Battery B, First U.S. Artillery follows the misfire drill procedure as prescribed by the Florida Park Service. Two members of the battery have completed the Florida Park Service Black Powder Weapons training, which is based on National Park Service black powder weapons safety criteria.

Gunner

In the case of a misfire, the Gunner gives the command "Don't advance, the primer has failed." Except in those cases when the primer simply slips out of the vent or the lanyard hook slips from the loop of the primer, the minimum waiting time is 30 seconds before attempting to reprime the piece. When a misfire occurs, the judgment, experience and coolness of the Gunner is essential. In some cases it may be prudent to wait more than 30 seconds, but in no case (except as noted previously) shall the waiting time be LESS than 30 seconds. Longer is better and many event may require up to three (3) minutes waiting before continuing.

When the Gunner determines that sufficient time has elapsed, he gives the command, "Reprime the piece," and when #2 verbally signals "READY," he gives the command "FIRE." He will be alert during the repriming that all numbers perform their duties safely and correctly.

Cannoneer #1

He will remain in the position of "READY" during repriming, keeping his eyes down range, alert for possible range violations.

Cannoneer #2

At the command "Reprime the piece," #2 rises from the "READY" position, steps with the left foot first, inside the wheel, back to the muzzle, without grasping the wheel, and positions himself close the axletree. At the same time, #5, wearing the tool pouch, steps forward and positions himself opposite #2 on the outside of the wheel and turns to face #2. #5 hands the pliers from the tool pouch over the wheel to #2, who takes them in his left hand. With the left hand, back of hand down, he carefully removes the failed primer with pliers and deposits the failed primer in the bucket of water. HE then receives from #3, over the wheel, the priming wire grasped along the shaft with the thumb and index finger of the left hand. The wire is inserted into the vent and released allowing it to drop into the vent. After a short pause, he retakes the wire with the thumb and index finger of the left hand and pricks the charge well. The wire is then withdrawn and handed, over the wheel to #3.

When the wire is returned to #3, #2 turns to his right and receives from #4, over the wheel, a primer. He inserts the new primer with the left hand, the primer grasped along the barrel with the thumb and index finger, using the right hand to hold the lanyard and keep it from becoming entangled on the carriage. When the primer is inserted, he moves the left hand down the side of the breech to secure the lanyard, while #4 moves into position for firing, being sure to keep eye contact with #4 while he stretching the lanyard.

When #4 is in position he will nod his head to indicate he is ready. Upon this signal, #5 will face right and return to his position at the limber. #2 will release the lanyard and retrace his steps back outside the wheel, being sure to keep his back to the muzzle and not grasp the wheel.

When outside the wheel, he will resume the position of "Ready" and give the Gunner the verbal signal "READY."

Cannoneer #3

When the command "Reprime the piece" is given, #3 steps forward even with the hib of the wheel and hands #2 the priming wire over the top of the wheel. When #2 has finished repricking the charge, he will return the wire to #3, over the wheel, and #3 steps back to his position.

Cannoneer #4

When the command "Reprime the piece" is given #4 steps forward even with the hub of the wheel. He immediately fixes another primer to the lanyard and as soon as #2 is ready, he hands the primer over the wheel. Keeping eye contact with #2, he stretches the lanyard as before, nodding when in position, so that #2 can return to his position outside the wheel.

When the command "FIRE" is given by the Gunner, #4 pulls the lanyard as before.

Cannoneer #5

He will remain in position at the limber, keeping his eyes down range for possible range violations. #5 is wearing the tool pouch. Upon the command "Reprime the piece," he will advance to the outside of #4, and then march to the outside of the wheel. He will then face right and take from the tool pouch the pliers. #5 will hand the pliers, over the wheel, with his left hand to #2, who will receive the pliers with his left hand. When #2 has successfully removed the failed primer he will then hand back the pliers, over the wheel, with his left hand to #5. #5 will accept the pliers in his left hand and replace them in the tool pouch. He will then remain in position in the event #2 requires additional tools. Should additional tools be required by #2, the tools will ha handled in the same fashion as the pliers for issuance and receipt.

When #2 begins his move to the outside of the wheel, #5 will face right and return his position at the limber in the same fashion as when he approached the wheel.

Note

The repriming procedure is repeated three (3) times before attempting to soak the charge and unload it through the muzzle. However, if the primers are faulty, (not igniting) then the gun is fired by means of a quill primer and linstock. For that purpose, the gun is equipped with a linstock, slow match and quill primers.

To Fire The Piece With A Linstock

#2 steps inside the wheel and repricks the charge as before. #4 goes to the chest and obtains a quill primer, returns to the piece and hands it to #2, who inserts and tears the top of the quill to expose the powder and steps back outside the wheel as before.

While the piece is being reprimed, #5 lights the slow match, and brings it to #4 and steps back to his post.

On the command "FIRE," #4 takes the linstock inthe right hand and moves it in a high arc until the glowing and touches the powder in the vent, setting off the piece.

Should the piece fail to fire after following the Level I Misfire Drill, the following procedures will be followed: