LeMat Grapeshot Revolvers: Design Evolution
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- / forgottenweapons
The LeMat grapeshot revolver is one of the most distinctive and powerful sidearms of the US Civil War, sporting both a 9-round .42 caliber cylinder of pistol bullets and a shotgun barrel as cylinder axis. Alexander LeMat received a contract for 15,000 of these guns for the Confederate military, but only managed to deliver about 2,500 by the end of the war. He presented several of his early guns to Confederate generals, including Beauregard and Lewis, both of which are included in this video.
In this video, we will take a look at the progression of the LeMat design through the Civil War. The first example is a Belgian-made pre-production gun, with distinctive brass hardware. Following this are two early first model guns (Beauregard's and Lewis'), and then both early and late second model guns (which allow us to see both type of locking system used by LeMat).
/ forgottenweapons
Half million worth of guns on that table. Pretty awesome, man! Glad these auction houses let you make these videos about guns like this, because that's about as close as some of us will ever get.
It's basically free advertising. Everybody wins.
If you've got about 1000 dollars you can buy a replica
@@maxcolt4124 or £100
Does it fire though
@@coreytrevor1920 Does a $1000 replica fire? Yes. They're made by Pietta in Italy. If you're in the US, you can order one online and have it shipped straight to your home, in most states. US federal law does not consider muzzleloading black powder guns to be "firearms" so they're exempt from most gun control laws.
Does a $100 replica fire? No, they're just cheap junk.
Not in their wildest imaginations could 2 Civil War generals expect their sidearms to be displayed for the whole world to see on a "show" called UA-cam on something called the internet.
the specific tech was likely unthinkable but to share an image internationally is not a new thing and the old gun shows used to tour with famous names and personalities as company props to help sales across a number of countries. To have your fame shared across a world stage has been enough to get many to go to war.
what a beutiful guns
General Beauregard may have been somewhat surprised that his revolver would sell for $224k
On a so called "computer"
They had their hopes on MySpace... Prolly a little off... 😓
Something about the aesthetics of these guns tickles me to absolutely no end.
My little cousin just watched this and got to the part where you said they had so many orders for the confederate army and navy. He then ran into my room and asked me why they didn't have any for the Air Force. 😂
They had balloon troops :)
They were too busy training the Kansas Coast Guard... (-_-);
HAHA, that may be the cutest thing I've ever heard
That's a very good question! ;-)
Nate Nixon
I hope you told him the truth - that the Air Force chose a different sidearm.
Way back in 1959 there was a TV western series called "Johnny Ringo" who carried a LeMat. Often the shotgun barrel was used in the inevitable end-of-episode gun fight, which always ended in Ringo's victory.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Ringo_(TV_series)
The inspiration for Rango
I'm your huckleberry (yes I know it's a different movie instead of the show I just figured the reference fit)
The modern Westworld TV show has The Man In Black using a Lemat as well.
The DEADLIEST pistolero 'ere since wild bill, they say.
Johnny Ringo: Hero or villain? Stone cold killer or "too high-strung"? To quote FMJ/Joker Matthew Modine: "The duality of man, the Jungian thing, sir!"
I'd be happy with a not too fancy .357 magnum/20 gauge replica of those.
I'm looking at you, Uberti. Do it!
ChriZ GaGuRo This weapon ain’t designed for metallic cartridges. And percussion replicas exist, if you’re willing to lay down a grand for one.
Would be an NFA item because shotguns are not permitted to be pistols. you would have to register it as a SBS and all the money, waiting and paper work that entails. The market isn't large enough, especially for how large and heavy the final product would be and the cost I'm sure would be well into the 4 digits. Prolly easier to make one yourself, or drop the cash on a black powder one.
@@DescendantSaga what about the Taurus Judge though? Is it considered as a shotgun or just a regular revolver?
@@steinnbjorn7627 it's a revolver because it has a rifled barrel. If it was smooth bore, then it would be a problem
@@DescendantSaga oh, thank you for the info, well, the laws are kind of weird
You're like the David Attenborough of firearms. Whatever fanciful design or interesting history a firearm has, I've found you to be a font of knowledge. Recently I introduced my best friend to your videos as well, he enjoys them immensely. Thank you for the hours of educational entertainment!
