Author Topic: Recommended Reading Material??? (Read 653 times)

dave in pa. · « **on:** August 25, 2005, 03:11:30 AM »

Hi all,
What would be your "must read" recommendations for the beginner?
Tell us what books/magazines you think are the most important and beneficial.
Thanks, dave

Dictator · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2005, 04:51:21 AM »

You will find some great info on this web page:
http://www.civilwarartillery.com/default.htm

Browse around a little. It's amazing how much stuff is on here.

Will Bison · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2005, 05:48:44 AM »

If I were to pick just one book it would be Matt Switlicks "More Complete Cannoneer".

I also agree with Dictator, there is an enormous amount of info available here at the cannon forum.

Bill

Double D · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2005, 06:49:31 AM »

Anyone who doesn't have this book and is involved in Blackpowder cannon shooting is selling themself short!!!

THE MORE COMPLETE CANNONEER By M.C. Switlik with selected excerpts from other artillery manuals
The book can be order from these two suppliers.
The Complete Cannoneer from Matt Switlik[/i][/url]
South Bend Replica The More Complete Cannoneer

Terry C. · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2005, 10:53:10 AM »

Add another vote for The More Complete Cannoneer.

Another great book available from South Bend Replicas is Round Shot and Rammers by Harold L. Peterson, which has lots of detailed carriage and wheel drawings.

dominick · « **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2005, 03:23:45 PM »

I found the Southbend Replica catalog is also very informative. It has a lot of historical information, many pictures and general information for safe cannon operation, good investment. The More Complete Cannoneer is a definite plus for the book shelf.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #6 on:** August 25, 2005, 03:57:26 PM »

Quote from: dave in pa.

Hi all,
What would be your "must read" recommendations for the beginner?
Tell us what books/magazines you think are the most important and beneficial.
Thanks, dave

The practice of artillary MUST begin and end with SAFETY.

In that light, start (and later review when you get around to launching cannon balls) with two references (and those already mentioned). The N-SSA and the American Artiallary Association have detailed procedures (so noted in our 'sticky' on SAFETY (or is it in the references sticky under the subject of safety?).

Learn to appreciate the discipline it takes to ensure that you won't blow something up inadvertantly.

Past that, find something that intregues yourself!

Read, read, read and read some more. Reading and the people you hang out with are the TWO greatest influences in changing one's life - in any subject area.

Question everything. Become your own expert. AND have FUN!

GGaskill · « **Reply #7 on:** August 25, 2005, 04:48:55 PM »

An online resource is the http://civilwarnews.com/artillerysafety.htm" target="_blank">Civil War News Artillery Safety page. They get a little overwrought in a few places (e.g, "Loading and firing antique or replica muzzleloading cannon is a highly dangerous activity, likely to result in death, dismemberment or serious injury.") but otherwise they have good information.

If loading and firing muzzleloading cannon were "likely" to cause "death, dismemberment or serious injury," we would be crazy to participate in such an activity. Screwups certainly can cause such things (even 1" bore cannon can shoot through the most hard headed cannoneer), so don't ignore the rest of their info.