I'm not sure about how well aligned the two regiments were when they came off Big Round Top. I believe the 47th Alabama may have been at such an angle as to make initial contact with the 20th Maine even if it was only for one volley. Holman Melcher [a Lt. on July 2, 1863] of the 20th Maine stated the following about the 15th and 47th Alabama's attack on Little Round Top; "In their advance the 47th Alabama, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Bulger, struck out regiment squarely in front and opened a murderous fire on our unprotected line, as we had just gotten into position, and had no time to throw up breastworks."