desktop cannon

Eppie · May 13, 2013, 12:54 PM

Hi guys,
I not normally involved with black powder guns, but I have a friend who has this brass (about ten inch long) desktop cannon. He says that it has been fired once, many years ago, and wants to do it again.

Where should he start learning about how to do this safely?

Your advice is appreciated.

Doc Hoy · May 13, 2013, 02:08 PM

For anyone here to be of much help, we would need to know a little more about the piece.

Name, identifying data, maker, sized and such.

Photos would be nice.

I am sure someone here can be of assistance.

Bill DeShivs · May 13, 2013, 02:21 PM

Load it like you would a black powder pistol of equivalent bore size. Cannon fuse is available on the internet. Firecracker fuse can also be used. Aluminum foil makes great wadding.
There are many small cannon that are not suitable for firing, or are designed to use firecrackers only. A picture would help determine what he has. Need a picture of the muzzle, also.

Rifleman1776 · May 14, 2013, 07:46 AM

I collect small cannon and have fired mine many times.
#1, use black powder only.
Wadding is not needed for making noise.
Wait between shots and/or cool barrel with damp swab.
Don't even think about using a projectile unless the cannon was designed to fire them. If you don't know, get an expert to inspect.

**4V50 Gary** · May 14, 2013, 12:30 PM

Is it a machined brass cannon or a casted (made in India) decorative brass cannon? If the former, it is treated like any other muzzle loader smooth bore gun.

Eppie · May 14, 2013, 01:02 PM

Apparently it is machined brass and his brother made it on lathe. I sent him the link and he said that he will post a picture later when he has time.

**4V50 Gary** · May 15, 2013, 08:52 AM

Heck. Since it is machined, it should be safe to shoot mild loads. I'd go with no more than 20 grains 3f max.

May 13, 2013, 02:08 PM	#2
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	Eppie..... For anyone here to be of much help, we would need to know a little more about the piece. Name, identifying data, maker, sized and such. Photos would be nice. I am sure someone here can be of assistance. __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

May 13, 2013, 02:21 PM	#3
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Load it like you would a black powder pistol of equivalent bore size. Cannon fuse is available on the internet. Firecracker fuse can also be used. Aluminum foil makes great wadding. There are many small cannon that are not suitable for firing, or are designed to use firecrackers only. A picture would help determine what he has. Need a picture of the muzzle, also. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

May 14, 2013, 12:30 PM	#5
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,838	Is it a machined brass cannon or a casted (made in India) decorative brass cannon? If the former, it is treated like any other muzzle loader smooth bore gun. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

May 14, 2013, 01:02 PM	#6
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	Apparently it is machined brass and his brother made it on lathe. I sent him the link and he said that he will post a picture later when he has time. __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care)

May 15, 2013, 08:52 AM	#7
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,838	Heck. Since it is machined, it should be safe to shoot mild loads. I'd go with no more than 20 grains 3f max. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

May 13, 2013, 12:54 PM	#1
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	desktop cannon Hi guys, I not normally involved with black powder guns, but I have a friend who has this brass (about ten inch long) desktop cannon. He says that it has been fired once, many years ago, and wants to do it again. Where should he start learning about how to do this safely? Your advice is appreciated. __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care) Last edited by Eppie; May 13, 2013 at 08:32 PM.

May 14, 2013, 07:46 AM	#4
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	I collect small cannon and have fired mine many times. #1, use black powder only. Wadding is not needed for making noise. Wait between shots and/or cool barrel with damp swab. Don't even think about using a projectile unless the cannon was designed to fire them. If you don't know, get an expert to inspect.