Edutainment :D
I like that label for GunJesus! ;-) He IS the Sir David A. of the gun world!
I think you mean "a fount of knowledge". Otherwise, I'm in exact agreement, especially with the Attenborough comparison.
That is probably the best compliment anyone in firearms is ever likely to get. "The David Attenborough of firearms." Just, damn.
@@michaelharding6264 no, font is correct
As the owner of a LeMat myself, I commend you on the knowledge you showed of this gun. Both firing modes had their pros and cons, yet while they are both serviceable, they are both inferior to the Colt revolver, and any standard shotgun respectively with the latter having such power that most wielders of the gun couldn't take more than a couple shots before their hand felt sore.
I've seen the LeMAt used in several films over the years, but only once did they use the shotgun barrel as it was meant to be used from horseback. _Love this revolver!_
In what movies did you they use these? If you dont me asking.
That would be awful to aim, goddamn
It was used by Kiefer Sutherland's character in the 2015 movie "Forsaken".
@@elkmeatenjoyer3409 Bruce Willis' character in 12 Monkeys had one
I wish we had a modern version of this with .500S&W and a 12ga shotgun shell.
that would be a heavy and bulky firearm.
Who needs wrists anyways?
Press F for wrists.
Pietta make a modernized reproduction
@Alex Eidenier My brother would buy that so fast
"S.G.D.G" means "Sans Garantie Du Gouvernement" (Without the warranty of the governement)
Cool coincidence: March 1st is the date that Buearegard became a general.
also my birthday
you forgot that
@@davidfarmer2049 happy birthday david
Excellent summary! I have been fascinated by the LeMat revolver since I first saw one in the late 70’s.
On the ramrod (5:34) it looks like it has a cutout on the threaded end for a patch to go down the barrel. That's a smart way to incorporate a cleaning rod into the design.
Without any doubt one of my favorite guns of all time, I hope one day to get one of these beauties. As always thanks to Ian for showing us those great pieces of history.
+Forgotten Weapons - Ian, what a fantastic opportunity you had to show off and compare these LeMat pistols! Your videos are always so interesting, absorbing, and informative. Thank you for making this video - I so thoroughly enjoy these - I rather surprise myself (I am honestly not a gun person) and have now decided I am a frustrated engineer because that is what I like the most - that you show us the inner workings of these weapons. Fascinating. Thanks again!
Would love to see what a la mat would do on target, a serious hand full of firepower.
On the mat is a very very heavy revolver and the shotgun part of it is only good very very close unless you're using a slug cause the shot disperses so fast it's everywhere instantly so you have to be like at the most 10 ft from somebody as the owner of a Desperado you can look that up I paid $750 for it's a 12 gauge 8 inch barrel shotgun pistol double barrel just Google the Diablo and it will show you it's an American company 12 gauge shotgun pistol you can order no paperwork or anything it will come in the mail I use triple 7 in it and 209 shotgun primers very fun to shoot again just Google Diablo shotgun pistols and you'll see a list of all the shotgun pistols their new more modern but they are black powder no paperwork and I do not recommend using the pellets for the powder use regular powder in it 777 or stuff like that but not the compressed pellets it sucks in the short pistols 70 grains of black powder works great or the propellant triple seven triple FG
As usual, my favorite videos are these overview/historical walkthrough ones.
This is especially excellent in this case because you have a number of rare LeMats all in one place. Probably never have this opportunity again so I appreciate your efforts Ian! Thanks.
After binging a bunch of HUNT SHOWDOWN videos, here’s my recommendation
Same.
same
Ahahar! :D
Same :)
Ian I just have to say how much I love your videos , I have been collecting and shooting guns for almost 60 years and I’m still learning thank you for your great input
Outstanding as always! Probably would never see them all together. Thanks Ian for your endless information on unique firearms.
It's videos such as this which are the real gems of your productions. Thanks for all the effort in making them.
5:40 mark Did you notice the notch in the shotgun ramrod that can be used as a cleaning rod also?
It seems like the ramrod is much nicer on the first series than the later ones. The later one doesn't have the cleaning patch slot. The later ramrod design seems outright trashy, actually...
LeMat was all, "yo dawg I heard you like guns so I put shotgun in yo gun, yo!"
xD right that's what I thought everytime
The xzibit of revolvers
So you can shoot fools WHILE you're shooting fools!
Yea ik its an old comment but just HAD to do ita
OMG, OMG, OMG, now i can go out and shoot up where ever i want, i can rob a bank AND a liquar store at the same time and look at the finish. And what this button for? . OMG its so shine. Did you take the old finish off and put on that new one from PPG? And the handle, is that ivory ? I love ivory OMG!! Thank you so much. hey, Donte, look at this , yo, yo yo this di bomb (its the 90 give me a break). Mary Jo bring yer ass over hare and lookit
The ramrod has a ramrod.
I'm hooked on your videos. I'm watching out of pure interest alone as the likelihood of seeing any of these fine items here in the UK is very slim! I note you wear the odd bit of British surplus (the NATO jumper and the desert jacket) kudos for that.
A really informative dicussion.
I must say that you have a relaxed and clear manner in your talks and don't bark out your words like a drill sergeant that happens in some American gun videos. Always a pleasure to listen to your clear English well researched descriptions full of colourful anecdotes.
I find that Ian has an incredibly soothing voice actually. Like I could listen to him reading bedtime stories too.
I think if Ian could swing it, all his videos would be mainly in French. Oui?
@@Mr_T_Badgerlol I regularly use Ian’s videos to fall asleep to. I just find a super long one or a playlist and stick a 40 minute phone timer. Never fails to work!
I’m so glad this was added to RDR2, I have this on my primary holster, and a Schofield on my offhand. But I rarely dual wield, it’s just nice to have em both 😆
I use it in rdr1 a lot. But the Mauser is better for groups and the high power for normal use.
My Ideal revolver would be a LeMat in its round capacity & most asthetics (including the spur & swivel loop) but it would be shells with a gate load (would need to solve for the shotgun round) and it would takedown/fit mechanically like the Merwin & Hulbert.
Since this is Fantasy, everything just works fine though lol.
id like a reproduction of this
+Liam Talty Pietta made them.
holy cow It's almost impossible to find a replica for less than 1.2k and then usually back ordered. I can only imagine what these will go for and seeing that many together blows my mind! some one was a high end horder . Thanks for the Information maybe one day we will see the johnny ringo center fire custom LaMat.
Fantastic concept, wish I had one of those even a replica, thanks for sharing these prototypes
Always professional and informative. Good video.
Hi Ian, all I can say is WOW, what an amazing opportunity. This has to be one of the greatest benefits of your association with auction houses, you get a chance to see some amazing guns from exclusive private collections. Keep up the great work. You are really making a huge contribution to documenting and making available incredible firearms' history.
+krmould
Agreed... But ive seen some people complain that he doesnt do as many shooting videos anymore. But I dont mind because im in it for the history and close up videos. His website and youtube channel was always more of an information hub anyway.
another outstanding video. its so wonderful to hear the history of these guns. thank you Ian for such a interesting channel
Yet another well done video Ian.
With so many unique and historical firearms you have occasion to review, I imagine it must hurt not to be able to add them to your personal collection.
I truly envy your position to be able to handle so many historic firearms!
A fascinating video. I knew of the LeMat firearm but this video really gave me more of an appreciation of the history of firearms.
Another great video. I really enjoy the level of detail in your descriptions. Firearms are wonderful fingerprints of engineering history. Seeing side by side examples of their evolution is fascinating.
I know you are constrained by the offerings in each auction, but I would really enjoy a "soup to nuts" review of the evolution of the Lee-Enfield rifle if the opportunity arises. Thanks for the great videos.
Great review, as usual. Never knew about LeMat until now. Ty.
Outstanding presentation of information on this most rare and interesting firearm! Thank you so much!
I love these videos, so much fun to watch and so educational! I'd love to one day see you get your hands on a De Lisle Carbine one day
As usual, the tremendous amount of detail you can explain about the weapons you describe is amazing. I have no idea where you find the resources to research it.
One of the oddest firearms in our family collection is a 1860? French stamped 41cal. Converted to cartridge around 1866. My great great grandfather purchased in around 1860-61 he used it as a secondary sidearm. After the war he had it converted. It is a model 1 and challenging to balance. He left it to his son and has been in our family since new.
Very interesting to see the evolution of the enginering and the reasons, thanks for the video.
An interesting example of these guns is HBO's new series WestWorld...The Ed Harris character disassembles and loads it in season 1 episode 2
thanks sonofthem2
Malcolm Reynolds used a sorta LeMatt in Firefly
@@philgiglio9656 Pretty sure that was actually Jayne's gun. Mal had one based on the Colt 1851, if I recall correctly.
Hmm, no, I don't think so. Looks like a Colt, no shotgun barrel.
Very effective against monsters in the Bayou.
How can anyone 'forget' these "forgotten weapons" when explained so brilliantly in such detail....??????????
Excellent as usual. I noticed that #8 was the only one shown that did not have the cut out in the frame on the right side behind the cylinder that would allow one to add or remove caps on the nipples without removing the cylinder.(where the later Colt loading gate would go.)
good vid, you have increased my vocabulary and smarts on antique guns,thanks!
Ian: I would like to look at a LeMat Revolver
JDJ inc.: We got 5
Ian: Outstanding Move
Those are pretty interesting revolvers. Beautiful craftsmanship on all of them.
Nicely done and very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
I really want to see the modern remake of this concept.
It exists I heard.
In .357 I think
I would say Robert E Lee is much more famous than Beauregard
Yes, but Beauregard had the coolest name.
grayfoxx3 idk "Stonewall" Jackson is pretty damn cool
Not if you are from New Orleans as was Beauregard. The idea was from a New Orleans Doctor, who probably presented the weapon directly to PGTB.What is it with MD's and guns..LeMatt and Gatling???.
Maybe R.E.L. didn't have a LeMat?
@@jimbo97 Does anyone know if Lee even carried a pistol?
Well done .definitive,i learned a great deal from this video,i love this gun ,now I know a lot more about it.thank you for sharing your knowledge concerning this epic pistol.
The prototype and especially the early production sample (Beauregard's) look beautiful, better than the later ones. Nice video.
+J. Martinni Generals usually don't get close enough to actually use their sidearms...which is as it should be. They should be giving orders...hopefully good orders. Their personal arms should be in excellent condition.
Actually "BTÉ" doesn't stand for "Brevet" (patent) but for "Breveté" (patentED).... just a little detail... :P
Awesome video, thank you for having made it!
SNOUPS4 merci. Have a brandy on us.
Beauregard's lemat needs to be in a museum. I hope whoever buys it puts it in one.
Myra Madd Mud test
No. Now days any museum displaying it would post a disclaimer that he was a terrible racist. Look what the Civil War museum did when it took over the Museum of the Confederacy.
@@alswann2702 We should be careful about idolizing the Confederates. They _were_ ,in fact, terrible racists. I know the Civil War was fought over a variety of issues but they were fighting to keep black people as property.
@@michaeldriggers7681 is that what you believe? The war wasn't over slavery. Real history is hard to come by and that's no accident. Also Victor's write history so.... They can say whatever and people have to take it as truth.
Abe destroyed much. Federal gov was born with him. That's when rights started getting taken away. States had the right to succeed Abe was by force trying to keep them in the union. Now we have the federal gov who's power exceeds what for Father's intended and guarded against. Now laws are passed without representation. Many laws exclude government. We the people no longer exist. It's now we the slaves.
Can't really judge people from 150 years ago using our own morals, there wouldn't be a single statue or university building left if we did.
Absolutely fascinating! Thanks for your videos!
Im ngl im here cause of red dead online, and i gotta say that firing mechanism was bugging me so much as i had no idea how it fired, thank you so much for explaining it
Actually that extra spur on the "cavalry" trigger-guard is there to adjust your grip while wearing leather gauntlets (gloves). The old cavalry gauntlets were thick but supple doeskin leather, which fatten the fingers to the point where theres not enough surface left on the grip, so move a finger forward, and "Presto, dead yankees!" :)
Too bad them there yankees won
@@williamhill638 really why do you like slavery or something
@@freedomenjoyer1686 probably wishes his ancestors plantation was still in operation.
@@Sneakyboson it was probably a joke.
Why are people like this?
@@BigWheel. I agree with you, but I have met a few unsavoury people who advocate for slavery. You never know!
i almost bought one of these out of Cabelas back in the day... it was like $300 3 years later they wanted 600 or so.
Great video, keep up the good work, I have been enjoying your content!
Wow best vid on this I've seen....Nicely done thank you
When he unscrews the ram rod it looks as if it also has a slit in it to be used as a cleaning rod as well
Thank you Gun Jesus I have finally seen the so called grapeshot revolver along with some idea of how it worked.
Probably my favourite revolver of all time such fascinating gun.
How could have I forgot about this channel?
The trigger guard spur is for horse back. You well be aiming down. Also why the grip/handle is at more of a angle. Same with the s&w no. 3 ment for calvary.
I heard the grip was for shooting the shotgun without hurting yourself
S.G.D.G = "Sans Garantie du Gouvernement" : Without guarantee of the government
SCDG is probably a typing mistake.
Those pistols must be in the running for the most gorgeous firearm ever produced
That first production model is a beautiful gun.
Is there any possibility to get your hands on a Bergmann MP18?
anyway, keep those awesome videos coming!
+piRaufasertapete I am still looking for one...
+piRaufasertapete That would be great!
+Forgotten Weapons I would like to see a plethora of Lee Enfield's models if you ever get the chance.
Fantastic video, excellent analysis and beautiful pieces. Really hoping we can see the return of this gun in Red Dead Redemption 2 at some point, preferably single player.
Paging you now. Unlike in Redemtion 1 the shotgun is very functional.
@@actuallySHRIKEI'm replaying undead nightmare next. Then rdr2 I can't wait.
Lovely gun I have reccy became owner of serial no. 2054 it was very worth purchase no regrets and it even overcame some of my expectations
This is my favorite old revolver
Could you still fire the shotgun barrel without the main barrel assembly attached?
+Adoring Fan Yes, I suppose you could.
not the adoring fan i killed you
3 years too late but THE LEMAT IS A GUN WRAPPED AROUND ANOTHER!
@@ForgottenWeapons hey ian huge fan. But I was wondering do you have to take the second ram rod out of the first one couldn't you just flip it around and use it that way still
Also about LeMat and Beauregard: LeMat married Justine Sophie LePretre, who was the the cousin of Beauregard. So multiple connections there.
Also, it would seem that she was a descendant of the Marquis de Vauban (born "Le Prestre"), engineer/hydraulic engineer, military architect, especially known in France for his military fortifications by the sea, under the reign of Louis XIV (the Sun King). A family definitively connected with military history!
" switching to your sabre is quicker than reloading this monstrosity"
All jokes aside,man I love the lemat revolver
The pre-preduction example looks to be in incredible condition.
i have allways liked to look of a LeMat revolver, although i have never had the opportunity to fire one, has any company tried to make a modern day incarnation? i would make for a nice fun gun if they did. once again Ian thinks for an interesting and informative video
+simon Emmett Yes, you can get reproduction LeMats.
cool but i was thinking of one in .357 or .44 as a modern build
+simon Emmett www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=3496
+simon Emmett -- I have a reproduction in .44, with a 20 gauge smoothbore. Made by Pietta. It's closest to the first pattern shown here, finger tang on the trigger guard, swivel lanyard ring, but the barrel locking mechanism is a bit different (it's a simple swiveling lock, not spring loaded, not pin) and it has the upward swinging loading ram. It also has the pin cylinder lock rather than the wedge. Fit and finish is very nice, it shoots well, the spring clip that holds the ram in place could have been better done, overall I've been happy with it. It's not the handful that the Walker is but it's heavy, bit over 3 pounds, probably not for the limp of wrist. If you run out of bullets it makes a fair war club. It was quite expensive for a bp revolver, around $700 from Cabela's when I got it around 15 years ago. They no longer seem to sell them, but you may still be able to find them.
