LeMat Revolver

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 14:17 Written by Administrator Thursday, 02 July 2009 12:42

The LeMat Revolver was an American Civil War-era revolver that was designed by Dr. Jean Alexandre LeMat. It came in two calibre variants: .42 and .36 and saw service with the forces of the Confederate States during the Civil War. The LeMat revolver also featured a secondary barrel under the main barrel that could fire buckshot loaded using a single shotgun cartridge. Around 5000 LeMat Revolvers were manufactured in total.

The LeMat was a nine-shot revolver and was capable of firing nine rounds per minute. The revolver was manufacture in between the years 19856-65. Initially, it was manufactured by a firm in Philadelphia. However the later models were manufactured in France. Due to quality concerns, manufacturing at the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) were also considered. However, the idea was later dropped.

The original design was not accurate enough in the field. However, when fired from close range, it was capable of punching very high power. Soldiers, especially in the Southern States, always carried more than one revolver as it is faster to draw a loaded weapon than to load it.

The LeMat was never a popular weapon though it was capable of providing extra firepower from its secondary barrel. The main reason behind this was that the revolver was on the overall a poor quality weapon.

Today, several manufacturers make replicas of the LeMat. For instance, The Pietta Company, Italy has been making replicas of the LeMat since 1985. The LeMat is also a popular weapon in popular culture. It is featured in various television shows and movies.

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