Ed Harris' LeMat Conversion Revolver in HBO's WestWorld

Published on October 13, 2016
Duration: 5:19

This guide details the differences in disassembly between the original LeMat revolver and the fictionalized prop used in HBO's WestWorld. The original features a fixed shotgun barrel, while the prop allows for its removal with the cylinder, a common cinematic adaptation. The video, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, highlights these distinctions, offering insights into prop design and historical firearm mechanics.

Quick Summary

The LeMat revolver in HBO's WestWorld is a fictionalized cartridge conversion prop, distinct from the original Civil War-era percussion model. While the original featured a fixed 18-gauge shotgun barrel and .42 caliber cylinder, the prop uses .38 Short Colt cartridges and allows the shotgun barrel to detach with the cylinder for cinematic purposes.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: WestWorld's LeMat
  2. 00:21Original LeMat Specs
  3. 01:05WestWorld Cartridge Conversion
  4. 02:03Kirst Conversions Mechanics
  5. 03:36Prop vs. Reality Disassembly
  6. 04:42Shotgun Barrel Operation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the original LeMat revolver and the one used in WestWorld?

The original LeMat was a Civil War-era percussion revolver with a .42 caliber barrel and an 18-gauge shotgun barrel. The WestWorld prop is a fictionalized cartridge conversion, depicted using .38 Short Colt, with modified disassembly for cinematic effect.

How did the LeMat revolver function in the Civil War?

Confederate soldiers used the original LeMat, a 9-shot muzzle-loading revolver. It featured a unique design with a central 18-gauge shotgun barrel beneath the main cylinder, selectable via a mechanism on the hammer.

Can you convert a LeMat revolver to fire modern cartridges?

While historical cartridge conversions existed, they differed from the WestWorld prop. Modern conversion kits like Kirst Conversions modify the cylinder and backplate, but a specific kit for the LeMat is not currently offered.

Why does the LeMat prop in WestWorld disassemble differently than the original?

The prop's shotgun barrel detaches with the cylinder, a cinematic modification likely to facilitate blank-firing mechanisms. The original LeMat has a fixed shotgun barrel integral to the frame.

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