It was a Gettysburg anniversary reenactment. The Frenchmen had borrowed a pistol that made it through into the reenactment without a safety inspection. It had a spent ball stuck in the barrel. The 'Confederate' that was shot suffered a wound in the neck that was not fatal or serious.

For the amount of powder burnt and caps fired over the decades of reenacting the reenacting community is very safe. Different associations have different safety regulations and for the large part work. Our group does not allow ram rods on the field, firing from a prone position, firing too close, 60 g max per cartridge, and the possession of any bullets, even antiques are strictly forbidden in the camps.

I've broken a rib from doing a stunt fall, brused a hip on another, and tweaked my back a few times but no injuries from fire-arms. Anybody that breaks a rule on the field is called on it immediately and shooting stops. It is a very controlled and fun hobby.

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David Upton