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The American Artillery Association, Inc. was formed more than two decades ago by a group of artillery shooters around Saratoga Springs, NY. The club was dormant for several years before being revived in 1981. In December 1985, the organization was incorporated under the New York state not-for profit laws.
Our goal is to promote the safe shooting of original and reproduction artillery in both organized competition and demonstrations for the pleasure of the membership and the general public. The Association currently sponsors six to seven competitions each year beginning in the spring and ending in the fall. We urge organizations or individuals to contact us if they are interested in competition, observing a shoot, or in the event they need help in the organization and sponsoring a shoot.
 There
are a number of fine organizations around the country dedicated to the preservation
of our National Heritage. Some of these groups include artillery in their
competitions and some are dedicated to the reconstruction of equipment and
procedures to recreate the day to day life of a soldier. We felt, when we
reactivated the Association, there was a need for a third type of shooting
organization, one totally dedicated to artillery. We do not turn anyone
away from our competitions so long as their artillery meets our safety standards
and participants adhere to our safety procedures. We invite anyone to compete
regardless of the period of history represented, although artillery competing
must be either original or reproductions of that made prior to 1898. Uniforms
are a wonderful addition to any competition, but they are not mandatory. |
1: Cannons and mortars must fit our guidelines for safe shooting (see Procedures for Shooting Muzzeloading Artillery as adapted by the American Artillery Association, Inc.)
2: All shooters
and cannon crews must follow our safety guidelines. The association has adapted
a set of safety guidelines. We also have Safety Officers on the firing line
at each competition who are available to answer questions, correct problems
and be responsible for the safety of the competition. The rules are not as complicated
as they may seem on paper and we are happy to help anyone conform to them. We
refuse to compromise on safety and will NOT shoot if it can not be done safely.
We have lots of experienced crews who jump at the chance to pass on their knowledge
and help a new crew to get started.
3: All shooters must join the American Artillery Association, Inc. As a member of the Association you are covered with the Associations' insurance at any sanctioned event. Membership fee is $15.00 per year beginning and ending at our annual meeting at our National Competition in September. We are affiliated with the National Rifle Association (NRA); as a result of that affiliation are able to provide insurance coverage to our members, and landowners who are good enough to allow us to use their properties for sanctioned club events.
Also as a member of the Association you receive a biannual newsletter. If you have any interesting news about your organization, articles you would like published or advertisements ($5.00 for business card size), please do not hesitate to submit it for publication. The Association is a shooters' organization and we encourage all members to give us their ideas.
Our annual
meeting is held on Saturday of our National Competition in Westerlo, NY. Officers
are elected and all issues of importance are voted on by the membership at this
time. The Association belongs to its members who are the ones to control it.
4: Registration Fee for each artillery piece (cannon or mortar) is between $15.00 and $25.00 per competition, depending upon the expenses incurred by that particular sponsor.
Awards for cannoneers are given in the categories of Rifled and Smoothbore based upon the following events:
Mortars also receive the same awards but within a single category. |
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For more information or directions to the matches, feel free to contact us at: americanartillery@gmail.com NOTE: "Please feel free to use this address for questions regarding scheduling, locations, addresses and directions. DO NOT use this address nor pass it on to others for technical questions, questions regarding ordnance, information on purchase or sales of ordnance or powder or any other such information. If such emails are received, they shall receive a form response not to write again and theyshall be discarded." |
We encourage
all interested persons and organizations to come and participate. Whether
you come to compete or observe, once you meet our members, smell the smoke
and hear the noise, you'll be hooked just as we are!