THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 4, 1996 TAG: 9608020216
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARK YOUNG, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 75 lines
At the edge of a Pungo cornfield, gray-coated Cpl. Gary Duden of 1st Regiment, Virginia Volunteers, shoulders his heavy Springfield 1851 and aims the yard-long barrel at the Yankee line.
As he squeezes the trigger, thunder, fire and smoke spew from its
Quickly he reloads; pours in more black powder, inserts a minie ball, ramrods it down the barrel, and shoulders his arm again. Not far away, his brother, George, an enlistee in the 17th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, clad in a blue wool uniform, prepares to shoulder his weapon.
Fortunately for the brothers, this day in July found them firing from the same line, brought together not by war but by a love of history, Civil War weapons, and fellowship with those who share these interests.
Gary Duden from Princess Anne Plaza and his brother, visiting from Connecticut, belong to the 10,000-member North-South Skirmish Association. Recently, they visited the firing range of the Virginia Beach Pistol and Rifle Club to shoot their black powder weapons and talk about their organization.
The national club, formed in 1951, consists of 240 teams of shooters, spread over 16 regions in the United States. Greater Hampton Roads has 16 regiments, including Naval, Cavalry, Infantry, Artillery and Marine units.
The region's shooting range is at Fort Mahone, five miles south of Capron. The next regional ``skirmish,'' as their weekend shooting competitions and camping meetings are known, will take place Sept. 7 and 8. Visitors are welcome at skirmishes, where family also attend. Events are planned with family in mind, centering on a theme of sharing a knowledge of Civil War history and weaponry.
The organization is distinct from re-enactment groups in several ways. Though many members also participate in re-enactments, the emphasis of the N-SSA is on marksmanship with historical weapons - both original Civil War era and reproductions are used - and firearms safety.
In the 45-year history of the organization, there have been no fatal accidents. Each skirmish follows rigid procedures to ensure safety. Shooters must fire blank rounds before loading actual ammunition so officials can be assured that the barrel is clear and that the marksman is able to handle his or her weapon. Spouses and children also shoot at the competitions and must appear in Civil War military regalia as well.
Costume competitions are held at the group's national gathering each year in Winchester, but dress is not the major emphasis.
``Re-enactors think the authenticity of our uniforms is a joke,'' said Gary Duden, who wore modern shoes and khaki pants, as well as Confederate-replica jacket and cap during his recent outing.
George Duden explained the distinction of their organization this way: ``Re-enactors are people dressed as soldiers who fire paper ammunition at live targets. Skirmishers dress as soldiers and fire live ammunition at paper targets.''
Authenticity is paramount with skirmishers nevertheless. Regiments are always named for actual outfits that fought in the war. Each soldier has a uniform and rank. Unlike the real military, there are no officers in the N-SSA. Regimental commanders wear the rank of first sergeants. MEMO: Those wishing more information are welcome to call Gary Duden
weekday evenings before 10 p.m. at 498-3123. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MORT FRYMAN
George Duden belongs to the 10,000-member North-South Skirmish
Association, a national club that has 240 teams of shooters.
Photo by MORT FRYMAN
Some members of the North-South Skirmish Association use black
powder weapons like this Springfield rifle.
Staff photos by MORT FRYMAN
Skirmishers George Duden, left, and Gary Duden practice firing
their black powder weapons at the Virginia Beach Pistol and Rifle
Club range. by CNB