Shortly after I took this photo, this reenactor had a misfire, in that all six chambers went off at the same time, burning his hand. I don't know how badly he was injured, but the paramedics were working with him the last that I saw.
The reenactment at Perryville this weekend was outstanding. Almost three hundred fifty reenactors were there, as were almost three thousand spectators.
This Henry rifle was carried by Union General John Buford at Gettysburg. Following his death that winter, it was sent to his family here in Kentucky, where it has remained in their private possession ever since. General Buford's great-great-grandson, State Senator Tom Buford, has temporarily loaned the rifle to the Perryville museum for an exhibit that will only be there through the end of October.
Many years ago, say, 1998? I heard a story about a reenactment near Winchester, Va., at which a French reenactment buff accidentally loaded “live”, or maybe it should be called “balled” cartridges into his rifle. In any case, according to the story that went around, he shot someone in the neck, but the fellow lived. I always wanted to learn what happened, but I never saw a news story on it.
I have never had a black powder revolver chain fire but have heard of it many times...hope the fellow is ok.
I hope the injured reenactor recovers quickly.
