Bowling Ball Mortar Rolls Into the Shop (S2, E29) | Pawn Stars
Bowling Ball Mortar Rolls Into the Shop (S2, E29) | Pawn Stars
A Cannon That Fires Bowling Balls?!
One of the most unforgettable moments on Pawn Stars comes in Season 2, Episode 29, when an unusual—and slightly absurd—weapon is brought into the shop: a bowling ball mortar. Yes, exactly what it sounds like—a cannon designed to launch bowling balls.
When the seller presents this massive piece of hardware to Rick Harrison, the reaction is immediate curiosity mixed with caution. It’s not every day that something this bizarre rolls through the door.
What Exactly Is a Bowling Ball Mortar?
A bowling ball mortar is essentially a large-bore cannon built to fire standard bowling balls using black powder. While it may sound like a modern novelty, devices like this are often inspired by historical mortars used in warfare for launching explosive shells over short distances.
However, unlike traditional artillery, this version is typically:
- Built for demonstration or entertainment
- Used at events, shows, or private exhibitions
- More about spectacle than practical use
Still, the power behind such a device is very real—and potentially dangerous.
Historical Inspiration Behind the Design
Mortars have a long history dating back centuries. Unlike long-barreled cannons, mortars were designed to fire projectiles at steep angles, making them ideal for siege warfare.
While the bowling ball mortar isn’t a standard military weapon, its design clearly draws inspiration from:
- Medieval and early modern siege mortars
- 18th–19th century artillery pieces
- Civil War-era short-barrel cannons
On Pawn Stars, part of the challenge is determining whether the piece is historically authentic or a modern reproduction built for fun.
Rick’s Dilemma: Cool… but Risky
As always, Rick Harrison has to weigh the pros and cons before making an offer.
The positives:
- Unique, attention-grabbing item
- Strong novelty appeal
- Potential value as a conversation piece
The concerns:
- Legal restrictions on owning and firing such a device
- Safety risks associated with black powder weapons
- Limited resale market
To make an informed decision, Rick considers bringing in an expert to verify its construction, safety, and origin—standard procedure for unusual and potentially hazardous items.
Entertainment Meets History
What makes this segment so memorable isn’t just the object—it’s the blend of humor, danger, and historical curiosity. The idea of launching a bowling ball from a cannon feels almost cartoonish, yet it’s grounded in real engineering principles.
Moments like these highlight why Pawn Stars remains so popular:
- You never know what will come through the door
- Every item has a story
- Even the strangest objects can spark serious discussion
Final Thoughts
The bowling ball mortar may not be a battlefield relic, but it perfectly captures the spirit of Pawn Stars: unexpected, fascinating, and a little bit wild. It’s a reminder that history isn’t always neat and predictable—sometimes, it comes in the form of a cannon that fires bowling balls.
And in Rick’s shop, even the most outrageous items always get a fair shot at a deal.
