Weapon Safety and Inspection Guidelines

Welcome to the Wyld West LARP Weapon Construction Guide.

This article outlines the essential construction methods, materials, and safety checks necessary for creating safe and authentic weapons for our live-action role-playing events. In the unforgiving and wild world of the Old West, weapons play a key role in shaping the experience of the game. Whether you're wielding a six-shooter or a weathered bowie knife, it's vital that all weapons meet our safety standards while staying true to the spirit of the era.

To ensure the well-being of all participants, every weapon must be constructed using LARP-approved materials, with appropriate attention to both safety and realism. While we aim for authenticity, all weapons must adhere to specific construction guidelines to prevent accidents and maintain fair play in combat scenarios. In this guide, you'll find detailed instructions on the best materials to use, the proper construction techniques, and the safety checks that must be completed before any weapon can be approved for use.

By following these standards, we can create a fun, immersive, and safe environment for all players to enjoy the thrill of the Wyld West. Let's make sure that every gun, knife, and tomahawk not only feels like a part of the world but also functions within the boundaries of safe and responsible play.

Weapons Checking

At Wyld West LARP, the safety of all participants is our top priority. In order to maintain a safe and immersive environment, every weapon used in combat must undergo a thorough examination by an authorized weapons checker before it can be approved for use. The following guidelines outline the process and responsibilities associated with weapon safety and approval.

Weapon Inspection Process:

Mandatory Weapon Check Before Combat

Every weapon must be physically examined by an authorized weapons checker at the start of each event or prior to combat. The weapons checker will ensure that the weapon meets all safety standards and is suitable for use in gameplay. Staff members will coordinate a general check of all weapons at the relevant times, typically before combat scenarios or before time in.

In-Person Checks Only

Weapons cannot be approved based solely on photographs, descriptions, or previous approvals from earlier events. Every weapon must be checked in person before it can be used in combat. This ensures that each item is physically inspected for safety and compliance with LARP regulations. No exceptions will be made to this rule.

Unsafe Weapons

If a weapon is found to be unsafe during the inspection, it will be returned to its wielder with a clear explanation of why it has failed the check. The weapon must then be safely removed from play completely out of the play area, to prevent accidental use. In some cases, the weapon may be able to be repaired or modified to meet safety standards, but it must not be used until it has passed a subsequent inspection.

Weapon Maintenance During the Event

Weapons may experience wear and tear over the course of an event. Even if a weapon has passed the initial inspection, it could become damaged or degrade to the point of being unsafe to use. If this occurs, it is the responsibility of the wielder to get their weapon re-checked by a weapons checker. If the weapon is suspected to be unsafe, the player should immediately take it out of play until it can be re-examined or repaired. No weapon should be used if the wielder is unsure of its safety.

Key Points to Remember

• All weapons must be checked in person before they can be used in combat, regardless of prior approval or photographs.
• If a weapon fails inspection, it must be taken out of play and cannot be used until it has been repaired and re-checked.
• Players are responsible for the condition of their weapons throughout the event and should ensure they are safe to use before engaging in combat.

By following these guidelines, we ensure that Wyld West LARP remains a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, with proper attention to both realism and safety. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining high standards for weapon safety.

LARP Weapons

Combat at Wyld West uses special foam and latex melee weapons, collectively known as LARP weapons. These weapons must be constructed to strict guidelines, which are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the industry. Current guidelines are below.

Hand Weapons

Please note the minimum and maximum lengths for the various weapons.

• Short – 8"–18" in length (knives, hammers, tools, etc.) can be used in one hand.
• Medium – 18"–42" in length (cavalry sword, wood axe, etc.) can be used in one hand.
• Long – 42"–84" in length (spear, wood axe, etc.) must be used in two hands.

Please note no weapon should be under 8".

Stab-Safe Weapons

Specially constructed stab-safe weapons with collapsing heads may be used to make thrusting attacks in combat; these can be medium or long weapons. Thrusts should be pulled, as with any other attack, and the wielder must keep control of the weapon; neither hand should slide along the shaft of long stab-safe weapons, a practice known as "pool-cueing," which is forbidden. The head is a legitimate location to hit, but the wielder must avoid stabbing targets in the face if possible. If in doubt, do not make the attack.

