, organizations, schools and communities help with the preservation, research and display of the flags by “adopting” flags in the collection. To date, over 150 flags, mostly from the Civil War, have been adopted, providing the project with much needed funds. Adoptions also help preserve history by commemorating particular regiments and individuals. Adoptions are often made in the name of the original regiment which carried that flag into battle or adopted in the name of a veteran by his descendants.
NWT Regional Commander Ed Walters (right) displays a photo of the adopted battle flag of the 19th Michigan Infantry and John Fullerton (left) of the NWT unit accepts the Legislative Tribute. Both were presented by State Director of the Save the Flags project, Matt Van Acker (center), during the flag adoption ceremony at the skirmish at Laingsburg, Michigan on July 28, 2024.
The Magazine of the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc.
