
THE M7 CON FOUNDATION:
A convention celebrating the American Old West in History and Pop Culture
P O L I C I E S : P R O P S
Regarding Props, Weapons, and Replicas:
1. Disallowed Items:
The following items are not allowed in Convention Space, even if concealed:
-
Any real firearm or ammunition (no exception is made for concealed carry) - Panelists have special permissions for displays.
-
Any functioning projectile weapon, device, or toy; including items meant to be thrown
-
Live steel (sharp enough to cut) - Panelists have special permissions for displays.
-
Props wide or long enough to inhibit traffic
-
Any illegal weapon or illegal replica
2. Peace-Bonding:
Any item or prop that could be used as a weapon, used in a dangerous manner, or may appear to be dangerous, must be peace-bonded before being carried in Convention Space, even if the dangerous use is not the intended function of the item. For example, a toy sword made out of foam must be peace-bonded as it could be dangerous if swung around, and it may not be clear from a distance how dangerous it is. As another example, a teddy bear does not need to be peace-bonded as it is obviously harmless.
Peace-bonding is an agreement to carry your prop safely. When your item is peace-bonded, a staff member will attach a peace-tie to your item. The peace-tie signals to all staff that your item has been reviewed. Peace-bonding will be conducted at the Registration Table by any Staff or M7 volunteer who is available to check your prop.
3. Prop Requirements:
In addition to peace-bonding requirements, the following requirements hold:
-
Potentially dangerous props may only be carried as part of a bona fide costume.
-
Weapon replicas or props must not be brandished or waved around in an unsafe manner.
-
Replica firearms or replica projectile weapons must never be pointed at anyone.
-
Replica pistols must remain in a holster, replica rifles must remain slung, and bladed items must be kept in their sheaths, except while posing for a photo.
-
Projectile items or replica firearms are allowed only if they are, or have been made, permanently non-functional. "Permanently" means it is not possible to repair or restore the item to functionality.
Thank you for your cooperation regarding props, weapons, and replicas!