Wanted: Your opinions on Dixie Gun Works mortar

[mac266]

Ok everyone, I've been wanting to get into this artillery thing for years now; I first became interested about 7 years ago.  The start-up cost of buying or building a cannon has proven to be my biggest bane.  Sooooooo....I'm going to start out with a Coehorn mortar.  

Dixie Gun Works sells a full-scale (12 pounder) mortar barrel for $395.  It has a 2 1/4 inch bore, is cast in iron, but has a 1/2" steel liner.  They sell the hardware kit (which includes plans to build the wooden base) for another $230.  It is purported to be a good Civil War era replica.

Here is a link to the mortar: http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_106_665&products_id=1650

And a link to the hardware kit:   http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_106_666&products_id=1651

My question is:  Since I am new to the artillery game, what is your opinion on this piece?  Safe to shoot?  Historically accurate (assuming I follow the plans correctly)?  Worth the time and money?  Anything else you can think of?

[GGaskill]

That is probably a Hern Iron Works product.  Check their web site.  A full scale Coehorn mortar fires 12 pounder 24 pounder shell which is about 4.5" about 5.62" in diameter, not 2 1/4".  It is also about 200 lbs, not 80 lbs.  Barrel OD is 8.65" and overall length is 16.32".

This may be an OK piece but don't be fooled into thinking it is really full size.

Yeah, 5.62" is for 24 pounder.

[mac266]

^Pard, my research tells me you're giving dimensions for the 24 pounder.  There was a less common 12 pounder used mostly by the Confederates (but some Union), designed to be carried by 2 men instead of 4.

[daninwyoming]

There are some real nice people in South Central Nebraska that could probably help you out. They are in the McCook area. They have some mortars they built and I think they are shooting about a 5" ball. They are real nice pieces and can probably fit your needs. I see you are in Colo Spgs.

[mac266]

^Aha.  I permanantly live in Colorado Springs, but the Army Reserves have called me to active duty.  I'm at the Pentagon all this year.  I will probably start buying up all the materials (barrel, hardware kit, etc.) while I'm here, have them shipped to Colorado Springs (family still there), and begin the build upon my return...

...and, "I shall return."  Hahahaha, sorry, I had to.

[Double D]

^Pard, my research tells me you're giving dimensions for the 24 pounder.  There was a less common 12 pounder used mostly by the Confederates (but some Union), designed to be carried by 2 men instead of 4.

The Confederate 12 PDR didn't look like the Federal coehorn. Here is a drawing of the Confederate 12 PDR. 



There is only supposed to be one survivor and that one is at VMI I believe.

That description by Dixie is fanciful at best.  I have never heard of a CW, Federal pattern 12 Pattern, has anyone else? 12 PDR bore diameter is 4.62 inches, 24 PDR bore is 5.82.   THe dixe  gun is from hern Iron works, and is suposed to be full scale with reduced bore.

If you are at the Pentagon, go out to Fort Shenandoah-Winchester  in May for the National shoot. Ever seen 70+  full scale black powder mortars on a line and firing all at onece?  Someone always has a Mortar  for sale.

Did you see the 24 PDR for sale in the GBO classifieds.

[Double D]

Have you looked at our sponsor Popcan size mortars.  Shot 2.6 diameter pop can filled with cement or cast zinc round ball.  Finding balls to shot in the 2 1/4 bore- 2.194 with correct windage, is going to be tough. Our sponsors can provide you with  a round ball mould.

[mac266]

ARRRGGGHHH!!!!

Thanks for your replies, Double D.  It sounds like the DGW mortar is NOT for me. 

Here is what I want:  A full scale mortar that is historically accurate to the Civil War, either side.  I'm ok with a 24 pounder; i.e. I'm NOT set on a 12 pounder.  For cost savings I want to buy the barrel and build the base. 

What do you suggest?

[Double D]

I just suggested up thread, that you go to Ft Shenandoah and visit Sutler's Row.  The nationals are May 19th - 23.  The Mortar Matches are on Friday from 4PM to 5 PM. As you wonder around Sutler's Row, just ask for a Mortar for sale, you'll find one.

http://www.n-ssa.org/NATIONAL/2010/preliminaryprogramMay2010.pdf

Also look right here on our GBO Cannon classified board  rampa room artillery has two for sale, rampa room artillery, http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,195357.0.html 


You should also check with our sponsors and see see what they can come up with for you. http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,2814.0.html

A visit to Ft Shenandoah will be very educational and well worth the trip

[dynomike1x1]

Aw hell go on and get you a an Armour77 pool ball cohorn morter, you can get pool balls cheap, besides he stands behind them you dont need a kit to build a base it's pretty simple. Some times i melt lead but i just barley have time t shoot right now. From now till Jully 1st. is our busy season.

[rampa room artillery]

well if its a mortar you want then you should PM me, and we will talk. I am two True full scale 24lb coehorn mortars. ready to shoot  balls powder ammo box. they are not finished yet the barrels are still at the machine shop but will be ready soon.
 and will come with N-SSA inspection papers of safety and accuracy.  NO cheap all thread here . all correct bolts.

rick bryan
N-SSA

PS there were no union 12 lb mortars unless you count the tree stump one. and there is no picture of a confederate 12lb mortar either. 

[Double D]

There is a 12 PDR Confederate pattern mortar in the Museum at VMI.  Civil war buffs argue the provenance of this mortar almost as much they argue about the war.   It's never been proven the VMI mortar is real, but it also has never been proven it is not. 

It is widely reported that the Confederates made 12 PDR's, just no verifiable examples exist.