For those with a serious interest in muzzle-loading artillery we recommend a subscription to The Artilleryman magazine http://artillerymanmagazine.com. It is a quarterly publication. For details contact the magazine by email at:
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attn: The Artilleryman
We have done destructive internal examination of a number of modern made replica cannon and noted the results. For a selection of reprinted articles on this topic, please send a large self addressed envelope with US postage or appropriate international postage for four ounces.
Reprints- MCS Co
38 E. Elm
Monroe, MI 48162

This photograph is an example of a 1960’s replica cannon which fails to meet traditional design criteria
1- Bore is off center, thin at the breech
2- Casting flaws at the breech
3- Bore surface is rough from sand coreing
4- Chamber has sharp corners which will inhibit good cleaning
5- Vent is improperly drilled

While we have not published an article to this effect, it has come to out attention that many cast iron generic “cannons” are currently imported from China or elsewhere for lawn ornament use. We know of at least one case in which an owner attempted to drill a vent and fire the lawn ornament. Never be a party to this kind of thing-such “cannon” are not real and have extremely thin cast iron walls; they are “sculpture” cast hollow and will most certainly burst if fired, with potentially fatal results.