Pinfire LeMat Grapeshot Revolver

Published on April 19, 2015
Duration: 7:58

This review details a rare Pinfire LeMat Grapeshot Revolver, a variant primarily produced for the European market between 1863-1865. Unlike more common percussion models used in the Civil War, this pinfire version features a 9-round cylinder for 12mm cartridges and a unique central shotgun barrel. The design by Dr. Jean Alexandre LeMat included a pivoting striker for selecting between barrels and a special segmented slug for grapeshot effect.

Quick Summary

The Pinfire LeMat Grapeshot Revolver, produced in Liege, Belgium (1863-1865), is rare with only ~1,000 units made. It features a 9-round 12mm pinfire cylinder and a central shotgun barrel, selectable via a pivoting hammer striker.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Pinfire LeMat Grapeshot Revolver
  2. 00:41History and Development of the LeMat
  3. 01:14Pinfire LeMat Production and Rarity
  4. 01:56Technical Configuration: Dual Barrels
  5. 02:19Mechanical Operation and Selector
  6. 04:13Specialty Grapeshot Ammunition Explained
  7. 05:40Cased Set Accessories and Contents
  8. 06:21Markings and Belgian Proofs

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Pinfire LeMat Grapeshot Revolver rare?

The Pinfire LeMat is rare because it was primarily manufactured for the European market between 1863-1865. Only about 1,000 pinfire units were produced, significantly fewer than the approximately 3,000 percussion models.

What are the unique features of the LeMat Grapeshot Revolver's design?

The LeMat features a distinctive dual-barrel system: a 9-round cylinder for cartridges and a central, smoothbore muzzle-loading shotgun barrel. A pivoting striker on the hammer allows selection between firing the cylinder or the shotgun barrel.

What kind of ammunition did the LeMat Grapeshot Revolver use?

The cylinder was chambered for 12mm pinfire cartridges. The central shotgun barrel could fire various loads, including a special segmented lead slug designed to break into three pieces upon firing, acting as grapeshot.

Where was the Pinfire LeMat Revolver manufactured?

Due to a lack of US manufacturing facilities at the time, the LeMat design, including the pinfire variant, was produced in Liege, Belgium. The company eventually ceased operations in 1866.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →