Firing Rods Replica Civil War Cannon

When the Breach Loader came along like the Armstrong's in the 1800 that was a vast improvement on everything? i like to visit those coastal forts and gun emplacements and some of those Huge Breach Loaders are incredible. I noticed this cannon had a tapered outer barrel rather than the two ir 3 piece out strengthening?

I know I'm a Petrol Head but I must admit Cannon, Gun';s and Artilary in general fascinates me as well, I guess it has similarities with the ICE anyway? Interesting stuff.