Mortar Safety Rules and Procedures of the American Artillery Association

Cannon Regulations  |  Mortar Regulations

Mortar Safety Rules

I. Structural Requirements

The following safe shooting procedures presumes the crew is firing with a muzzleloading mortar constructed or improved to modern safety standards.

1. All mortars entering AAA events must pass initial inspection by qualified Association officials. Existing guns shall be inspected during events for construction and safety procedures. Original and "as original" mortars shall be inspected for strength and bore condition before final approval.
2. Newly constructed mortars must be constructed of modern steel or lined with seamless steel tubing of at least 3/8-inch wall thickness on smaller mortars.
3. If using a breechplug, it should be recessed and welded properly, leaving a smooth powder chamber without any gaps or seams.
4. Sand cored bores are not recommended for shooting.
5. All cast barrels must have a well-machined bore which is concentric and smooth with no roughness.
6. Barrel length shall not exceed 2 times the projectile length, while projectile length shall not exceed 3 times the bore diameter.
7. Carriages shall be durable and well constructed, as original as possible, using through bolts, especially on trunnion caps.
8. Mortar beds shall permantly restrict barrels from raising above 75 degrees from the horizontal.
9. Vent shield, fixed or weighted to remain in place, must be used on all pieces.
10. Any uncorrected variations from the above requirements may result in removal of any piece by the safety officer from the shooting line.

II. Safety Zone

1. Establish a 50 foot safety zone between spectators and gun.
   1. The safety or spectator line shall be established with easily visible twine or caution tape.
2. All powder in boxes to be placed 25 feet from spectator or safety line.
3. No one and nothing is ever to be forward of muzzle during loading and firing procedure.
4. All muzzles should be aligned on the firing line and be at least 8 feet from one another allowing for safe movement between pieces.
5. Only Association members displaying membership cards are allowed on the firing line or in the safety zone, due to range limitations.
6. The Safety Officer shall wear an armband or other distinctive clothing so as to be readily identified by competitors.
7. All competitors are expected to report any and all safety problems or infractions to the Safety Officer or the Range Officer immediately.

III. Equipment Required

1. Black powder only - must remain in ammunition box, never to be exposed to sparks from mortar fire.
2. Ammunition box with self-closing lid restrictedby a small chain.
3. Individual safety containers to carry charges from ammunition chest to mortar.
4. Vent brush and/or pick.
5. Wet sponge made to fit powder chamber.
6. Wet sponge made to fit bore on smaller mortars.
7. Water bucket.
8. Cleaning rags, sponges and other materials to clean bore.
9. Linstock with slowmatch of at least 30 inches in length allowing shooter to remain well to the side and rear of mortar.
10. Lanyard and friction primer - heavy mortars only.
11. Vent Shield.
12. Funnel to introduce charge into powder chamber.
13. Projectiles of allowable length and weight and of a proper slip fit.
14. Fuses carefully chosen so as not to allow remnants to be carelessly ejected in every direction. Plastic straws do not work well and are not approved for use.

IV. Safe Loading Procedure

1. Charges prepared safely
   1. Charges are to be prepared a safe distance from the mortar.
   2. All powder must be in a self closing ammunition box. Under no circumstances should loose powder or powder cans be exposed to mortar fire or sparks.
      
   3. Keep ammunition box lids shut to sparks.
      
   4. Carry prepared powder charges to mortar in individual safety containers.
2. Inspect and sponge bore
   1. Large mortars may require hand cleaning and visual inspection, using a damp rag or sponge to throughly clean the entire bore.
   2. On smaller mortars, sponges must be of a correct fit, covering all points in the powder chamber and bore to assure no spark or fouling remnants.
3. Brush vent
4. Empty powder from safety container into a long funnel to ensure placement of charge in chamber.
   1. Always position hands, face and body away from muzzle during loading.
5. Place fuses cut to proper length in vent
   1. Friction primers should be set only immediately before firing.
6. Lower or load projectile.
   
   1. Projectiles must be a slip fit, not requiring pounding home (unless fouling makes it necessary)
   2. Rammers used only to ensure proper seating of projectile.
7. Vent shields in place.
8. Friction primers set (on larger guns only).
9. Call "Ready to Fire" in a loud voice (allow neighboring guns to close ammunition boxes, etc.)
10. Call "Firing" in a loud voice and light fuse with required length linstock or pull friction primer.
    1. Direct igniting of fuses with matches or lighters will not be tolerated.

Misfires

1. Notify the firing line that your gun has misfired and is still loaded.
2. Wait at least 2 minutes or longer if smoke traces remain.
3. Place vent pick or gimlet in vent, tapping it home with linstock or similar object while standing to the side of the piece. Do not pick by hand.
4. Call Safety Officer or Range Officer to clear mortar.

VI. General Safety Regulations

1. No smoking at any time within the safety zone.
2. No alcohol may be consumed by any member participating during any AAA event. Alcohol or drug related infractions may lead to suspension of membership.
3. No person under the age of 16 may handle powder.
4. All members under the age of 16 must have an experienced adult member present with them at all times while they are within the safety zone.
5. No wadding shall be used at any time. This includes while firing blanks.
6. No excessive charges shall be fired at any time. Firing shall be at approved targets only.
7. Every ammunition box shall contain a set of these rules for availability to crew members.
8. Membership cards must be worn while firing or while within the safety zone.
9. Black powder only. No mixtures shall be tolerated. Inspection of powder by an approved Safety Officer or Range Officer may be inspected.
10. Vent shields must be in place during firing. Lack of a vent shield may cause cause sparks to shower toward ammunition boxes or spectators.

If you are in doubt about ANY part of these firing or safety procedures, ASK THE RANGE OFFICER OR SAFETY OFFICER.