thedrifter
04-11-07, 02:45 PM
Historic cannon's future debated <br />
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April 11, 2007 <br />
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MONTPELIER, Vt. --Vermont lawmakers are being asked to decide whether a 150-year-old cannon should be put on display in a museum or should...
drumcorpssnare
04-11-07, 03:37 PM
The article states the gun in question is a "replica." I can't imagine a replica being worth $150,000. Mr. Dassatti, having already lost a hand to an artillery accident, probably has no business shooting even a blank out of an artillery piece. Leo Tucker is correct in stating that a bronze tube improves with age.
Safety should be the primary concern for any person or group that fires any weapon, in exhibition or competition. I enjoyed the muzzleloading artillery hobby for many years, with many friends. Never was anyones safety ever compromised.
I have friends in Colorado who own an original 1863 3" Ordnance Rifle insured for $250,000.00. They fire it on a regular basis; both blanks for re-enactments and solid projectiles in competition.
There are quite a few artillerists out there who really know what they're doing, and who take it very seriously.
I say these museum do-gooders need to stand down.:evilgrin:
drumcorpssnare:usmc: