Pietta Le Mat

[tkendrick]

I just spent the better part of an hour at Cabella's this afternoon, checking out a Pietta Le Mat.

I know that Pietta does not have the best reputation for quality, so I'm interested in hearing any comments that any current or former owners and users may have regarding this gun.

Thanks

 

[mykeal]

If it's a new gun, made in the last couple of years or so (look for a date code of BU, BZ, CA or CB) then you shouldn't have much of a worry about quality. Pietta's reputation has improved quite a bit lately. And of course, check out the cylinder end shake, timing and fit of the grips, frame and barrel, just like you would with any revolver. Everything should lock up tight and move freely when it's supposed to. Do this with the gun you are going to own, not their counter demo, and do it before you leave the store. If they give you the "we have a store policy against it" story, see if you can get the clerk to do it for you while you watch. If not, walk.

 

[AntiqueCollector]

Cabelas has a pretty good return policy generally if you get a lemon revolver.

 

[Tommygunn]

I have a Le Mat I bought in 1993 and have never had a problem with it.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I have owned 4 different Pietta '58 Rems. 3 brass frame and the steel frame I own now, none of them gave any trouble at all. wish I had kept 1 of the brass-framed.

 

[Rachen]

I have a LeMat

(Navy Model), bought from Dixie Gun Works. That piece is absolutely awesome, fit, finish and timing is completely correct and flawless. The LeMats are probably the most expensive of all the 19th century arms, and you are definitely going to get your money's worth.

 

[Desert Scorpion]

I have had bad luck with pietta, bought strait from cabelas, to give you an idea I have returned three guns to them. Mainly the problem was the barrels were fitted wrong causing them to slant to the left and make them very inaccurate. However I have held the LE Mat revolver from them and have t o say get it. I would get it from www.Dixiegunworks.com and not cabelas. Dixie check all there guns and they have a good gunsmith who can fix any problems you encounter. It's a good gun well made I just must have got very unlucky with mine. Good luck!

 

[Tommygunn]

DS, I have got one Remmie from Pietta that had that problem ... I can't figure out hw Pietta would manage that with a Le Mat, given the design ... Maybe Armi San Marco could if they were still in business and making that kind of gun...

 

[Desert Scorpion]

See! I am not the only one here that has had a considerable barrel problem with Pietta. However your right the Le Mat should not have that problem, get it since I believe they are the only one's making it anyways, so not much of a choice. I am not saying that Pietta is a bad manufacturer they do make fine guns but be aware of these facts which I present to you.

1. Pietta's Remington 1858 New Army has a NON HISTORICAL shaped grip although better than the original it is not historical.

2. Pietta Colt 1861 36CAL revolver has a longer barrel than the original, mainly to save money. They use the same barrel as there 1860 only chambering it for 36 cal which is NON Historical, the original 1860 had a smaller length to its barrel, not to worry though since Uberti Makes all there guns historically accurate including the 1861 Navy.

3. Pietta Offers many models in Colt 1851 which are not historically accurate in that they are mostly all 44 cal and the original 1851 was of 36cal. The only true 1851 style cap&ball chambered in 44cal during the 1800's was a few knockoffs’ not colt made. Confederate Griswold Revolver, and Dance & Brothers Revolver and maybe a few others.

Im not saying Pietta is bad they are just not historically accurate maybe on purpose, it seems to me they thought they might improve them or something.

 

[mec]

Here's some links
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=236983
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=153997
Pietta is prone to screw up on several different levels but both of my Lemats were very well made and accurate. Also had good luck with their smith carbine and a pocket remington. The main issues are the shot barrel is hard to ignite due to short and oblique hammer throw vs modern stipenate primers and the need for a special tool to disassemble.

 

[Cincinnati Slim]

Howdy,

I've looked at those Le Mats at Dixie's booth at Friendship. They are indeed mighy fine looking. These are part of Pietta's "premium" line of pistolas. I think they repesent a higher level of fit and finish than the "bargin basement" Traditions branded revolvers intended to be sold for less than two hunnert dollars via mail order. I think your gonna get what you pay for here, both Dixie and Cabela's have pretty good return/exchange policies so I think you're pretty safe here. Especially if you can personally examine the gun before purchase. I have recently purchased some of the more expensive Pietta products and my only critique is they are, if anything, a little "TOO tight"!
Barrel/cylinder gaps are TINY and frame/barrel fits are soooooo snug disassembly is pretty sticky. This is of course much better than loose and sloppy. You can always remose a little metal but you can't put it back.

Like my Grand Pop would say, "D*mn it, I done cut this board twice and it's STILL TOO SHORT !"

If you got the coin I'd say "go for it" !

Cincinnati Slim