Guns

LARP-Safe Guns aka 'party popper guns'

LARP-safe guns are constructed in the same way and to the same standards as other melee weapons. Pistols and short barrel shotguns under 18 inches in length will count as short weapons, and rifles or shotguns over 18 inches will fall under either medium or long weapons depending on size.

LARP-safe foam guns can be used in combat. LARP-safe guns will have a space to attach an empty party popper to make the 'bang' that signifies a shot being fired. Without this, the gun can still be used in combat but will not be able to 'shoot'.

Any party popper must be removed from the gun prior to using it as a hand weapon, and any party popper must face away from the user's face in such a way that when it is pulled, it does not cause a risk to the user or those around.

Cap-Firing Guns

In addition to LARP-safe foam guns, Wyld West LARP allows the use of cap-firing guns that utilize round-style toy caps to create a realistic 'bang' when fired. These guns enhance immersion by providing an audible gunshot effect.

Rules for Using Cap-Firing Guns:

• Approved Mechanism: Only toy cap guns that use round-style caps are permitted. No other projectile-firing, PFC, airsoft, or blank-firing weapons are allowed.
• Combat Restrictions: Unlike LARP-safe foam guns, cap-firing guns must not be used for blocking or striking in combat. They are props for simulating gunfire only.
• Handling in Melee Combat: If a fight transitions into melee, players should holster their cap guns or set them aside when possible. We understand that this may not always be practical, but safety should always come first.

• Guns can be shot into melee combat.
• When aiming and 'swinging' a cap gun around, please be aware of those around you—an accidental rifle barrel to the temple hurts and is easily avoided with due care and attention.

General Safety Guidelines:

• Always ensure your cap gun is in good working condition before use.
• Always ensure your cap gun is in good working condition before use. If it becomes damaged or malfunctions, remove it from play.
• Never fire a cap gun too close to another player’s ears or face to avoid hearing damage or discomfort.
• Store extra caps safely and keep them dry to prevent accidental activation.
• Cap guns should always be used with respect for others. Never aim directly at another player’s face or at close range.

By following these guidelines, players can safely enjoy the thrill of cap-firing guns while keeping combat fair and immersive. If you have any concerns about your cap gun, consult a weapons checker or event staff.

Claws

Some bestial monsters have claws as part of their costume, which function as weapons, whilst not available to players at all, each set of claws will be inspected for safety prior to combat.

Thrown weapons

Thrown weapons should be a maximum dimension 18”. We will not be allowing injection moulded throwing weapons.

LARP Weapon Construction Guidelines for Wyld West LARP

The safety of weapon construction and use is of paramount importance at Wyld West. Whether you're a player creating your own weapon or a manufacturer producing them, we want everyone involved to feel confident and comfortable in understanding and adhering to our standards. If you have any questions or concerns about weapon construction, we encourage you to approach us, and we will be happy to assist you.

LARP Safe Weapons

For a weapon to be considered "LARP safe" and approved for use at our events, it must meet the following construction standards. Please note that these standards are subject to updates over time, as we continuously strive to keep our event environment as safe and enjoyable as possible.

While we provide these guidelines, they may not cover every specific situation, as construction techniques and materials can vary between different manufacturers and types of weapons. Additionally, new methods and ideas may evolve within the LARP community. Therefore, each weapon will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and we encourage you to speak with a weapon checker on-site for guidance or clarification.

Guidelines Overview

Material Safety

• Foam used to construct weapons should be of the high-density closed cell type, such as Plastazote. Pipe lagging and upholstery foam are not suitable construction materials on their own.
• All foams must be securely attached to the core and other areas of an item using a suitable glue.

Weapon cores should be made from fibreglass or carbon fibre rod. They should be stiff, long weapons, should not flex and ‘whip’ overly when swung. Axes and similar must not be made in a manner where blades, hooks etc. are rigidly reinforced.

