Paintball rifles
Since no one makes authentic CW rifles I have modified single shot paintball guns into rifles. I cut off the pistol handle and add a stock and a longer barrel. This results in somewhat less accurate fire but I am able to shoot a paintball over 200 feet and still hit my target. I have tried to make the rifle look similar the Enfield model. Since the rifle contains no paintball holder I am forced to load the paintballs one at a time to simulate a slower rate of fire. I have even toyed with the idea of a rubber knife on the end to simulate baynette charges.
Civil War Mask and Paintball Rifle
This is an example of a Civil War uniform and weapon that can be used in Civil War paintball combat: The face mask is made from Lexan plastic curved around the head and attached to a kepi which is designed for protection from paintballs. The head protection is not in the shape of a modern paintball mask so that the combatant does not look like a standard 21st century soldier. The clear mask enables the CW soldier's features can easily be seen. This is a crude attempt at face protection and will ultimately be improved by professional manufacturers. The same is true for the rifle. I am promoting Civil War paintball combat as a new and historical hobby. As a long time member in the SCA ,a Medieval reenactment organization, I fully understand the differences in combat style. The CW reenactor dresses up and shoots powder into the air and occasionally pretends to be shot. The outcomes are preplanned. In the SCA the reenactor armors up and goes out for actual hand to hand combat not knowing if he will prevail or be killed. Every fighter has a story and every battle is different. In CW paintball combat the same thrill of victory and agony of defeat can be closely simulated. You will never know when a stray Minnie ball (paintball) will have your name on it. The Paintball rifle is very accurate at 100 feet and you can shoot up to 200 feet. Firing at any longer distance and your paintball is just dropping out of the sky. Cannons can be simulated but not using greater force than a regular gun for safety reasons. Grape shot and gattling guns can be easily made to add further authenticity to combat play. I challenge any Civil War Group to try a paintball version of combat and see if they don't like it better. Historic battles can be replayed and the outcomes altered by pure courage, skill and dedication to your cause.
Civil War Uniform