Thoughts on scaled cannons at reenactments

[Jerry4History]

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]

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]

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]

Go big or stay home.

 

[MAPMFF]

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]

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.