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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:02:40 AM EDT
Took the family to Tybee Island, GA last week on vacation, and we visited the Fort Pulaski National Monument. Really cool place to visit and a good story about the civil war battle there. Anyway, one of the things they do is simulated cannon firing. The boys loved it (OK, so did I!). My 7-year old decided we needed a cannon after seeing the demo.
So naturally that got me thinking about a miniature BP cannon. I know next to nothing about them. Saw some cool kits and whatnot via Google, but I thought I'd ask the hive for suggestions. I would prefer something smallish that makes some noise and smoke. Not really looking to shoot projectiles, but not opposed either! Not looking to spend 1911 money on one - think Taurus money. 
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:07:32 AM EDT
[#1]
Check Dixie Gun Works for info and some prices to start.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:09:30 AM EDT
[#2]
I really want a golf ball Coehorn.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:12:50 AM EDT
[#3]
I made my own in my high school metal shop class, of course this was MANY years ago before everyone went full retard
 I still have it and fire it off on special occasions
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:13:23 AM EDT
[#4]
I can highly recommend the Pocket Artillery Mini Cannon.
You'll also want a milk carton of plain .177 BBs, a jar of GOEX or other FFg, and some standard fireworks fuse like this. Other items are a glass of water, a glass of denatured alcohol or isopropyl, some q-tips (all for cleaning), a standard plastic protractor, some heavy cardstock, and bits of tape (for making an aiming rig), targets of various sizes, and an open area out to about 10 yards. A powder scale also helps to try to dial shots in, but the granule size of the powder is too large to be perfectly accurate. You can't overload the cannon, so don't worry about that. Insert a bit of fuse, and use half a q-tip (stick end) to pack a measure of powder in the barrel. Load a BB, aim, fire! (POP!) Dip the cotton end of the q-tip in water, and wipe out the bore. Dip another in alcohol, and wipe out the water. Take a dry q-tip, wipe out anything remaining, and reload. I also recommend some adult beverages and a house full of Christmas guests. It's an incredible ammount of silly fun. Use the fireplace as a safe backstop; it won't chip the brick or anything. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:18:19 AM EDT
[#5]
there is this golfball cannon also http://www.blackpowder-cannons.com/
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:20:39 AM EDT
[#6]
Get a full sized one and hunt deer with grapeshot. Or burglars. Either or.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:39:59 AM EDT
[#7]
I build them for fun. The best material is 4140 steel. With a 1" wall it can handle several times more pressure than black powder can produce. With a .500 bore you can make enough noise to wake the dead. I get invited to all the fireworks parties with my mortar.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:41:10 AM EDT
[#8]
Carbide cannon are loud. And Winchester makes a 10 gauge blank firing signal cannon, also quite loud.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:45:13 AM EDT
[#9]
Kansas Cannon Works. The owner attends the Tulsa Gun Show if you ever make it there, otherwise, give him a call!
http://www.kansascannonworks.com/ Buy a 1.7 inch bore cannon for shooting golf balls. I have a 1 inch bore Napoleon and although I found affordable steel balls to shoot, it took a while. I mostly shoot paperwads with mine; 225 grains of Pyrodex RS produces a nice supersonic crack (and it's a good use for that old gunpowder I bought in the 70's!). |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:52:37 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Kansas Cannon Works. The owner attends the Tulsa Gun Show if you ever make it there, otherwise, give him a call! http://www.kansascannonworks.com/ Buy a 1.7 inch bore cannon for shooting golf balls. I have a 1 inch bore Napoleon and although I found affordable steel balls to shoot, it took a while. I mostly shoot paperwads with mine; 225 grains of Pyrodex RS produces a nice supersonic crack (and it's a good use for that old gunpowder I bought in the 70's!). Good looking stuff , there . Ive been wanting to build something when I can secure some lathe time but want something pretty and realistic....not just a plain-jane noise maker . |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 7:57:38 AM EDT
[#11]
Carbide Cannons are still around if you just want to make noise: http://carbide-cannons.carbidecannon.org/
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:00:57 AM EDT
[#12]
go to the local tech school and have them turn you one in their metal shop. they made mine out of 4140 steel and turned it with my specs on the lathe all for free.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:09:21 AM EDT
[#13]
Back in the days of sailing vessels, a common accessory was a signal cannon. They were about a foot long, six inches in diameter, with a bore of about 1 - 2 inches, and a flat base. Often had a handle on one side. Think of a large cast bronze mug. They would be set on the deck, or other convenient surface, and a charge set off. If you could find something about half that size it would make all the noise you could want, and be about the simplest way to go.
Take a look at at these made of steel tube. http://www.pyrocreations.com/salute_cannons |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:13:08 AM EDT
[#14]
I think I'm going to order one of the Old Ironsides kits from Dixie Gun Works - the boys can help me build it. It looks like a real cannon and will make noise and lots of smoke - all good things when you're 7, 9, and much older like me. Thanks for the info!
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:24:15 AM EDT
[#15]
GET OUT OF MY WALLET ARFCOM!!!!!!!
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:33:38 AM EDT
[#16]
Graybeard Outdoors has a BP cannon forum. Helpful folks. It's the ArfCom of the cannon world.
To build a scale model, use 1018 mild steel. Rule of thumb is OD = 3 times bore diameter at chamber area. Lots of guys will say Blah Blah blah about their cannon expertise. Ignore it. I know of a death and 1 serious injury near hear (both on the 4th of July) in past years. 2 different catastrophic falures after many firings with no problems before. Go to the link and do your home work. http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:42:34 AM EDT
[#17]
I love these threads.
I want a cannon. One of the Napolean ones with the big wheeled carriage. I hate these threads. It would look cool in the living room. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:47:00 AM EDT
[#18]
I made one out of a 20ga BP smooth bore barrel and mounted it to a block of wood and drilled a fuse hole in the top. not fancy, but it makes a hell of a boom
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:49:56 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryI hate you. Thankfully they are listed as sold out at the moment. So my checking account has a short reprieve.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:52:22 AM EDT
[#20]
Mini - Dictator is 50 cal. Other is golf ball caliber.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:54:48 AM EDT
[#21]
You are all bad people.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 8:58:40 AM EDT
[#22]
Time to stir the pot . . .
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I really want a golf ball Coehorn. Quote HistoryQuoted:
I really want a golf ball Coehorn. 
Quoted:
Carbide Cannons are still around if you just want to make noise: http://carbide-cannons.carbidecannon.org/ 
Quoted:
Back in the days of sailing vessels, a common accessory was a signal cannon. They were about a foot long, six inches in diameter, with a bore of about 1 - 2 inches, and a flat base. Often had a handle on one side. Think of a large cast bronze mug. They would be set on the deck, or other convenient surface, and a charge set off. If you could find something about half that size it would make all the noise you could want, and be about the simplest way to go. Take a look at at these made of steel tube. http://www.pyrocreations.com/salute_cannons 
Quoted:
GET OUT OF MY WALLET ARFCOM!!!!!!! Resistance is futile . . . 
Mwaahahahahaha......................................................... 
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Posted: 7/23/2013 9:00:12 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
there is this golfball cannon also http://www.blackpowder-cannons.com/ OK, I've been wanting a mortar from that guy for a long time. I think I'm finally going to do it. They're certainly cheap enough. Any thoughts on a golf ball vs. soda can mortar? Obviously bigger is cooler, but I'm wondering if the soda can would have problems tumbling in air and be less accurate. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 9:08:14 AM EDT
[#24]
Tag
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Posted: 7/23/2013 9:16:01 AM EDT
[#25]
A buddy of mine has a mortar that uses a pound of black powder to launch bowling balls. It weighs hundreds of pounds, and he used it to occasionally launch a veteran's ashes when asked to do so. He thought it was a real pain to have taking up space in his garage, and he was looking to get me to take it..
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Posted: 7/23/2013 9:18:42 AM EDT
[#26]
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Posted: 7/23/2013 9:25:46 AM EDT
[#27]
Hey, Burt, what's this?
It's cannon fuse. What the hell do you use it for?! My cannon! 
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Posted: 7/23/2013 10:07:39 AM EDT
[#28]
Cannon
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Posted: 7/23/2013 10:12:08 AM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
Took the family to Tybee Island, GA last week on vacation, and we visited the Fort Pulaski National Monument. Really cool place to visit and a good story about the civil war battle there. Anyway, one of the things they do is simulated cannon firing. The boys loved it (OK, so did I!). My 7-year old decided we needed a cannon after seeing the demo. So naturally that got me thinking about a miniature BP cannon. I know next to nothing about them. Saw some cool kits and whatnot via Google, but I thought I'd ask the hive for suggestions. I would prefer something smallish that makes some noise and smoke. Not really looking to shoot projectiles, but not opposed either! Not looking to spend 1911 money on one - think Taurus money. I had a guy walk into work on Sunday, he blew off his thumb and index finger from his right hand over the weekend. He claims he was packing the powder with a brass brush when his miniature black powder cannon went off. Be careful. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 10:12:47 AM EDT
[#30]
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Posted: 7/23/2013 10:13:23 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Time to stir the pot . . . Mwaahahahahaha......................................................... You almost got an IM about this thread last night. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 10:19:01 AM EDT
[#32]
I bought a Coehorn-type golfball mortar a while back, made by arfcommer freekforge. He's the guy who made most of my handgonnes.
I still haven't gotten around to painting it and building a bed for it yet. 
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Posted: 7/23/2013 10:24:02 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I had a guy walk into work on Sunday, he blew off his thumb and index finger from his right hand over the weekend. He claims he was packing the powder with a brass brush when his miniature black powder cannon went off. Be careful. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Took the family to Tybee Island, GA last week on vacation, and we visited the Fort Pulaski National Monument. Really cool place to visit and a good story about the civil war battle there. Anyway, one of the things they do is simulated cannon firing. The boys loved it (OK, so did I!). My 7-year old decided we needed a cannon after seeing the demo. So naturally that got me thinking about a miniature BP cannon. I know next to nothing about them. Saw some cool kits and whatnot via Google, but I thought I'd ask the hive for suggestions. I would prefer something smallish that makes some noise and smoke. Not really looking to shoot projectiles, but not opposed either! Not looking to spend 1911 money on one - think Taurus money. I had a guy walk into work on Sunday, he blew off his thumb and index finger from his right hand over the weekend. He claims he was packing the powder with a brass brush when his miniature black powder cannon went off. Be careful. BP weapons are fookin dangerous, especially cannons. Read some of the arfcom type sites for cannons. I was reading artillery history once and they mentioned certain BP cannons gave excellent service. Some were known to fire several thousand times before they blew up  Or something to that effect.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 10:33:20 AM EDT
[#34]
heres a 1.875 bore cannon me and my brother made.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 11:03:33 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Get a full sized one and hunt deer with grapeshot. http://www.buckstix.com/howitzer.htm http://www.buckstix.com/CoehornMortarHunt.htm |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 11:11:40 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Time to stir the pot . . .
http://www.fototime.com/%7BC8A0430F-25F9-46E7-AE45-AEDA0526DEB7%7D/origpict/no_haggis%28lg%29.jpg Mwaahahahahaha......................................................... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Time to stir the pot . . .
Quoted:
I really want a golf ball Coehorn. http://www.fototime.com/%7BC8A0430F-25F9-46E7-AE45-AEDA0526DEB7%7D/origpict/no_haggis%28lg%29.jpg Mwaahahahahaha......................................................... Oh man I dislike you. So where did you get the Coehorn. I want one EXACTLY like that one. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 11:14:26 AM EDT
[#37]
bowling ball mortar
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Posted: 7/23/2013 11:21:16 AM EDT
[#38]
Here is mine. 7" barrel length. I can't remember if it is 40 or 44 cal, haven't shot it for years
 I have a box of balls for it somewhere. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 11:27:19 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I hate you. Thankfully they are listed as sold out at the moment. So my checking account has a short reprieve. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thankfully they are listed as sold out at the moment. So my checking account has a short reprieve. go ahead and get one... I love mine its a bit like a gateway drug though... fire it once and you will want another.... and another
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Posted: 7/23/2013 11:32:21 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: go ahead and get one... I love mine its a bit like a gateway drug though... fire it once and you will want another.... and another Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Thankfully they are listed as sold out at the moment. So my checking account has a short reprieve. go ahead and get one... I love mine its a bit like a gateway drug though... fire it once and you will want another.... and another |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 12:52:03 PM EDT
[#41]
Access to a lathe? Make one for BB's.
Onyx |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 1:15:28 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistorySounds like there's a lot of fun going on at that range. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 1:37:40 PM EDT
[#43]
I dug my cannon out for the 4th and discovered that aluminum foil cartridges are a bad idea and I'll be switching to paper cartridges.
The breech of my cannon had several layers of aluminum foil compacted tight and I had a heck of a time getting all of it out. I also need to make a bore diameter scraper to use with this gun. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 4:15:54 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Oh man I dislike you. So where did you get the Coehorn. I want one EXACTLY like that one. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Time to stir the pot . . .
Quoted:
I really want a golf ball Coehorn. http://www.fototime.com/%7BC8A0430F-25F9-46E7-AE45-AEDA0526DEB7%7D/origpict/no_haggis%28lg%29.jpg Mwaahahahahaha......................................................... Oh man I dislike you. So where did you get the Coehorn. I want one EXACTLY like that one. I made it. With very few exceptions, most of my artillery I build myself. Carriages and implements too. 
And its little brother, too (fires the same 1.125" balls as the 1/4 scale Napoleon in the previous post) . . . 
Currently working on a poolball Coehorn.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 4:20:21 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I dug my cannon out for the 4th and discovered that aluminum foil cartridges are a bad idea and I'll be switching to paper cartridges. The breech of my cannon had several layers of aluminum foil compacted tight and I had a heck of a time getting all of it out. I also need to make a bore diameter scraper to use with this gun. Quote HistoryQuoted:
I dug my cannon out for the 4th and discovered that aluminum foil cartridges are a bad idea and I'll be switching to paper cartridges. The breech of my cannon had several layers of aluminum foil compacted tight and I had a heck of a time getting all of it out. I also need to make a bore diameter scraper to use with this gun. Paper cartridges are a bad idea. You need a proper fitting worm. I have never had a foil remnant I was unable to easily worm out of the Napoleon. Foil is light-years ahead of paper when it comes to safety. 
Quoted:
Access to a lathe? Make one for BB's. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7738018224_80aefeec6b_b.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7737987880_6954f95d97_b.jpg Onyx Cool! You make this? How about paintballs . . . 
Eta: This is one of the exceptions I mentioned. I didn't make this little mortar, it was a gift. |
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Posted: 7/23/2013 4:42:19 PM EDT
[#46]
Oops, weird double tap . . .
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Posted: 7/23/2013 4:51:21 PM EDT
[#47]
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Posted: 7/23/2013 5:20:44 PM EDT
[#49]
Get a 24 pdr scaled down to 50 cal. They're pretty common and not terribly expensive.
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Posted: 7/23/2013 5:23:20 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Took you long enough. You almost got an IM about this thread last night. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Time to stir the pot . . .
Mwaahahahahaha......................................................... You almost got an IM about this thread last night. I'm officially an old fart now, I need my sleep . . .
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