+simon Emmett I wonder if you could even make one that'd fire modern Magnum rounds without radically altering the design, you have a lot of stuff going on in a very small package, not sure if the cylinder walls could do modern cartridges even with modern mettalurgy.
Once again, Hunt Showdown is out here as a game that gives life to forgotten weapons or novelty.
RDR2 has a wonderful rendition of it. I run a pair of them.
Hmmm hmmm hmmm… Hmmm hmm HMMMMM.
@@Forbiddensirenz Oh Marsyboissss
So awesome. I see the flat trigger trend started a very long time ago. Also pretty neat that the ram rod for the shotgun is also a cleaning rod for the barrel!
Good to give us the years of when they came out mate cheers
I'd buy that for a dollar! Well I did, the video that is. Best buck spent this month. Thanks for the video.
Serious Sam is awesome
7:53 Stuart, Lee, and Jackson: “Allow us to introduce ourselves”
I noticed that the shotgun ramrod of the prototype LeMat appeared to have a slot milled into the rod near the threading. Did this double as a cleaning rod?
+Tactical Tightwad Yup.
Even for someone that isnt much of a gun nut these guns are just fascinating!
This video was pretty freakin awesome Ian :) Really makes me want to pick up a repro Lemat, even if I don't ever fire it.
Hunt: Showdown players: *heavy breathing*
This video got recommended to me the same day i bought Red dead Redemption 2
this man does great videos always
Loved the video! Thank you so much.
Came from Hunt : Showdown lol
Hmmm...a 9 round (plus 1 shotgun round) handgun. This had the potential to be a stand-out revolver. Out of curiosity, what do you think prevented the Lemat from becoming as well-known as the Colt or Remington? Was it that the gun didn't change over from black powder to shells when the other manufacturers did. Or was it because the Lemat was primarily sold to the losing side in the Civil War?
Very few were ever made; not sure what happened to Dr LeMatt after the war...that might have something to do with it. Plenty of cap and ball Colts were in use after the war, even after cartridge weapons became available.You don't discard a working weapon you've already paid for if it still works. Most were eventually discarded for one reason...black powder absorbs moisture from the air and the weapon may not discharge when you need it most.Thats why Marston emptied his weapon in "Quigley Down Under".
Union blockade keeping European arms from entering the south. Some made it through.
They probably weren't cheap to produce, as was the downfall of many solid gun designs.
Cost of the gun but those that owned them loved them that was a lot of killing power and the 9 round cylinder ment you often had the edge of extra shots never mind a buckshot blast.
My absolute favorite gun such a cool looking piece
Just seems to intricate to be very useful in battle..great video as usual..
Now I feel slightly cheated by Rockstar Games because they didn't include the LeMat's shotgun ability in Red Dead Redemption. Regardless, it's still one of my favourite guns in that game, and I have an even deeper appreciation for it now after learning about some of the history behind it.
well, they did
Red dead 2 has the shotgun ability on the LeMat revolver
I have been Yeeted by a Lemat shotgun barrel more times than I've been wrecked by a mw2 noob tube 😂😂
I still think these revolvers look fabulous, the complexity is elegant and businesslike. Still very steampunk with the brass accouterments. The earlier version with the finger spur on the trigger guard may not be very useful but it looks cool. And, as a leftie, I like the fact that they changed the ramming lever to the left side because you could mold a very nice leather holster with a flatter profile against the body for left handed use. Hmm...
Nice historical video. Thank You.
Fascinating revolvers. Amazing engineering!