[MR] Crossbow stock rule interpretation

[Siegfried]

Good Lord Mungo, if I may help to shed some light.

The situation you are describing, is exactly correct.  That rule was put
into place, during a time of much controversy, and around the same time
as the anti-modern rules for the listfields were created.

Where multiple complaints were being heard, about archers using
'obviously modern' "You know it when you see it" styles of crossbows in
Atlantia.

Atlantia always likes to hold itself to a higher regard in martial
matters towards period authenticity.  (No 'stick' polearms, appearance
rules, etc).   This was (still is) a problem at Pennsic.  Where if you
attend the champions shoot, of the 'best of the best' of the Known World
in target archery.  You will find numerous archers shooting crossbows
that look almost like your second picture ... or that have 'Air Rifle'
stocks, such as: http://is.gd/5L4Iad

The decision was made to disallow these obviously modern stocks from our
fields.

You are correct, that there are of course 'period rifle stocks'.  But
all versions of them, including the one you posted (Which actually, I
might argue from my documentation is really a 17th century style, I'd
love to see your documentation there) ... Look remarkably different.

Therefore, any 'period crossbow stock'.  OR 'period rifle stock that
happens to have a crossbow prod attached to it' (as we know that
influences were shared) ... are perfectly fine and period.

Basically:  "If it looks modern, and smells modern.  It's modern"

If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to elaborate.  I was
Kingdom TA Marshal when that rule was put into place.

In Service,
Siegfried


On 4/26/11 9:12 AM, Garth G. Groff wrote:
> Noble friends of the bow,
> 
> While retyping my TA Marshal class hand-out (lost when my computer blew
> up: a lesson there), I was struck by an ambiguity of the following rule:
> 
> *3.9.2.5* Crossbows with a modern pistol grip, modern rifle or
> air-rifle-style stock are not allowed.
> 
> It is the use of the word "modern" here that made me think. There
> certainly were period crossbows with rifle stocks. I have several photos
> of German models from the 16th century in some of my books, and here is
> a similar model for sale: http://www.a2armory.com/crflpimewe.html . I
> interpret this rule to mean the the crossbow is prohibited if the design
> is "modern" like this
> http://mach5selfdefense.com/images/cb5-crossbow.jpg , but not because of
> the existence of a shoulder stock itself.
> 
> So what is the consensus? Is a stocked crossbow of period design allowed
> under this rule?
> 
> Kind regards,
> 
> 
> Lord Mungo Napier, Shire of Isenfir Target Archery Marshal
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Barun Siegfried Sebastian Faust - Barony of Highland Foorde - Atlantia
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