Deep South Region

North-South Skirmish Association

The North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) is a competitive shooting organization that focuses on the era of the American Civil War.

The Deep South Region is one of 13 regions that make up the N-SSA. The N-SSA regions currently cover the entirety of the United States east of the Mississippi River.

The Deep South Region includes Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, and our member teams have members that hail from all of these states.

All of our regional competitions, or "skirmishes", are held at Brierfield Ironworks Park, south of Birgmingham, Alabama, except for the November skirmish, which is held at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park in Eva, TN. So it does not really matter where you live for picking a team - we all shoot at those two places. So if you live in any of the states of the Deep South Region, you can compete with any of the Deep South teams. We encourage you to stop by a skirmish and meet us!

Skirmishes in the Deep South Region are held every couple of months. These events are both "individual" and "team" competitions. While individual target shooting is fun, the team events are even more so. Individuals shoot paper targets for scoring, while teams shoot targets like 4-inch tiles, clay pigeons hung on a wire, gallon jugs, 2 liter bottles, 5 oz. paper cups, three-inch clay pots, 12-ounce soft drink cans, eggs and more. They are challenging and fun for all. Targets are typically arranged at 25, 50, and 100 yards, depending on the event. Shooters may only use N-SSA-approved firearms in competition.

Regional skirmishes are weekend affairs that typically start on Friday afternoon with individual competition that continues on Saturday until around lunch time, when team competitions start. Team competitions usually include Musket, Carbine, and Smoothbore events. Often times Revolver team competitions and even Repeater competitions are added to the team events. Sunday morning is always the "Opening Ceremonies" followed by the Musket match, and then folks pack up and head home. Of course, you do not have to compete in every firearm event. You can get started with just one.

Both Brierfield and Nathan Bedford Forrest parks are campgrounds that accommodate RVs and tent camping. They also usually have cabins available to rent, and there are nearby hotels for those who wish to go that route.

While the N-SSA is not "reenacting" in the usual sense of the word, participants do wear period-appropriate civil war clothing, uniforms, and equipment at skirmishes. While most would agree that we are a competitive shooting team first and historians second, many of our members take great pride in having authentic clothing and equipment and creating a realistic impression of a soldier from the American Civil War.

Examples of N-SSA competition firearms.

Examples of breakable targets used in team competition

About Us

You do not need any experience with black powder firearms to get started in the N-SSA! We will teach you everything you need to know about whatever black powder arm you are interested in shooting, including how to safely load, shoot, clean, and maintain your equipment. So contact us today or stop by the next regional skirmish! There's nothing like the camaraderie and fun of competition black powder shooting in the N-SSA!

All of the teams of the Deep South Region are actively seeking new members! You only need one firearm to get started competing, and chances are good that your team can loan you the clothing and equipment that you will need to get started. Check out our recruiting page to contact us and get started in the N-SSA today!

The Deep South Region

© 2024 Deep South Region, N-SSA.
Except as noted, no part of this web site may be reproduced without express written permission.
The North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) is a 501(c)(3) corporation, incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The N-SSA is an equal opportunity association interested in qualified members without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, weight, height, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of a medical condition which does not prohibit the member from participating in the acitvities of the N-SSA, disability or handicap, or any other legally protected status.