Lemat revolver shotgun reload

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Walkingfunk

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I have been lusting after the Lemat reproductions for a long time. But I had some questions.

I heard the loading lever (true to the originals) is a pretty weak and flimsy design. Is there a way to beef it up/updated model so it works better?

How do you reload the shotgun, do you have to carry a separate ramrod for that, or is the tool tucked away in the gun somewhere?

I’m sure it’s probably not worth it if you are just going for performance; I’d be better off with a Remington 1858 or Colt 1860, but that’s not the question!
 
IIRC the loading lever has an insert that is the ramrod for the shotgun barrel. You need some extra material to pack the shotgun barrel and to separate the charge from the shot.

My main problem with the Le Mat was pulling up on the loading lever is not as ergonomic as the design of the Colts and Remingtons. Plus they are big chunky guns. They would make decent bludgeons, though .....
 
My dad left a LeMat, NIB to my nephew. I thought the ramrod was far too loose in the shaft it is supposed to slide into. It is a cool looking gun, but my opinion is that it would be too much a PITA To load and enjoy. Yes, the loading lever looked weak. Great for the time period, great underbarrel for close work, but not worth the money when there are far better, fun pistols out there. Good for a show piece. JMO
 
I’m curious how effective that shorty shotgun barrel could be. Having a hard time seeing buckshot being all that effective with the heavy coats they wore in the winters.

And then I’m curious how effective it might be with #6 on rabbits or squirrel.

I’d think the smooth barrel extending to the end of the pistol barrel would have made it a little better, though heavier still. Seems unwieldy regardless.
 
Good evening,
I'm glad that someone put up Mike's video on how to properly load and make use of the LeMat. I've had one for years and more fun with a Cap n' Ball Saddle Revolver is hard to imagine. 50 grains of FF and some proper wadding and buckshot will make a believer out of you. The nine rounds from the cylinder are the cake and the shotgun bbl to finish is the icing. Keeping the screw tightened on the loading latch retainer will help keep the ramrod in place while _always_ keeping the ramrod in it's sleeve while reloading will keep the loading arm from any danger. There will always be guys who love the revolver and guys who think it is overly complicated. Shoot a friend's and see how you like it.
regards,
Painless IMG_3067.JPG
 
Hmmm… Seems like the shotgun barrel might just work well enough for short range small game. With buck shot I guess back then it wouldn’t take you out of the fight without a head shot but with that much digging out lead you might not have survived.
 
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