Williams rapid-fire cannon

[Dutchman Dick]

I recently wrote an e-mail to the curator of the Watervliet museum, which has one of the original Williams RFC's. I had found out that there were some detailed drawings of the gun around. Well, he sent me copies of the dimensioned drawings, plus a CD with some truly excellent, detailed photos of one of the guns in various stages of disassembly. In short, I have all the information I need to build one of these fascinating weapons. Now, all I need is the materials, and access to a big engine lathe and Bridgeport mill...:D

[Mbond057]

Re: Williams rapid-fire cannon

Richard,

Spriks Cannon Works out of Mesa, AZ makes a Williams Gun. You can check it out on their website.

http://spriks-civil-war-cannon-sales.com/index.html

They also have details plans and I suggest giving them a call as you research for your build.

[hta1970]

Re: Williams rapid-fire cannon

While an interesting cannon. It is of very little use to most reenactments. Very few were made and used in combat.

If you have an event reenactment where they were used, by all means make the investment, but otherwise, you would be better served with a more common cannon which will increase the number of events in which you can serve the piece.

[Minieball577]

Re: Williams rapid-fire cannon

Of course one could always reproduce one to fire live ammo with in the N-SSA. A good pard of mine has made a Williams gun, along with his Agar and Ellsworth gun. They really are a lot of fun to shoot.

[Mbond057]

Re: Williams rapid-fire cannon

Chris,

I agree you don’t always have to use your artillery pieces at reenactments. I live in the desert and live fire my artillery pieces frequently at my home made range. I have learned a lot about constructing rounds, aiming, etc. This has given me a different perspective then just studying and doing living history events.

It’s all about doing what you feel comfortable doing and what you wish to take and give in the hobby. I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I can put lead on the targets I am aiming to hit within the limits of the artillery pieces I use.