A Winchester Cannon (yes, a real cannon)

[Jhaydeno]

This item was recently passed down to me by a close family member and I thought many of you here would enjoy it; it's a Winchester Repeating Arms Co. cannon! I've seen it many times over the years but never took too much time to inspect it, until now.

Doing a little bit of research and it appears to be a starter cannon for sailboat races and the such. It was made in New Haven Conn. and patented in 1901. The cannon consists of a 12" barrel, cast iron sides, cast iron wheels, and sits about 20" long, weighing around 30 lbs. It has proof marks underneath, locking breach, shell ejector, a real firing pin, and it clearly states 'not for ball' on the top. It fires 10ga. shotgun shells, blanks I guess.

My question to the forum is two fold:

1) should I test fire it? Everything appears to be in working order...
2) Could anyone reload me a 10 gauge blank or two?

Thanks!!

[tarzan]

Cool,as a 10Ga. enthusiast I love it. Sorry I'm not a loader though.

[Svickstc]

id have in inspected by someone who deal with historic arms, even though their may appear to not have any cracks or faults in the metal, to the naked eye doesnt mean there is none...

very cool though, was it converted to this config over time, or just not that, that old and made originally like this

[P89]

My VFW has one, I'm pretty sure this is what they use, or something really close to it...I was checking it out on Memorial day.
http://www.westernstageprops.com/miv...duct_Code=SGSH

Cool thing to have.

[Jhaydeno]

very cool though, was it converted to this config over time, or just not that, that old and made originally like this

It's not that old, less than 100 years, and it was definitely designed that way, with a locking backplate and true hammer to ignite the primers.

My VFW has one, I'm pretty sure this is what they use, or something really close to it...I was checking it out on Memorial day.
http://www.westernstageprops.com/miv...duct_Code=SGSH

Cool thing to have.

Thanks, that's exactly what I need to test this baby out! Now if I aim it at my neighbors house, and fire it for days on end like that guy in NY, I can make the news!

[ALS]

I have one of those and it was my grandfathers. SN 106, I have the original box and cleaning rod for it also.

Warning when you do shoot it, it is one loud mother F-er and you will get a shit load of white smoke. I didn't use those particular words needlessly I needed to warn you of what to expect when you fire it. Do not fire your cannon with out a string release on the hammer. This little cannon will jump up and come back several inches on recoil. If your hand is in the way you'll get hit. I needed to make the point on the noise and smoke in the strongest terms as a warning, just in case you plan on firing it over New Years in your front yard. The smoke will tell everyone it was you who made the big bang that rattled everyone's windows in the neighborhood.

You can buy (Black Powder) blanks for it but in most cases you will need to order them through your local gun shop or on line

BTW shells are not cheap and run around $2.10-$2.40 per round for a box of 25.

There is a site dedicated to these cannons called The Cannon Store who lists shells for $52 a box but they are out of stock.

Do not ever use modern smokeless powdered shells in this firearm.

[JenniferG]

In sailing ship days they used to carry small cannon onboard to announce their arrival in port to let owners and port officials know they had arrived.

[Manxdriver]

That is cool! New Years Eve, I'd be firing the hell out of that thing!!

Bad news: in pic #3, I noticed something. I read on Snopes the other night, they confirmed if your 'index' toes are longer than your big toes, you are gay, not might be, ARE! I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But hey, at least you got a nice cannon, right?

[Manxdriver]

AND every single person who read that checked their toes. Oh yes you did!!

[Jhaydeno]

That is cool! New Years Eve, I'd be firing the hell out of that thing!!

Bad news: in pic #3, I noticed something. I read on Snopes the other night, they confirmed if your 'index' toes are longer than your big toes, you are gay, not might be, ARE! I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But hey, at least you got a nice cannon, right?

Don't tell Mrs. O', but that explains why after 14 years of marriage I still have to pick out tile and paint colors, and why I insist on driving the cabriolet.
What does snopes say about troll hair on the index toe?