While we respect the prudent use of historic artillery in living history and historical site interpretation, we contend that a full hands-on understanding of artillery can only come from exercising it with projectiles, in a controlled firing range situation.
For those who are interested we recommend the annual Historic Long Range Artillery Competition with the cooperation of the Michigan Army National Guard. The program is open to the public as a free spectator event at Range 35, Camp Grayling, Michigan, about 250 miles north of Detroit.
Participation as a competitor is by invitation. The program features competition with pre-1898 field guns and mortars at ranges up to 1200 yards. Up to 24 full size field guns and a dozen mortars can participate in this program.