The 32 pounder is the second largest weapon at the Fort. We live fire (using one pound of black powder) an 8" Columbiad. This gun was built in 1855 in Boston and saw service during the Civil War. It's fired every weekend the post is open. The gun crew is in period correct uniforms and conducts the drill based on the 1862 army manual. The 8" can accruately fire a 65 pound solid shot (think big marble) approximately 2 1/2 miles from Fort Delaware. Call the Fort office 302-834-7941) for details.
Never, ever stand, sit, recline, or pick your nose directly behind an artillery piece. This tape shows that rule violated. Even if the piece is only ceremonial and shooting blanks, always beware.
@zeekwolfe I totally agree. That one guy in the video who is standing with his legs down in the carriage when he pushed the gun forward is freaking me out! I can't believe that is the correct way to move that thing forward.
Magnificent gun and crew. Interesting vaulted architecture. Amazing the brickwork looks excellent even after probably hundreds of shots. Seems quite resilient contrary to what I thought.
And this is one of the smallest cannon you'd find at a seacoast fort. Many others were much bigger and more technically involved to load and fire. And of course with no shot in it there is no recoil. Also, you'd be firing at a moving target, so the aiming process would have to be crisper. It's amazing they could hit anything, but they did.
nice video peter...was willis working that day? if you dont know who this is...this is anna....i cleaned your socks at the Fort as your laundress with Chrissy and Ron....
Put a damn shot or a damn shell in it! The lack of the recoil was WEAK!!
SavageJim01 1 year ago
That was shit! :(
zackaryjames 2 years ago
like no recoil :S
chdonncha 2 years ago
not very enthusiastic are they
lardmonk 2 years ago
BOOM
Nick3889 2 years ago
The 32 pounder is the second largest weapon at the Fort. We live fire (using one pound of black powder) an 8" Columbiad. This gun was built in 1855 in Boston and saw service during the Civil War. It's fired every weekend the post is open. The gun crew is in period correct uniforms and conducts the drill based on the 1862 army manual. The 8" can accruately fire a 65 pound solid shot (think big marble) approximately 2 1/2 miles from Fort Delaware. Call the Fort office 302-834-7941) for details.
elijahdockery 3 years ago 3
Never, ever stand, sit, recline, or pick your nose directly behind an artillery piece. This tape shows that rule violated. Even if the piece is only ceremonial and shooting blanks, always beware.
zeekwolfe 3 years ago 2
@zeekwolfe I totally agree. That one guy in the video who is standing with his legs down in the carriage when he pushed the gun forward is freaking me out! I can't believe that is the correct way to move that thing forward.
snakerog 5 months ago
Whoa, I only dream of firing a big gun like that! That makes my 20-pound Parrot guns look tiny!
GettysburgGhost1863 3 years ago
why is their no kick back?
billboi92 3 years ago
They are firing a blank. If there were a round in the tube, the force of the round would make the gun recoil
GoPhils13 3 years ago
oh right! so is that why in re-enactments the cannons never have recoil?
billboi92 3 years ago
Exactly. Just some powder rapped in tinfoil usually.
GoPhils13 3 years ago
@billboi92 .....Oh I dont know 'bout that! I've been doing it for 25 years and I've seen reenactment cannons recoil.
biped1of1pandemonium 1 year ago
billboi.....There is no round in the gun, the explosive gas has no resistance against a shell or shot to recoil.
shantyman62 2 years ago
Magnificent gun and crew. Interesting vaulted architecture. Amazing the brickwork looks excellent even after probably hundreds of shots. Seems quite resilient contrary to what I thought.
RAMPG 3 years ago
I'm surprise Dale Fetzer wasn't there barking.
40AcreMule 3 years ago
And this is one of the smallest cannon you'd find at a seacoast fort. Many others were much bigger and more technically involved to load and fire. And of course with no shot in it there is no recoil. Also, you'd be firing at a moving target, so the aiming process would have to be crisper. It's amazing they could hit anything, but they did.
brucec43 4 years ago 2
When did they fire this cannon? All I ever get film of is only the primer cap. "Garrison Days?"
frightcrazyjim 5 years ago
nice video peter...was willis working that day? if you dont know who this is...this is anna....i cleaned your socks at the Fort as your laundress with Chrissy and Ron....
navygirl1863 5 years ago
SWEET
yark640 5 years ago
Jealous as all hell
comeknowmeas 5 years ago