Coehorn mortar from Dixie Gun Works

[sixgun_symphony]

They sell the tube for $375, is this a good deal? They say it requires some final finish work, what does this entail?

 Coehorn Mortar tube

[kappullen]

Sixgun,

I would look at what Hern Iron Works offers as well.

http://www.hernironworks.com/cannonprice.html

I suspect that they may be the supplier for Dixie.

Kap

[guardsgunner]

Dixie's artilery were manufactured by Hern at one time , I'm not sure but think some still are. Their prices were just a bit stiffer.

[Cat Whisperer]

I don't know about the price, but helping a fellow unload one and fire it for the first time (at the range) was my motivation to build my 2nd mortar.

My first was beer-can caliber (1974 beer cans - which soup cans are now that beer cans are smaller).

It was a traditional caliber, so the 4"pvc pipe (4.5" diameter OD) was too small.  So the connectors for the 4" pipe were used, filled with concrete.

I had mine made of 4140 steel (picutred on the left) and Aramaloy industrial hard chrome plated.  (Have about $800 in it, but it would cost $1300 to do it again - I did some trading).  Mine shoots 4" pvc pipe filled with concrete.

He can take his to the competitions because of the caliber.  I can shoot mine cheaply.

Consider the bore diameter and where/how you're going to use it.

[Double D]

I would ask questions about the liner.  If you get any other answer but "It seamless" pass.  I also would also ask about the breech plug and how it is intall.  See if they will provide you with adrawing of how it is installed.  Thern compare it with e breech plug designs described in the AAA and N-SSA rules.

[sixgun_symphony]

Thanks for the information guys. Of course the answers are creating more questions.

 1) I take it that one must have an authentic bore size to enter competitions.

 2) What does it mean to be "seamless"?

[Cat Whisperer]

Thanks for the information guys. Of course the answers are creating more questions.

 1) I take it that one must have an authentic bore size to enter competitions.

 2) What does it mean to be "seamless"?

1 -  If I'm not mistaken, yes for N-SSA and AAA.  Perhaps others.  (But for the Cold Beer Open, there is no such requirement.)

2 - most tubing starts as flat ribbon, rolled up and welded.  It is the porosity in the weld that causes problems in the long-run as the products of combustion enter and corrode it - adding to the ka-boom factor down the road.  Seamless tubing does not have that problem as there is no seam.

[sixgun_symphony]

Thanks

 After reading about the effects of corrosion on the welded seams, I think I might go with a cast bronze mortar.

[Cat Whisperer]

Thanks

 After reading about the effects of corrosion on the welded seams, I think I might go with a cast bronze mortar.

The liners are REQUIRED for cast bronze/iron for N-SSA and AAA.  They should be per their standards (or better) in thickness/method of construction, and obviously seamless.  

It's a challange putting together a cannon or a mortar whichever way you choose, the key is not to waffle on strength.  As folks here are most likely tired of hearing, I've seen a cannon explode from about 15' away and I often say that you need to know when you light the fuse if it's to a cannon or a bomb.

Safety is not hard to achieve, N-SSA and AAA have developed their rules from LOTS of good (and some bad) experiences.  Check out the links in the STICKY's.