Operating Instructions for the 10 Gauge Breech Loading Winchester Cannon

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General Safety Information
Loading Instructions
Firing Instructions
Unloading Instructions
Care & Cleaning
Instructions for Factory Maintenance
Warranty Information

General Safety Information

This cannon has been designed, manufactured and tested for factory loaded Winchester brand 10 gauge, 2 7/8 inch BLANK CARTRIDGES ONLY. These factory loaded blank shells are loaded with black powder and so marked by the manufacturer. Never fire shells loaded with smokeless powder or shells with shot or slugs as such a cartridge can lead to excessive pressures with the possibility of personal injury and damage to the cannon.

Do not insert foreign objects in the bore with the intent to fire them from the cannon with the blank or any other shell as such a practice may lead to injury from the propelled object as well as causing possible excess pressure, resulting in personal injury and damage to the cannon.

Be certain that the muzzle area of the cannon is clear for a distance of at least 40 yards, as wads sometimes may travel that far with considerable force.

Be certain that the bore is clear of any obstructions before firing, as such obstructions may lead to excessive pressures with the possibility of personal injury and damage to the cannon.

Loading Instructions

1. Press the hammer to the rear and down until the hammer is held in the ready to fire position by the hammer spring.
2. Rotate the breech handle counterclockwise until the handle is straight up.
3. Swing the breech assembly down and to the rear.
4. Check the bore for any obstructions such as wads or other debris. The bore must be completely clear.
5. Be sure the area in front of the cannon is clear of people or objects. Insert a 10 gauge blank shell until the rim of the shell rests on the extractor.
6. Close the breech by swinging the breech handle up and then rotating the handle one-quarter turn to the right. CAUTION: Your cannon is now cocked and ready to fire. Never leave a loaded cannon unattended.

Firing Instructions

After checking to be sure that the muzzle area is clear of people or objects for at least 40 yards (wads from a blank shell may travel a considerable distance with enough force to cause possible injury), the cannon is fired by giving a quick rearward pull on the lanyard provided. CAUTION: Never attempt to fire the cannon without use of the lanyard. This may cause personal injury. The cannon report is quite loud; in keeping with the intended signaling purpose. Persons should provide themselves with hearing protection when in close proximity to the cannon while being fired.

Unloading Instructions

If your cannon fails to fire, leave it pointed in a safe direction. Count to 10, then eject the blank shell. WARNING: When removing the misfired shell or a live shell, make sure the muzzle is still pointed in a safe direction before re-cocking the hammer prior to rotating the breech handle. Rotate the breech handle counterclockwise until the handle is straight up. Swing the breech assembly down and to the rear. Withdraw the cartridge in the chamber.

Care & Cleaning

CAUTION: Be certain your cannon is unloaded before commencing any cleaning. The 10 gauge blank shells are loaded with black powder, which leaves a residue that is highly attractive to moisture. Cleaning kits specially designed for the 10 gauge signal cannon are available from the Bellmore Johnson Company. In the absence of special preparations, the best cleaning solvent is hot soapy water. After washing with the soapy water solution, the cannon should be rinsed with plain hot water to remove soap. The cannon should then be liberally sprayed with a water displacing oil of which there are several varieties on the market. Do not wipe the cannon after the oil spray, but allow the cannon to dry in the air. The oil will lift the water from the metal to evaporate in the air and will leave a protective oil film behind.

Instructions for Factory Maintenance

Questions regarding the performance and serviceability of your cannon should be addressed to our Product Service Division. You should include the Serial Number, Model Number and a full description of the conditions and problems involved.

If you wish to return your cannon for repair, please follow these instructions:

1. Be absolutely sure that your cannon is empty of all cartridges prior to mailing.
2. Pack your cannon carefully, with plenty of cushioning material and a sturdy outer cardboard box. Do not ship in a gun case or any special container that you wish returned.
3. Clearly marked on the outside of the box should be your return address.
4. Affix a complete letter of information to the outside of the package. This letter should describe the contents; e.g., whether it's a complete cannon or part; the model number and serial number, description of the damage or problem including under what conditions they occurred; what you wish corrected or changed; and any new parts desired.
5. We will supply an estimate. Repairs will be made upon receipt of your payment in form of check, money order or credit card (Master Card, Visa, American Express or Discover). If repairs are not possible, the cannon will be returned at no charge.
6. Do not ship live ammunition to the factory.

Warranty Information

The manufacturer guarantees this Model 98 Cannon to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase and will repair or replace, at its option any cannon or part thereof having such a defect provided it had not been abused or misused and if returned to the factory in accordance with the instructions for factory maintenance above. This is the sole warranty, and the manufacturer expressly disclaims any other warranty or representation whether expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantibility of fitness for a particular purpose. The manufacturer further disclaims any liability for injury to any person or property or any other consequential damage resulting from use, misuse or abuse of the cannon whether or not due to any defect therein.