Confederate Navy Baby LeMat Grapeshot Revolver

Published on October 1, 2016
Duration: 9:11

This guide details the disassembly of the rare Baby LeMat Grapeshot Revolver, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the specific steps for removing the barrel assembly and cylinder, highlighting the unique design elements of this Confederate Navy sidearm. The process is presented with an emphasis on careful handling due to the firearm's historical significance and rarity.

Quick Summary

The Baby LeMat Grapeshot Revolver, developed for the Confederate Navy, is exceptionally rare with only ~100 produced due to contract issues. It features a dual-barrel system (.32 caliber 9-shot cylinder and a rifled .41 caliber center barrel) and unique disassembly via a plunger pin release.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Size Comparison
  2. 00:51Confederate Navy Contract and Calibers
  3. 01:47Production and Scarcity
  4. 03:07Visual Markings and Serial Numbers
  5. 04:13Mechanical Operation
  6. 05:19Disassembly and Field Stripping
  7. 06:47Loading Mechanism and Hidden Ramrod

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Baby LeMat Grapeshot Revolver historically significant?

The Baby LeMat was developed for the Confederate Navy during the Civil War. Despite a contract for 2,000 units, production issues in Paris meant few were delivered before the contract was canceled, resulting in extreme rarity today with only about 100 manufactured.

How does the Baby LeMat differ from the standard LeMat revolver?

The Baby LeMat is a significantly smaller and more manageable sidearm compared to the larger, heavier standard LeMat, often referred to as a 'horse pistol'. It also features reduced calibers for its dual-barrel system.

What are the calibers and capacities of the Baby LeMat Grapeshot Revolver?

The Baby LeMat has a 9-round cylinder chambered in .32 caliber and a central barrel chambered in .41 caliber. Notably, the center barrel on this specific model is rifled, unlike some smoothbore variants.

How is the Baby LeMat disassembled for cleaning?

Disassembly involves releasing a plunger pin to unscrew the barrel assembly from the central axis barrel, allowing the cylinder to be removed. A hidden ramrod extension is threaded into the grip pommel for the center barrel.

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