Hi All, :grin:
My name is Bob. I just yesterday turned 66. I've lived in Cleveland, Orlando and now currently just outside of Denver.
With the recent birth of our first grandson, I'm currently building him a 1/3rd scale 1841 6 pounder field cannon.
I've been interested in firearms, target shooting, and reloading of all sorts, and cannon as far back as I can remember. I can still recall our 1957 family vacation to Williamsburg and later to Gettysburg.
I would sneak out of the hotel room while my family was still fast asleep, so I wouldn't miss the morning cannon firing at Williamsburg.
By 15, I was seriously involved in target pistol shooting, and much to my mother's dismay, was the only kid on my block to have his own Smith model 41. My dad and I attended the National Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. He'd lied about my age so I could fire in the Small Arms Firing Pistol School.
I have owned and refinished both early kit forms of a Traditions/CVA Mountain Howitzer and also their Napoleon III. Each and every piece was painstakingly buffed to perfection on a hi speed buffing wheel. Both barrels looked just like sterling. My 3rd kit was a 1/4 scale "Napoleon Wannabe" from Dave at Cannon-mania many years ago; and apparently before his unfortunate web site demise.
My current 6 pounder project was purchased unfinished from Dean and Amy at AD Gunsmoke the better part of maybe ten years ago. Regrettably, I can no longer find their web site. Unfortunately, because of living room space, and budget requirements, I was forced to sell both Traditions cannon to make the 1/3rd scale feasible. I sold both to someone at the Hartford Arsenal, foundry, or whatever. Apparently they also had a museum to which they wanted to add my guns. I don't know if they are still in Hartford, or perhaps might have been later sold on gunsamerica, but I sure regret my fool hearty decision. I see now that the Traditions Napoleon is being sold assembled for ridiculously high prices. The fit and finish looks as if it were done with a push broom. If any of you have my Napoleon, I'd love to see it again, if not buy it back. But alas, we can't live in the past...
I look forward to participating in this forum. I'm certain to have quite a few "rookie" questions as I progress with my current build. Questions about authenticity, and later on about recommended safe, but thunderous, loads for the 6 pounder.
Way back when, before the Internet, and before we were all so edjumacated, I wasn't privy to all the knowledge out there, and pretty much "winged it". Now with a grandchild involved, I'll need a refresher course on safe loads, powder granulations, etc. Ya' just cannot be too safety minded.
I had hoped that YouTube would provide some answers, but so far I have pretty much just cringed at some of the antics of these video drugstore cowboys.
If you've made it this far; thanks for reading my assorted, inane drivel. I hope to meet you someday in the cannon forum...
My name is Bob. I just yesterday turned 66. I've lived in Cleveland, Orlando and now currently just outside of Denver.
With the recent birth of our first grandson, I'm currently building him a 1/3rd scale 1841 6 pounder field cannon.
I've been interested in firearms, target shooting, and reloading of all sorts, and cannon as far back as I can remember. I can still recall our 1957 family vacation to Williamsburg and later to Gettysburg.
I would sneak out of the hotel room while my family was still fast asleep, so I wouldn't miss the morning cannon firing at Williamsburg.
By 15, I was seriously involved in target pistol shooting, and much to my mother's dismay, was the only kid on my block to have his own Smith model 41. My dad and I attended the National Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. He'd lied about my age so I could fire in the Small Arms Firing Pistol School.
I have owned and refinished both early kit forms of a Traditions/CVA Mountain Howitzer and also their Napoleon III. Each and every piece was painstakingly buffed to perfection on a hi speed buffing wheel. Both barrels looked just like sterling. My 3rd kit was a 1/4 scale "Napoleon Wannabe" from Dave at Cannon-mania many years ago; and apparently before his unfortunate web site demise.
My current 6 pounder project was purchased unfinished from Dean and Amy at AD Gunsmoke the better part of maybe ten years ago. Regrettably, I can no longer find their web site. Unfortunately, because of living room space, and budget requirements, I was forced to sell both Traditions cannon to make the 1/3rd scale feasible. I sold both to someone at the Hartford Arsenal, foundry, or whatever. Apparently they also had a museum to which they wanted to add my guns. I don't know if they are still in Hartford, or perhaps might have been later sold on gunsamerica, but I sure regret my fool hearty decision. I see now that the Traditions Napoleon is being sold assembled for ridiculously high prices. The fit and finish looks as if it were done with a push broom. If any of you have my Napoleon, I'd love to see it again, if not buy it back. But alas, we can't live in the past...
I look forward to participating in this forum. I'm certain to have quite a few "rookie" questions as I progress with my current build. Questions about authenticity, and later on about recommended safe, but thunderous, loads for the 6 pounder.
Way back when, before the Internet, and before we were all so edjumacated, I wasn't privy to all the knowledge out there, and pretty much "winged it". Now with a grandchild involved, I'll need a refresher course on safe loads, powder granulations, etc. Ya' just cannot be too safety minded.
I had hoped that YouTube would provide some answers, but so far I have pretty much just cringed at some of the antics of these video drugstore cowboys.
If you've made it this far; thanks for reading my assorted, inane drivel. I hope to meet you someday in the cannon forum...
