Cannon Inspetions / Unsafe Cannons

[Duncan McGuyver]

While we were at an event this past weekend we were asked to examine a cannon owned by one of the event sponsors. He was interested in firing it and getting training on how to shoot properly and safely.After the event was over he brought the piece out to the gun line so we could do a safety inspection of the gun.

The cannon (Sorry, No Pics) was a small signal gun, carriage mounted, iron tube with about a 1.7" bore and about 20" in length. Swivel gun style tube with a cascabel at the breech end. Carriage was nicely produced, and on initial appearance the tube looked to be in good condition. It had never been fired.

Once we started to examine the tube though we started to have concerns. The first issue found was that whoever produced the tube used a seamed pipe for the liner, not the best choice - but still possibly usable for lighter loads. Then we looked at the breech plug. We did not have a scope with us, but we were able to shine enough light down the tube to see the breech plug. We immediately noticed a dark ring all around the plug where it met the sleeve. After a bit of head scratching we fashioned a "feeler" out of a bit of metal rod. After flattening the end of the feeler rod we found that we could slip the end of the feeler rod at least 1/4" PAST the end of the breech plug - ALL THE WAY AROUND.

Needless to say we did not shoot the piece. We explained to the owner the danger of the breach plug breaking loose and the risk of hot embers and other debris remaining in the cavity around the breech plug.

The current owner had received the gun from his father and had no idea who produced the tube. We never could figure out what the manufacturer did to screw up the breech plug.

To me it seemed that the plug itself was the same material as the tube - like there was not an actual plug in the pipe.

Just a reminder on why it is so important to inspect the guns on your line, particularly if you have never shot with them before.

Duncan

[theM.A.dDogge]

a very good example....thank you for sharing...also of note...not to just look into the end..!?!? but to actaually inpsect the tube

well done, nice catch

[HarborMaster]

I used to get into trouble here for saying such things. Well said. If you cant afford a real cannon dont pretend to have one. A real cannon can be anything at 1" bore or greater if having followed correct build guidelines. Cannons are over built. The are actually rules and regulations to follow tomaking them for live fire events. Curious what the breach diameter was as well on a 1.7" since the breach plug wasnt right probably the outer breach itself may have been inadequate. It should have been at least 5.25" minimum . The 1 caliber rule you know. At 20" it would appear simililar to a mini carronade if built right ) . From the far side of the world Cheers men ! HarborMaster

[Commodore Swab]

My guess is that the 1.7 was decided upon as it is what one would want when firing a golfball, I shudder at the thought of said gun firing much less firing a projectile.

[landlubbersanonymous]

:::On the other side of sandbagged embankment with fingers in ears.:::

"SOUND ADVICE!"