Steve Blancard is a retired US Navy weapons specialist who has been building, repairing and shooting antique and reproduction firearms for over 40 years. He has been a reenactor and living historian for 12 years and served as the 3rd Regiment, ANV Ordnance Sergeant for 5 years where he conducted weapons training, safety oversight and field repairs. While he only works on his own weapons now, he gladly shares his advice and experience. He wrote the following articles to help fellow reenactors to learn how to take better care of their weapons.