Hello The Forum!
Greetings fellow LeMat enthusiasts!
I've been fascinated by these works of Victorian innovation for years and had to take the plunge. I recently acquired an unfired early Navy Arms so-called Army model. Overall it's in really great condition and is mechanically good. As a bonus it came with one of the replica molds (probably not much practical use, but cool....) as well as a rather light duty presentation case with pseudo French fitted interior. This will take quite a bit of work to make useful, but it's a starting point.
I've read through the LeMat club postings and have noted a number of comments on a couple of points that I would like advise on.
First is the mainspring. As most have posted, mainsprings on most of these are quite strong for what I take to be a good reason, mainly to be able to fire the shotgun barrel. I have found on mine that it literally takes a two-handed technique to cock in order to get the last locking "click". I would like to be able to do this one-handed, and would like to know if there is a smith that can be recommended for doing this. If it's a tricky point, my first priority is shooting reliability and would prefer two-handed use to a questionable shot barrel reliability.
Second is the loading lever. As most experience it, I too find the arrangement quite "wanting" for practical use. If it were just the inconvenient placemant of lever, etc. I could live with it, but at least on mine the ram plunger doesn't ride tightly in the groove cut for it, so when lining up for seating the ball, it can wobble out of a straight line. Are there any out there that have worked on this and modified either the plunger or barrel groove to have it ride straight?
I've also noticed a little discussion of fitting a shoulder stock. Has anyone been able to do this? I thing it would be a fantastic accessory and make for a very handy add-on.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to address the group and I look forward to future posts.