Frequently Asked Questions

From shipping and lead times to legality and use, we want the buying process to be clear, honest, and straightforward. If you need more information, contact us directly and we’ll be happy to help.

Shipping

  • As a veteran owned, family run business, we want to keep shipping as fair and straightforward as possible. We offer free UPS shipping across the contiguous United States on qualifying cannons and carriages.

    Because shipping and freight costs are significantly higher for Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories, orders to those locations are coordinated directly through our sales team so we can provide the most accurate shipping cost, manufacturing timeline, and delivery estimate.

  • Every cannon is made to order. Most orders are ready to ship in about 7 business days, but please allow up to 10 business days before shipment. If you need your cannon sooner, reach out to our sales team and we will do our best to work with your timeline.

  • Yes, but orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories require direct coordination through our sales team. This allows us to provide the most accurate shipping cost, manufacturing timeline, and delivery estimate.

  • Not at this time.

  • No. Due to ammunition laws and shipping regulations, McLennan Cannon Company does not sell or ship black powder. Black powder is commonly available through sporting goods stores and online retailers.

Ordering

  • Yes. Many of our barrels and carriages are available separately, and we also offer select bundle deals for customers who want a complete setup.

    Our 12-inch to 18-inch golf ball and billiard ball black powder cannon barrels are designed to fit any of our standard 1-inch steel plate carriages or custom full-size carriages.

    If you need help choosing the right combination, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

  • If you need your cannon sooner than the standard build timeline, reach out to our sales team. We will do our best to work with your timeline whenever possible.

  • If your order arrives damaged, contact us as soon as possible with photos of the packaging and product. We will review the issue and work with you to resolve it as quickly as possible.

  • Because our products are made to order, we generally do not accept returns. Most sales are final, but we still want to be fair. If you placed an order by mistake, please contact us within 24 hours of purchase.

    Approved cancellations requested after 24 hours may be subject to a 15% cancellation fee to help cover payment processing, administrative time, and production scheduling. Once materials have been ordered, production has begun, or the item has shipped, the order is non-cancellable and non-refundable except in the case of damage, defect, or an error on our part.

  • Orders can be placed directly through our website. If you have questions before purchasing, you can also contact us through the website and we’ll be happy to help you compare models, discuss shipping options, and find the right cannon or carriage for your needs.

Legal & Safety

  • Generally, yes. Ownership is legal in most areas of the United States. However, some states and local jurisdictions may have restrictions. It is the customer’s responsibility to research and comply with all applicable laws before purchase, possession, transport, or use.

  • Yes. Customers are responsible for checking and complying with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations before purchasing or using one of our products.

  • Like any powerful black powder device, our cannons can cause serious injury if used improperly. Always use common sense, good judgment, appropriate safety equipment, and proper firing practices. Every safety rule that applies to responsible firearm handling should also be followed when using our cannons.

  • Our cannons are built from solid steel and machined with close attention to proper bore dimensions, chamber design, and reliable ignition characteristics. However, they are functional black powder devices and must always be used responsibly. Safe loading practices, proper protective equipment, and compliance with all applicable laws are the responsibility of the owner.

  • Yes, extremely loud. Please always wear proper hearing and safety protection when firing our cannons.

Product Use

  • Our cannons are built to fire, not just display. They are functional smooth bore black powder cannons designed for ceremonial blanks, demonstrations, reenactments, and projectile use where appropriate. While many customers proudly display them, they are built as real working cannons, not novelty replicas.

  • Yes. Our cannons are functional black powder cannons designed to fire when used properly and responsibly.

  • Our cannons are commonly used for ceremonial salutes, reenactments, demonstrations, display, and private collections. Depending on the model and bore size, they are built to fire blank loads or appropriate projectiles and are designed for reliable, repeatable performance when used with proper black powder loads and safe firing practices.

  • Yes. Many of our cannons are well suited for ceremonial salutes and blank firing applications. If you are looking for a cannon for events, ceremonies, or commemorative use, contact us and we can help guide you toward the right option.

  • Yes. Our carriages are built to be functional as well as historically inspired. Depending on the model, we offer steel plate, steel, and custom full-size carriage options designed to support real use, display, and interchangeability across compatible barrels.

  • Our barrels begin as solid steel stock and are machined, bored, and chambered in our own machine shop. We do not use castings, weldments, or decorative replica construction. Depending on the model, our cannons may be paired with steel plate, steel, or oak carriages built for durability, function, and craftsmanship.

  • Yes. We offer a range of barrel sizes, bore types, and carriage styles to suit different uses, from compact golf ball models to larger billiard ball and mortar designs. We also offer custom work for customers looking for something more specific.