The Weapon Hunter Season 1 Episode 3 Civil War Cannons

During the third episode of The Weapon Hunter season 1, viewers are taken on a journey with host Paul Shull as he hunts for Civil War cannons. Shull is a Canadian collector who travels the world in search of military artifacts, and in this episode, he dedicates his efforts to uncovering the stories of the cannons used in the Civil War.

The episode starts with Shull traveling to a Civil War-era battlefield in Virginia. Here, he is surrounded by the echoes of gunshots and artillery fire, which set the tone for his journey. He meets with a local historian who tells him about the different types of cannons that were used during this time. The historian explains that the Union forces mainly used the Model 1861 12-pounder howitzer, while the Confederacy used the Model 1857 12-pounder Napoleon cannon.

Shull's first stop is in Maryland, where he visits a collector with an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts. Here, Shull gets to handle a Model 1857 12-pounder Napoleon cannon, which he is excited to learn more about. The collector shares the fascinating history of the cannon, which played a significant role in the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg.

Shull then heads to a gun show in Ohio, where he meets with a group of collectors who specialize in Civil War-era cannons. Here, Shull gets to examine and learn about several different types of Civil War cannons, including a Model 1841 6-pounder field gun, a Model 1861 10-pounder Parrott rifled cannon, and several others. The collectors share their knowledge with Shull and offer fascinating insights into the history of these artillery pieces.

Next, Shull travels to Mississippi, where he visits a museum that showcases an impressive collection of Civil War-era cannons. Here, Shull gets to see several different types of cannons up close, including the Model 1857 12-pounder Napoleon cannon that he handled earlier in the episode. The museum curator helps Shull understand the nuances of each cannon and their specific uses during the Civil War.

Shull's final stop is in Richmond, Virginia, where he visits a restoration facility that specializes in restoring historic cannons. Here, he meets with the owner, who shows him how they restore and refurbish cannons. Shull gets to witness the intricate process first-hand and is amazed by the attention to detail that goes into each restoration.

Throughout the episode, Shull shares fascinating insights and stories about the cannons used during the Civil War. He offers a unique perspective on the role that these artillery pieces played in shaping the outcome of the war. Viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the history and significance of these fascinating pieces of weaponry.