• Weapon tips should be reinforced
• No real metal, sharp edges, or hard materials should be used in weapon construction. Even decorative elements should be padded or made from soft materials to ensure safety.
• The rigidity of the foam must protect the core and must not have degraded and become too soft
• The layers of foam must be securely bonded to each other and not be delaminating
• The right kind of foam must be used. High-density foam is the basic material and low-density foam must be used appropriately in collapsible tip weapons or in large hammerheads. This stops weapons being too heavy and having too much momentum
• The handle must be securely attached to the rest of the weapon and must not be loose

Padding and Construction

• All striking areas of items, including pommels, staff and spear ends etc., must have at least 1/2” (12mm) of high-density foam covering the core.
• On all other surfaces there must be at least 1/4” (6mm) of high-density foam over the core.
• On small weapons the above can be reduced to 3/8” (10mm) for striking areas and 3/16” (4mm) for all other areas.

Stab-Safe Weapons

• The shaft of stab-safe weapon should be constructed in the same way as any other LARP weapon (see above).
• After reinforcing the tip of the core, add 2” (50mm) of LD 45 foam and then at least 6” (15cm) of soft foam for the squishy stabbing surface.
• The outer layers of the sandwich must be made of LD 45 foam and should not extend more than 3” (75mm) up the sides of the tip.
• Reinforcement (in leather etc, in between the layers of the sandwich) extends from a point at least 1” (25mm) down the core and up over the pod and over the point where the soft foam joins the LD 45.

Thrown weapons

• Ideally, thrown weapons should be entirely made of foam and latex. Thrown weapons may not be built around solid cores, but may have weighted cores such as rubber balls.
• Thrown weapons must not contain any hard, pointed protrusions, nor may any metal be used in their construction.

LARP weapons degrade with use and over time, eventually becoming unsafe. To maximise their lifespan, weapons should be cleaned and protected after every event and stored flat in a cool, dry place.

Banned items

The following items cannot be used at Wyld west events, either for reasons of safety or because they are unsuitable for the campaign.

• Real weapons, including bayonets, re-enactment weapons and any sort of non-replica firearm
• Modern or futuristic items such as chain swords or power armour as well as novelty items such as inflatable hammers and bananas, rubber or plastic combat knives, nerf guns etc.
• No fireworks or pyrotechnics of any sort may be brought onto the site by any player.
• Injection-moulded weapons will be treated on an individual basis, as although they tend to soften up with use, some may be too heavy or too hard
• Comedy Weapons: Even if constructed to the required standards, unrealistic weapons such as rubber chickens, fish or wedges of cheese should never be used in combat. This restriction doesn’t apply to unlikely but plausible weapons such as LARP-safe frying pans or broken bottles.
• Stab-Safe Swords: Regardless of construction, no swords may be used for thrusting attacks.
• LARP Bows, crossbows, shields, or medieval weaponry, these do not belong in our Wyld West setting.
• LARP Fantasy weapons, chainmail, or outdated armour, these do not belong in our Wyld West setting.
• LARP Flails or other unrealistic weapons, these do not belong in our Wyld West setting.
• Modern LARP guns or weapons that don’t fit the era. Firearms should look appropriate to the mid-19th century. Please see our guide on weapons for more details.

Non-LARP Safe Props at Wyld West LARP

At Wyld West LARP, we encourage creativity and immersion, but it’s important to remember that not all props are suitable for use in combat. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, we have strict guidelines regarding what constitutes a "non-LARP safe" prop that should be kept away from combat.
1. Real tools or Sharp Objects that are used for camping or cooking
2. Props made from glass, or other breakable or hazardous materials. This includes bottles, vials, or any item that could shatter or splinter when dropped or struck.
3. Props Like Walking Sticks at Wyld West, we recognize that the setting is a place where many characters might use items like walking sticks or canes as practical aids in daily life. These items can add to the authenticity of your character’s portrayal, but should not be used in combat.

We will never question the look or usage of real life medical aids

Conclusion

These guidelines are in place to ensure that Wyld West LARP remains a safe, immersive, and enjoyable experience for all participants. While they cover many aspects of weapon construction, we understand that every weapon is unique and that safety and construction methods may evolve over time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a specific weapon or materials, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help ensure that everyone can enjoy the wild, dangerous thrills of the Wyld West without compromising on safety.