Need help

[Jim R. Glines]

Hi Guys, new to all this but am feeling really good about finding me a barrel. I am picking my 40 mm barrel up at the cannon shoot in Casper WY. next week end. Now what what I need is advise and Ideas. The barrel is about 5ft. long 4" on the big end 2.75 on the small end. I wanted to know do I need to cut this down. I hear people talking about making 1/2 size and 1/4 size and I know what this means and I know why, but if I have a 5ft. barrel and just want to shoot it, do I need to cut it down. Also the breech any Ideas what to do there, weld or thread,and where can I buy the book the complete cannoneer?
I really enjoy this forum.
Thanks for the help.
Jim

[Double D]

The book you want is The More Complete Cannoneer by M.C. Switlik.  There are earlier addtions out there called The Complete Cannoneer   You don't want them as they are missing some important info.

I got mine from South Bend Repilcas http://www.specialtymile.com/southbendreplicas/page1c.htm

What you build is up to you.  I like to build guns that look like the real thing.   Others just want something to make noise.

Are you going to do the shop work yourself?  That will have a bearing on what you make also.

Maybe all  you want is to add a breech plug and trunnions and some sort of wheels.  If so do it.

If I had your barrel I would be thinking Whitworth rifle or Parrot rifle. But then I have my own lathe.

Something to keep in mind. Your bore is 1.6 inches.  If you build a full scale gun the bore is going to  look small.  Build a gun scaled to the bore and it will look big.

There is one obligation for getting advice here...you have to keep us advised and post pictures

[Jim R. Glines]

DD,I just ordered the book, I want a cannon that looks good and will shoot. I have a friend that will do the trunnions and the breech.  I have not seen a whitworth, but I do like the Parrot rifle and am leaning that way. The main thing I want to make a shooter and one that looks nice to. I am not a purest :grin:  :grin: but I want to be proud of what I make.
Thanks for the come back
Jim

[Double D]

I have a set of William Green Parrot rifle plans around here some where but can't find them.  Jimmy, do have William Green Parrot rifle plans?

If you look at our Cannon resource list at the top  of the forum you will find a listing for Antique Ordnance Publishers.  They can sell you full scale plans.   If you scale the plans down to fit your tube Ii think you will end up with a very nice piece.

[jimwaits]

Yep, I got the Green "Build a model 100 PDR Parrott" plans. Three pages 8 1/2 by 11 inches. If you want 'em send me your mailing address....
jimwaits@emcst.com

[Double D]

u 2 Jims

I have the 100 pdr Parrot rifle JimWaits sent me but I also have the plans for the 3 inch Parrort  with carriage plans.  They are 1/4 scale of the real gun so Jim R. Glines you could just double all the measurements and you would have 1/2 scale gun.  It would have a 40 in bbl.   That would make a awesome piece.

You'd have 20 inches left over for something else...probably even peddle it to someone here.

[jimwaits]

Hello, I mailed the 100 pounder plans today but guess you need that set of smaller plans DD has. Anyway I think you will get both sets of plans and DD is gonna send me the smaller plans too.

[Jim R. Glines]

Hi guys, just got back from the cannon shoot in Casper WY. WOW. My 1st. one.  I just wanted to let you know that I got the plans that you sent and they will be a big help.
Thanks
Jim R. Glines