The "Era of Expansion" match is a concept peculiar to the Grand Army of the Frontier, so it is likely only to be encountered at GAF matches. So far, these tend to be concentrated in the South Central area of the US - although as far north as Illinois and - within "moderate" driving distance of Southern Alberta - Nebraska. I have been specifically invited to attend the 2012 Departmental Muster of the GAF Department of the Missouri, to be held near Sargent NE on July 13, 14 & 15 next summer, which will include an "Era of Expansion" component-
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,39107.0.html - and will be doing my best to ensure that I can go.
As I have indicated in the past, the Grand Army of the Frontier is primarily centered in the US. Its "Mission Statement" indicates that it encourages cowboy-action type shooting and re-enactment activities within the context of "the late Victorian-era military
of all nations between 1858 and 1904, with a particular emphasis on American army on the Western Frontier between 1860 and 1900 ....." Although there are members from various countries in the "Department of the International", so far I am the only "foreigner" to have shot in a Muster. As Commander of that Department (and of the Division of Canada within it) I will gladly propose anyone who may be interested for membership! (So far, there is no cost to belong .... nor any obligation to take part in specific organized GAF activities.)
For anyone who is interested, the GAF website is here -
http://www.grandarmyofthefrontier.org/And rather than trying to summarize GAF rules and guidelines here, I'll just add these links:
- GAF Primary Class Structure and Battle Rifle Standards -
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,17271.0.html- GAF Primary MilSpec Handguns 1865-1901 -
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,28199.0.html- GAF Muster guidelines -
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,33665.0.html- GAF "Era of Expansion" guidelines -
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,33853.0.htmlThere would be nothing to prevent us from trying to introduce GAF-type shooting north of the Medicine Line - much as already suggested at the beginning of this thread by PJ Hardtack (Todd) - at least insofar as allowing any "period correct" handgun or shotgun. One would simply have to specify the parameters of the allowable time-frame (e.g. ending in 1910 .... 1912 ..... 1914, or whatever. GAF's Era of Expansion extends to 1916, but specifically excludes artidles of uniform and kit expressly associated with WWI trench warfare.).
In keeping with GAF's policy of encouraging the use of actual "main battle rifles" in its shooting events, 'Age of Expansion" matches permit suitable "full-bore" military rifles as well .... limited to cast bullets and specified maximum velocities, of course. Whether such rifles could be allowed up here would depend on various factors, including target placement. (In our case, in Medicine Hat, that would preclude using our dedicated Cowboy Action Range, of course, since its bale-construction berms and backstops are approved solely for pistol-caliber firearms.)
Let's hear any expressions of interest in getting GAF-type shoots going on this side of the Medicine Line!
Here is one YouTube video taken last year at the Department of the Missouri Muster, in the same Nebraska location as their 2012 Departmental Muster will be held. The first shooter is "Ned Niederlander" (a Nebraska State Trooper in "real life") and the second is "Drydock". The "skirmish" format seen here is becoming quite popular. It can also be adapted to a certain extent to more traditional ranges, with such forward or backward movement as may be appropriate for the facilities.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApYp6_FgLOc[/youtube]