Guess I should introduce the gun...

[DoktorD]

Well I realized I've been posting on the forum, but I never bothered showing my iron! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqlxDUJ_MZc

Heres a still I captured from a video frame...



The barrel is a 1/2 scale 6 pounder that I had gotten from Dixie Gun Works (wish i would have found this forum and Hern before I got ripped  )

The carriage I had gotten from a fellow in Tennessee, although it left MUCH to be desired... Everything was loose, the barrel didnt even point straight ahead, and other minor problems...

SO I fixed it up as much as I could, added the strapping on the cheeks, added the rope, made the implements and such. I was quite proud of how the elevator screw came out. Since I dont have a machine shop, I just got some parts from the local hardware store and did a little grinding and welding and PRESTO! A wonderful looking elevator screw. (Maybe I'll make a tutorial if theres interest?  )



However, I just sold this guy for funds to set my new project in motion, the 42" Parrott I ordered from Dom. This time I'll make the carriage myself and get it RIGHT 

[seacoastartillery]

     DoktorD,   Great video and your elevating gear is first rate.  I can see why you wanted to upgrade from that tube, but it's a shame you couldn't keep your first effort to show some evolution in your artillery collection.  I understand, because forty years ago when I was your age, I was doing the same sort of thing.  You picked a good tube on which to base your Parrott field artillery piece.  I've seen Dom's Parrott gun up close and it looks and fires very well.  You asked some very intelligent questions.  We believe that you will build an authentic carriage for your new Parrott and that you will do a damn fine job of it!

Regards,

Tracy and Mike

[Spuddy]

doktorD,
Are you getting the Parrott with the lanyard firing system like Gary has on his, or without?
Tim

[DoktorD]

I'm definitely going to have some sort of a lanyard firing system on it, probably just the one that's in the pictures of the Parrott barrel on Dom's site..

Quills are too much of a hassle and friction primers just arent my style...

HOWEVER I refuse to use cannon fuse after the last fourth of july... We got the cannon ready, it was pointed down a long, wide (50x 20 yard) stretch of grass next to which the driveway to the house ran and turned into the woods. We checked that the coast was clear and everyone was behind the cannon and lit the fuse... About six seconds after the fuse was lit, the neighbor and his little girl turned the corner of the driveway, downrange of where the cannon was pointed.   

They were fine, they were well off to the side from where the barrel was aimed, but needless to say that was enough to make me accept nothing short of total control of when that cannon goes off.

[Double D]

Actually after you make you first set of quill and get a linstock set up you will find they are no big deal to make.  When you get you new gun set up, drop me an email and I will send you some straws and you can do a one time test.

[RocklockI]

Hello DoktorD ,I read that your new project is a 42" Parrot !!!! What is the bore dia.?

Doms lanyard system works great . The only drawback is that it can make the gun move and if you've sighted carfully ....that isn't too good . Fuse is OK but slow . Like DD said these quills are easy and fun too make (very satisfying).

Is it going to be a gun you want to hit something with ?If so I would request a set of his Parrot gun sights for sure . They are worth his price . Plus I'm sure it will make the gun easier to resale .
rocklockI (gary)

[DoktorD]

Hey there Gary,

Yepp, its a Parrott alright! I gotta say, I'm quite excited... It will be a 2.25" bore and (possibly) rifled. (Price pending)

I saw the sights on his website and they look fantastic, definitely going to get a set.

I'll haveta keep the movement in mind when I do finally get my sights set on something 

As for the quills, I think I'm going to give them a whirl and test my hand at making them. If they're easy to make as you guys say they are, then it sounds like they might turn out to be a nice alternative to the lanyard system.