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So, I’m considering starting a Napoleonic Russian army. The primary game I would be building the force for is Lasalle, but I intend to base them in such a way that they would also be usable for General de Brigade (probably 6x2 ranks on an infantry base and either 2x1 or 3x1 on a cavalry base).

I intend to use AB 18mm miniatures. If you haven’t seen them, they’re awesome.
I want to do early Russians, based around 1805 battles such as Austerlitz.

I’ve done some research with Osprey books and on TMP, but I want to make sure I’m on the right track to build a force that is at the very least historical plausible. I would likely build regiments and battalions that were or could reasonably have been present on the same battlefield, if not directly adjacent in the line of battle.

Now, here’s where things get slightly tricky: uniforms in 1805. I know that there were regulations in place in 1805 and earlier for certain uniform items to be replaced. For example: In 1805 the musketeer bicorn hat was ordered to be replaced by the shako and grenadier mitres were ordered to be replaced by the shako with “Busch” plume. From what I have seen, I get the impression that by the time of Austerlitz in December 1805, some units had been equipped with shakos and gotten rid of their mitres, but some other units almost certainly had not. Evidence of this includes archeological discovery of mitres belonging to grenadiers at Austerlitz, such as from Old Ingermanland Regiment and at least one more that I can’t remember off the top of my head. The Pavlov Grenadier Regiment were also authorized in 1807 to retain their mitres, which indicates that even by 1807, they had either not been issued shakos, or if they had been, had not gotten rid of their mitres, and I suspect that they were likely not the only unit who held onto their mitres past 1805.
Full disclosure: I love the look of the grenadiers with mitres.

Now, what the means for my planned 1805 Russian army:
I intend to create a force that looks like it’s been on campaign and would have a mix of headgear. Some regiments with bicorns, some with shakos, and some grenadier battalions with mitres. Does this seem historically plausible or would I be doing something that would be very unlikely historically? Does any part seem more out of line than another. For example, would bicorns be inappropriate but mitres still be plausible? Or is it all fair game in 1805?

Any input you all have would be greatly appreciated!

I am no expert. Nappies scare the bejeesus out of me!

However, I would imagine that there is a huge difference between ordering a re-issue and wen the re-issue takes place. it takes time to make new equipment, re-distribute it, and collect all the old items. It is especially hampered by an army being "in the field".

Therefore, I personally see no reason why you could not have mixed headgear/uniforms in the army.

Most armies in this time period would not have replaced equipment until it was worn completely out, especially the Russians.