[El Gato]

what they use in a twenty one gun salute

Sometimes, more common these days is something like this.

Taken December 2008 at Fort Hood.

or this

Actually the 21 gun salute originated with guns more like these.

The practice of firing gun salutes has existed for centuries. Early warriors demonstrated their peaceful intentions by placing their weapons in a position that rendered them ineffective. In early times, it was customary for a ship entering a friendly port to discharge its cannon to demonstrate that they were unloaded.

[El Gato]

Taken December 2008 at Fort Hood.

Meant to add that I saw those same cannon, probably with many of the same cannoneers, fired about that same time, for a different event. The LT in charge was still wet behind the ears, but he was definitely squared away. The casing for the first round fired was presented to the outgoing CO, the last one to the incoming guy. An SES civilian!

Hope to see them again this Friday, starting around 1000, when that last round will once again go to a Colonel.