Bowling ball mortar

[prospector86]

Well, I've been coming to you guys for a while now with all my questions. I made my cannon and the bug has got me . I was wondering were I can get a good priced bowling ball mortar. I have looked at Hern and I was wanting somthing that can put in the back of my ford ranger. Any idea were I can get somthig like this is great.
 Eric

[Double D]

To buy one out right to fit in your Ranger is a tough proposition.  By there nature BB mortars are big and heavy.  Moving it is a challenge,  Before you get one you better think about how you are going to move it. 

Friend Southpaw has a light BB Mortar and he has to use his tractor.



Big shots of Idaho list a BB Mortar on there website. http://www.bigshotsofidaho.com/.   You will have to contact as one spot there website says they have  one coming and anther spot says sold. 

I am building my own, probably won't be done for a year  or two. Building it on the Installment plan.  The mortar tube by its self will weigh some where around 450 to 500 lbs.  Then there is the base.  How would load this gun in your Ranger.

Me I have a ATV trailer and I am going to use that to move the mortar. 

[Double D]

Something you can do for ideas is use the search function here on GBO and pull up all the past discussions on the topic. 

[smokemjoe]

If my pic. works, This is how I made mine to put in car trunk.

[Winger Ed.]

How would load this gun in your Ranger.

I'm going to run into a little of that problem myself.
I figure my mortar will end up being about 450 pounds or so when its done.
It'll either be carried on a trailer or the bed of my F-250.  In either, it'll have to be lifted up & into them.
Even taking the barrel off the sled, and moving both parts seperatly doesn't seem practical.

For now, the plan is to use a portable engine hoist that comes apart, and it can be carried along with the mortar.
Once its raised up; I'll have to drive the truck in or out from under the mortar, then set it back down.

[GGaskill]

Loading/unloading at the shooting venue is usually easier because there are other people around who will help.

[Double D]

Here's is how one of the  heavy  Mortars was lifted at Fort Shenandoah.   Lift up, back trailer under and load.  



You might also look for a trailer hitch crane.  Google it and see what they look like and make you own.

I am considering the British approach...put wheels on it.

[Mike Scott]

take a look at the trailers used to haul concrete septic tanks

[Cat Whisperer]

take a look at the trailers used to haul concrete septic tanks

Cool idea!  I'll bet they're low to the gound and have a mechanism for lifting and moving.

Post a link or two when you run across them.

[prospector86]

take a look at the trailers used to haul concrete septic tanks

I'll have to take a look at them

[dominick]

I am building a carriage for a 12 pound [4.62"bore] mortar like the mortar carriage in the diagram.  It will be done next week and I'll let you know how it works.  I'll post pictures when finished.

[Mike Scott]

A couple of different ways to move big heavy stuff (links from google)

http://crippledcollie.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/septic-1-w.jpg

http://www.hhsalescompany.com/assets/galleries/22/tank_protective_roller_system.jpg

A winch and a ramp would probably work if it had wheels. 
How about adapting a truck mounted hay bale spike?

I like the timber tripod in the picture but it is probably is harder to move than the cannon.

[Double D]

Actually the tripod looks pretty simple set up and take down. It's designed to break down and be loaded on a wagon. Lay it down, remove the top hinge bolt. Pull the pegs out of the bottom cross piece. pull the tripods legs loose from the cross pieces fit in the slots, load up and go.