Campaign style re-enactment is considered to be the most realistic style of re-enacting. To re-enact campaign style is to carry to the camp and battlefield only what you can carry on your back - just like soldiers did in the Second War for Independence. Campaigners generally only carry a tent half and share tent space with a fellow campaigner, or forget the tent and sleep in the open with just a blanket, or 'spoon' with a good buddy if it gets too cold. Rations consist of what doesn't need refrigeration. No farb is carried. All uniform, glasses, boots, and other equipment must be period.
Several units require that re-enactors use period style three band rifles. A three band rifle has three steel bands that hold the barrel onto the stock. Typical three banders are the 1842 Springfield Musket (.69 smooth bore), 1855 Springfield Rifle-Musket (.58 cal.), Whitworth Military Rifle (.451 cal.), three band 1853 Enfield Rifle (.577 cal.), 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket (.58 cal.), or the 1863 Springfield Rifle-Musket (.58 cal.). The 1853 Enfield Rifle and the 1861 Springfield Rifle-Musket are by far the most common rifles used by re-enactors. They are also more expensive than two band rifles - $400.00+ compared to less than $400.00 for two banders.
Two band rifles have only two steel bands that hold the barrel to the stock. Typical two banders are the Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle (.54 cal.), the Alexander Henry Volunteer Rifle (.451 cal.), 1853 London Armory Company Enfield Musketoon (.577 cal.), 1858 Enfield two band Rifle (.577 cal.), 1862-64 J. P. Murray Artillery Carbine (.58 cal.), Cook & Brothers Carbine (.58 cal.), and the 1863 Remington Zouave Rifle (.58 cal.). Two band rifles are less safe than three band rifles because of the shorter barrel length. When firing in two ranks the two banders must be in the front rank so that their barrel-end is not close to the head of the soldiers in the front rank. The most common two bander is the 1863 Remington Zouave. Used two band Zouaves are fairly common and can be had for around two hundred dollars.
Serious re-enactors should purchase a three bander as soon as financially possible. Two banders are allowed to be used in the 1st Louisiana Zouaves.
Only the first sergeant or officer may carry a pistol or sword on the battlefield. Usually the first sergeant carries a rifle though. The sword is used to keep troops in a straight line or direct the troops fire. An officer using a sword may need a weapon to fire and having a sword precludes the use of a rifle. A pistol can be effectively used by the officer in command.
The exception to the above is the cavalry.
You may see some units that have shotguns, revolvers, or Sharps carbines. These are usually cavalry (mounted and dismounted).
Hawkins/Pennsylvania style rifles should be avoided if at all possible. These are not styles of rifles that are not period correct. Even though the Confederate troops are known to have used everything from flint locks, shotguns, and other civilian firearms they are not considered acceptable by the re-enactment community.
The bayonet is never put on the fire arm on the battlefield unless specifically sanctioned and ordered to by the officer in command. Typically bayonets are only used while marching to and from the battlefield or to stack arms. Nothing is ever placed in or on the barrel that might be sent down range when firing or that might endanger others on the field of battle.
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