USV Safety Regulations
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SOP-1. SAFETY REGULATIONS
MUSKET SAFETY INSPECTION POINTS - Annex A(1)
A. At inspection arms, ramrod
should be inserted in barrel with button end down. It should
strike the bottom of the breech plug with a clear, metalic
"ring". If the ramrod sticks or makes a dull thud, it
is an indication of dirt, corrosion or lead rings in the bore.
Run the ramrod slowly up the bore angling it to touch the inside
of the barrel to check for residue build-up in the bore. The
Springfield ramrod should protrude no more than 1/4" from
the muzzle due to its longer barrel. Enfield ramrod threads
should protrude no more than 1/4" or to the extent of the
threads due to its shorter barrel. If the ramrod extends
excessively from the muzzle, then there may be an obstruction in
the breech. Any musket suspected to have an obstruction in
the bore will not be used at all during the event and will be
removed from camp. Muskets that are dirty will be excluded
from the event until cleaned under the supervision of a qualified
NCO. It is recommended that any musket used for live fire NOT be
used reenacting due to the possibility of lead rings forming in
the breech area during live fire and then becoming a projectile
during blank fire. Any musket used for live fire shold be
carefully inspected for lead ring formations either with a bore
light or by careful probing with the ramrod.
B. The nipple should then be
inspected. The nipple should be fully seated into the bolster. If
a nipple appears to be not fully seated, it should be checked
with a nipple wrench. The nipple must screw fully into the
bolster with no undue resistance. A nipple that does not screw in
fully is indicative of cross threading. One that is loose may
indicate an improper or loose thread. Any musket with a
nipple or bolster that is questionable will not be allowed on the
field and will be removed from camp. The nipple area should
be bright and clean, free from all dirt and powder residue. The
cleanout screw on the 1861 Springfield must be fully seated into
the bolster.
C. The musket lock should then
be checked to insure that the half-cock notch is operable. Any
musket that fires from the half-cock position will be excluded
from the event and removed from camp. Under no circumstances
should the hammer be struck forward with the heel of the hand by
the inspecting officer or in any manner tampered with. Even
pressure only should be applied to test the half-cock position,
at the same time checking for side to side play.
D. The musket hammer must
solidly engage in the full cock position with no play in the
lockwork. Any musket that does not properly function in the full
cock position will not be used in the event and will be removed
from camp. The face of the hammer should be inspected to insure
an even strike on the nipple. A solid circle indicates a solid
strike where a crescent or figure-eight mark indicates an
off-center strike, possibly resulting in cap fragments breaking
off on impact creating a severe hazard to the eyes!
E. Musket stocks should be
inspected for substantial structural cracks. Any musket with
stock cracks that could pose a safety hazard may not be used in
the event and will be removed from camp.
F. The musket should be
returned to the soldier in the half cock position.
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