Ed Harris' LeMat Conversion Revolver in HBO's WestWorld

Published on October 13, 2016
Duration: 5:19

This review details the LeMat revolver as seen in HBO's WestWorld, distinguishing between the show's fictionalized cartridge conversion and original percussion models. It highlights the LeMat's unique 9-shot capacity with an 18-gauge shotgun barrel and discusses the mechanics of modern cartridge conversions, noting Kirst Conversions does not currently offer a LeMat kit. The analysis also points out cinematic liberties taken with the prop's disassembly.

Quick Summary

The LeMat revolver in HBO's WestWorld is a fictionalized cartridge conversion firing .38 Short Colt. Originally a Civil War Confederate firearm, it featured a 9-shot, .42 caliber cylinder and an 18-gauge shotgun barrel. Modern conversions modify cylinders for metallic cartridges.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: WestWorld's LeMat Revolver
  2. 00:21Original LeMat Specs & History
  3. 01:05WestWorld Cartridge Conversion Analysis
  4. 02:03Modern Conversion Mechanics (Kirst)
  5. 03:36Prop Disassembly vs. Reality
  6. 04:42Shotgun Barrel Selector Operation

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearm does Ed Harris use in HBO's WestWorld?

Ed Harris' character in HBO's WestWorld carries a distinctive firearm identified as a LeMat revolver. This unique weapon features both a standard revolver cylinder and a central 18-gauge shotgun barrel.

Was the LeMat revolver in WestWorld a real cartridge conversion?

The LeMat revolver depicted in WestWorld is a fictionalized cartridge conversion, shown firing .38 Short Colt cartridges. While historical cartridge-firing LeMats existed, they were mechanically different and less common than the original percussion models.

What were the original specifications of the LeMat revolver?

The original LeMat revolver, used by the Confederacy in the Civil War, was typically a 9-shot, .42 caliber muzzle-loader with an 18-gauge shotgun barrel. Around 3,000 were originally produced.

How do modern cartridge conversions work on percussion revolvers?

Modern conversions, like those from Kirst Conversions, typically involve shortening the cylinder and adding a backplate with a firing pin. This allows the original percussion hammer to strike a centerfire primer on the metallic cartridge.

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