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

Published on July 31, 2024
Duration: 21:30

This video provides an in-depth look at the iconic LeMat revolver, presented by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries. Ferguson details its unique combination of a nine-shot revolver cylinder and an underbarrel 18-gauge shotgun barrel, explaining its historical context, particularly its association with the American Civil War. He discusses the mechanics of both percussion and later centerfire models, including loading procedures, the innovative hammer mechanism for switching between barrels, and the evolution of its design through various patents. The presentation also touches on its pop culture appearances and compares real examples with movie replicas.

Quick Summary

The LeMat revolver is an iconic firearm known for its dual-barrel design: a nine-shot cylinder for .42 caliber bullets and an 18-gauge shotgun barrel beneath. A unique hammer mechanism allows switching between barrels, and later centerfire models incorporated loading gates and ejector rods.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to the LeMat Revolver
  2. 00:24LeMat in Pop Culture: Furiosa Movie Replica
  3. 01:54The Iconic Shotgun Barrel Feature
  4. 03:31How the Dual Barrels Work: Percussion Loading
  5. 05:01Loading the Shotgun Barrel
  6. 05:41Firing Mechanism: Switching Barrels
  7. 06:30Condition and Finish of the Example
  8. 07:25Markings and Proofs: System L. Lat
  9. 08:16British Proof Marks on the LeMat
  10. 09:00Single Action Operation and Sights
  11. 09:42Rare Variants: Pinfire and Centerfire
  12. 10:27The Centerfire LeMat Design
  13. 11:33Centerfire Loading and Unloading
  14. 12:53Loading the Shotgun Barrel (Centerfire)
  15. 15:06Shotgun Load Effectiveness: Duck Shot vs. Grapeshot
  16. 15:10Fire Selector Mechanism (Centerfire)
  17. 15:55The Baby LeMat
  18. 17:30Comparison of LeMat Sizes and Features
  19. 18:33Overall Thoughts on the LeMat
  20. 19:51LeMat's Legacy and Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main barrels of the LeMat revolver?

The LeMat revolver uniquely features a nine-shot cylinder for approximately .42 caliber revolver bullets and an 18-gauge smoothbore shotgun barrel located underneath the pistol barrel.

How does the LeMat switch between firing the pistol and shotgun barrels?

A special hammer mechanism allows the LeMat to switch barrels. A knob adjusts the hammer's nose: in the upper position, it fires the pistol barrel; when tilted down, it aligns with the shotgun barrel's nipple.

What kind of ammunition was typically used in the LeMat's shotgun barrel?

The shotgun barrel was typically loaded with 'duck shot' or 'swan shot,' suitable for small to medium-sized birds. It was not designed for heavy buckshot or artillery-style grapeshot due to its size and powder capacity.

What are the key differences between percussion and centerfire LeMat revolvers?

Percussion LeMats are loaded manually with powder, ball, and cap. Centerfire versions introduced a loading gate for cartridges, an ejector rod, and often a more vertical grip, along with an improved fire selector for the shotgun barrel.

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