Preacher we would really enjoy having you in the N-SSA. There are 16 skirmishes at Ft. Shenandoah this year including 2 Nationals. If you like to shoot this is the place to be! Our team (2nd. VA Vol. Inf.) has 4 members living in Harpers Ferry.
Take what dave951 tells you as gospel. Finding the correct size mini is the first priority followed by a good lube. It's a different ball game and a lot of fun. BTW, that carbine doesn't have to kick with a mini, you will find an accurate load between 40 and 50 grains and possible even less. Back Creek is the place to get powder and caps. I've known Jackie for 46 years, lived in VA a little longer than that, and I've never bought even an ounce of powder from anyone else.
It started snowing at my house, just north of the Fort, at 1:00 so the guys shooting the Snowball missed out but it was 20 degrees this morning to make up for it. If shooting in the snow isn't your thing then we shoot in the rain too.