Cowboy Combination Gun: The LeMat Shotgun Revolver with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on July 31, 2024
Duration: 21:30

The LeMat Revolver is a unique firearm combining a nine-shot revolver cylinder with a central shotgun barrel, historically significant from the American Civil War. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details its percussion and centerfire variants, including loading mechanisms, firing systems, and manufacturing history. The video also touches on its pop culture appearances and the accuracy of replicas.

Quick Summary

The LeMat Revolver is a unique firearm combining a nine-shot revolver cylinder (approx. .42 caliber) with a central smoothbore shotgun barrel (18 or 17 bore). Its innovative firing mechanism uses a pivoting hammer nose to select between the revolver and shotgun barrels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the LeMat Revolver
  2. 00:24Pop Culture and Replicas
  3. 01:56Basic Design and Capacity
  4. 03:31Loading the Percussion Model
  5. 05:42Firing Mechanism and Barrel Selection
  6. 07:46Markings and Manufacturing History
  7. 10:26The Centerfire Variant
  8. 15:54The 'Baby' LeMat
  9. 18:34Conclusion and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the LeMat Revolver unique?

The LeMat Revolver is unique for its combination of a nine-shot revolver cylinder and a central, smoothbore shotgun barrel. This dual-functionality allowed for rapid firing of pistol rounds followed by a shotgun blast.

How did the LeMat Revolver fire its two different barrels?

The LeMat featured a special hammer with a pivoting nose. In the up position, it struck percussion caps for the revolver cylinders. Flipping the nose down allowed it to strike a central cap, firing the shotgun barrel.

What are the main differences between percussion and centerfire LeMat models?

The centerfire LeMat required significant redesign for cartridges, including a loading gate and ejector rod. It also featured a more vertical grip to manage the increased recoil compared to the percussion model.

Where were LeMat Revolvers manufactured?

While designed by a Frenchman living in the US, many LeMat Revolvers were manufactured in Paris and London. The barrel is often marked 'Systeme Le Mat Bte s.g.d.g. Paris'.

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