1842 Springfield

Your weapon will be the single biggest purchase you make for reenacting.

The 79th used two basic weapons. From the start of the war until 1863, the unit carried .69 caliber 1842 Springfields ( above ). These are available from most of the larger sutlers.  The 1842 Springfield is available in either smoothbore or rifled versions. Both are acceptable. The 1842 Springfield has metal springs to hold the barrel bands to the stock  ( detail left )

Pattern 1853 British Enfield

From around Vicksburg in 1863 on, the unit carried 1853 Enfields ( left ), British manufactured weapons in .577 caliber.  On the Enfield, the barrel band are secured by screws on the underside of the band.

There are dfferent weapon manufacturers out there, and the quality varies. As with any other purchase, please consult a member of the unit before buying. Armi-Sport and Euroarms, both out of Italy, are the two most common manufacturers.

When purchasing a weapon, buy a bayonet with it. Bayonets are not one size fits all, so if you buy online, most sutlers will offer to send you a fitted bayonet at some extra cost. If buying at a reenactment, search through the available bayonets to find one for your weapon. Most bayonets today are manufactured overseas, also.  It is possible to locate American-made bayonets.

A sling is optional, and a matter of personal preference.

A  note about carrying an actual Civil War weapon ( called an "original" ).

Reenactor weapons can take a beating at events, and originals, while they can take it, are too valuable to carry in the field. Buy a reproduction, you will be happier in the long run.