Thread: Rifling a Cannon barrel in NZ ?

Just asking for a Friend

Does anyone know anyone who has rifled a cannon barrel in NZ ?
Bore 1 1/2" or around 40mm and will be a 3 pounder
Steel is about 5' or 1500mm long

Putting something back out on the end of the Peninsula......

Don't know anyone who have done so. With that sort of bore I'd look at doing it by electrolysis or you'd be looking at some rather mighty machinery, I assume you've got kit to drill the bore already.

A plastic tube wound with a single or double helical wire and with appropriate spacers/insulators, doing one groove or two grooves at a time, would be one way ahead.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...d-printed-jig/

I saw a youtube vid a guy in the states who'd made his own breechloading cannon. The jig for cutting the rifling was based on twisting a length of flat mild steel bar (in a cold state which ensured an even twist rate all the length) and this formed the "lead screw" guide for the cannon rifling cutter, one groove at a time. Again, electrolysis seems the way to do it rather, as a 40mm bore will allow plenty central flow in the jig to flush out cruddy salt water during the process.

there are quite a few boffors barrels sitting around the show.... could you maybe make your cannon around one of them???

What's the law btw?

I know "miniature cannons" are license free, but when do they cease to be "miniature"? For example a full size pivot cannon is not really "miniature" even though it is relatively small.

And once cannons are no longer "miniature" cannons, are you OK with just an A-cat license?

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

there are quite a few boffors barrels sitting around the show.... could you maybe make your cannon around one of them???

In the mad old days when BP shooting clubs first got underway in NZ there were a couple of canons made using Bofors barrels. (Plus a few 1/2 scale Coehorn mortars fitting exploding charges which always scared the shite out of me.)

Steel is 38mm ID x 85mm OD x 1500mm long 4140
It could be reamed up by a hydraulic cylinder reconditioning company I think

There are 2 lengths that have been sitting in the corner of his shed for years

stuff the cannon idea....why not a plurry great puntgun...you make it and fit it to skiff and let us know when you set to let it rip and we all be sure to come and video it....should be great laugh all around.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

stuff the cannon idea....why not a plurry great puntgun...you make it and fit it to skiff and let us know when you set to let it rip and we all be sure to come and video it....should be great laugh all around.

And forsooth, why bother with a breech? Go ye for a recoilless punt gonne.

Originally Posted by Cordite

What's the law btw? I know "miniature cannons" are license free, but when do they cease to be "miniature"? For example a full size pivot cannon is not really "miniature" even though it is relatively small. And once cannons are no longer "miniature" cannons, are you OK with just an A-cat license?

A mentor of mine brought an Ordnance QF 25-pounder in from Australia and refurbished it about 8 years ago.
The local Constabler Plod was insistent that he needed a FAL and an "A" was acceptable.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

there are quite a few boffors barrels sitting around the show.... could you maybe make your cannon around one of them???

Plenty....

@akaroa1 I can put you in contact with a bofors barrel hoarder if you like?

Also, ask your local antique arms branch for advice.