Q: Are you re-enactors?

A: We are not re-enactors although there are several similarities. Both re-enactors and skirmishers seek to preserve America's Civil War heritage. Both wear period uniforms. The principle difference is that re-enactors recreate camp and campaign life of the period. They also stage mock battles using period drill and tactics and fire blank cartridges.

Skirmishing is live fire period firearms competition. Uniformed competitors shoot at breakable targets in a timed match.

Q: Can an individual join the N-SSA/NWT?

A: The association is made up of member units. Individuals must join a unit in order to compete. Just click on the "Join Now" icon or the "Contact Us" link for more information.

Q: Must a individual join an existing team?

A: If an individual does not wish to join an existing team they have the option of forming a new team, which holds a minimum requirement of 8 members, and must respresent a military entity from the American Civil War. Perhaps an individual already belongs to a living history "mess", and his/her messmates wish to join up, all they would need to do is make application for membership as a new team, and they will be given guidance in joining the N-SSA. New teams, although a rare happening, are a much welcomed expasion of both our region and our sport.

For information about forming a new team click on the "Join Now" icon or the "Contact Us" link and fill out and submit our easy form.

Q: How do skirmishers get all the equipment necessary to participate?

A: There are many suppliers for all the skirmisher's needs including firearms, shooting supplies, uniforms and accoutrements. When you join an N-SSA/NWT unit, the unit by laws usually dictates the uniform that is correct and the members are always willing to help a new member find the suppliers for all their needs. Many units have gear which they will loan to a new member for a period of time.

Q: What kinds of firearms can we shoot?

A: The N-SSA/NWT has matches for rifle muskets, smoothbore muskets, magazine-fed repeating rifles and breech loading rifles, carbines, revolvers, mortars and cannon. There are specific regulations regarding alterations that can be made to original or reproduction firearms used in our competitions. Many arms suppliers list arms as N-SSA approved which indicates that they are acceptable to compete with. Also, there is an approved list of suppliers and manufacturers for these firearms to solve any doubt.

2003 N-SSA Skirmisher Handbook
The N-SSA publishes a handbook to guide Skirmishers in their N-SSA activities. This handbook is a condensed version of the N-SSA Skirmish Rules, with particular emphasis on the basics of safety, uniforms, and competition in the N-SSA.
To download and print out your own copy, simply click on the above title. It may take some time to download on a slow connection.