[Dithsoer]

I'm considering the purchase of one of these repro revolvers and was wondering if anyone has any comments or advice on them. Are they accurate? Durable? I know they are expensive, but that's about all I can find out about them. I really like the design but don't want to spend the money if they lack accuracy and/or durability (of course, as compared to other BP revolvers). Any comments would be sincerely appreciated.

[Tommygunn]

I've had a Le Mat for 15 years. They're made by Pietta and they seem well-made. The hammer is checkering rather than the parallel striations that Pietta normally uses. Mine is pretty accurate.
Two downsides I've noticed:
(A.) For me, the way the loading lever/plunger is arranged isn't as ergonomic as the Colt/Rem/others design. Pulling up just seems odd, to me.
(B.) The lever is somewhat bendable. I bent mine a little. No big deal. In fact I think either Navy Arms or Dixie Gun Works carries replacements due to this.

Keep in mind, of course, it will take longer to load 9 chambers;) than 6.
The revolver has a adjustment on the right side of the frame that, IIRC, times the locking bolt, which on mine needs minor adjustments from time to time. The bolt on this gun protrudes from the rear of the frame into a hole in the heel of the cylinder (just so you know it does have one).

They are interesting revolvers and I believe they were favored by Jeb Stewart's Cavalry during the Civil War. Didn't help ol' Jeb against George Armstrong Custer, much...though:( :p

[mec]

Like tommygun says. dixie does catalog the loading lever parts and some others. VTI has been able to back order parts from italy as has taylor while others have not been able to get Pietta to send parts. Recently, VTI has begun listing the LeMat Parts on their site. I wrote to ask if that meant they now have a domestic supply but they did not answer. The LeMats are well made and accurate in the revolver mode the loading lever system tends to bounce up out of the detent and the shotbarrel presents problems as to reliable ignition.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=48532&stc=1&d=1164604065
One-hand "Duelist"
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=48531&stc=1&d=1164604013
They are not usually commonly seen but this weekend I saw at least 4 of them at the Dallas Market Hall gunshow.

[Rachen]

and it is the proudest gun I can ever own.

Just look at the case hardening on the hammer and trigger after you wiped it down with protective grease, and just admire the look of radiant health on all the metal and wood parts.

[mec]

those are richly done. Went to the post thanksgiving Dallas Market Hall gun show and saw a minimum of four Pietta Lemats there. This is unusual.

[Rachen]

such a rare piece, and you saw more than 4 at one exhibit. The most I saw once was two of them, a cavalry and a navy model. They just don't have the tendency to show up at gun shows that common.

[mec]

still rare but these were all pietta replicas. They've been making them since 1985 and it would be interesting to know how many have been made. I've seen them in Last Stand at Saber Creek, Cold Mountain and maybe something else.

[J.T. Gerrity]

Also appeared in "12 Monkeys" with Bruce willis (strange in this sci-fi flick, but I'm guessing they just wanted a really big gun for his character to carry).

[Rachen]

don't forget Johnny Ringo:D