The purpose of this document is to answer that question and to provide basic guidelines for what types of firearms are appropriate for specific time periods. To this end, I will provide some discourse on the history and major steps in the development of the firearm from the time that gunpowder was first used to propel projectiles. This is not the definitive rule list on what one should carry for a period firearm if one chooses to do so. In fact, I strongly recommend that one NOT carry a period firearm to any events occurring on any school property.
Modern law is VERY strict about guns on school property, even for historical re-enactors.
If one wishes to carry a functional firearm on other sites one should check with the Autocrat for the particular event. As more and more persons do bear these period weapons it may become necessary for the SCA to create some guidelines as to whether functional pieces are allowed, under what circumstances, and whether there are any events at which they might be fired with powder charges but no shot. I would personally be very impressed to see functional recreations of Medieval and Renaissance firearms. I have also enjoyed participating in battle re-enactments with other historical recreation groups which allow the firing of blank charges on the battlefield to 'kill' an opponent. On to the history.