Thoughts on scaled cannons at reenactments

Jerry4History · Nov 27, 2024

Hey gang I'd like to get your perspectives to help me find a comfortable answer. At various reenactments, especially Civil War and revolutionary War events, a lot of the artillery pieces on display there are "scaled", meaning that they are not full size, usually one half or 3/4 scale. I hope to eventually get a Cannon for my Museum so that we can work through the drill and potentially use it at events, But do you think I should avoid these scaled models and work towards a full size replica? Does anyone have any of these scaled cannons or full size cannons that can get their thought? Thank you!

Rich44 · Nov 27, 2024

I have some scaled models of Civil War Artillery. I like them because I do not have the room for original size. Models are easy to transport and cost less to fire. And be done at a normal range outside setting. Require the same safety measures and upkeep.

The full size Artillery is the only way to go for your use. It will cost more up front, but you will have a much more impressive piece to show. I recommend the full size and then you won’t need to say “Well the real ones are a lot bigger”. Anyway good luck with your adventure, it should be fun.

82ndPA · Nov 27, 2024

Consider a full size replica mountain howitzer;

"Model 1841 12 Pounder Mountain Howitzer was a lightweight, scaled down field artillery weapon"

https://ironbrigader.com/2011/04/15/portable-civil-war-artillery-mountain-howitzer/

Captndan · Nov 28, 2024

Go big or stay home.

MAPMFF · Nov 28, 2024

Full size or don't bother.

a scaled down model is fine for the casual collector or cannon range shooter. For living history interpretation, a true 1:1 size is what should be used.

Nothing irks me more than scaled down fantasy pieces at events.

wiscoaster · Nov 28, 2024

I'm not a reenactor so I can't comment on problems of storage and transport, but if I went to view a reenactment event, I'd just as soon be seeing something as close to the real thing as possible.

PathfinderNC · Nov 28, 2024

Why stop at scaled-down cannon? Why not scaled-down muskets and scaled-down tents? Scaled-down shoes would probably be the icing on the cake, too

dave951 · Dec 3, 2024

Unfortunately, many reenactors have scaled up waistlines. Just sayin'....some look like they been bloating in the sun for days and they ain't even dead yet

tenngun · Dec 4, 2024

I’m not a war reinactor, so my view is not hard core on the subject.
We want as close to original as possible. But I’ve had a lot of fun watching half scale guns shoot, the loading and safety are all the same.
Most of our guns are useable for hunting or maybe even self defense. But a few are useless as a sport. Blunderbuss and derringers for example are just toys.
Certainly cannon falls in that realm.
If I got in to cannon I know I’d never be happy till I had a full scale
But for watching a reinactment half scale doesn’t effect me, and are neat to watch shoot
For education purposes half works fine
For the cool factor only full size fits the bill

Thoughts on scaled cannons at reenactments

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Thoughts on scaled cannons at reenactments

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