This issue seems to come up about once a year. I and the GAF staff have discussed this issue several times and we are all in agreement - the GAF will stick with its mission statement, which is as follows:
"The Goal and Mission of the Grand Army of the Frontier is to honor the memories and achievements 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, though the pursuit and sharing of knowledge, and by actively participating in the hobbies of Cowboy Action Shooting, historical reenacting, living history programs, skirmishing, social events, and other activities while wearing appropriate military attire."
GAF shooting competitions are designed for late Victorian-era cartridge arms, roughly equivilent to the black-powder cartridge time period. The Grand Muster was developed to allow the use of these firearms which are not allowed in SASS or NCOWS. With the single exception of the popular Wild Bunch style match, the GAF does not sanction the use of post-Victorian era military firearms in its matches.
We know that some of these firearms are difficult to find in shootable condition and are also extremely expensive. We know that reasonably priced reproductions of some of these firearms are not available, but they are available for other firearms the GAF allows. Because other permitted arms are available, the GAF will not make any exceptions to the rules.
US Scout
GAF, Commanding