Your thoughts on the cartridge "Lemat" model

[Desert Scorpion]

I would like to know, how many of you would buy a reproduction Lemat cartridge model revolver if it were available for $800.00 specifically this model shown in the link. Be aware there is no reproduction available; the one shown is an original lemat cartridge model.

http://www.horstheld.com/Lemat-25.jpg

 

[unknwn]

I'd have one of those so long as it was suitable for use. I mean, it would have to be safe to fire and have a respectable operational lifespan.
The cylinder seems a bit short which makes me wonder what caliber it would be chambered for.
.44CS maybe ?

 

[woodnbow]

I wouldn't be interested, a new production Merwin Hulbert Army model would be really interesting...

 

[desidog]

.44CS maybe ?

http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/LeMat_Revolver

says 11mm/20ga. at the bottom.

That particular profile looks very ungainly and hard to holster; compared to the Pietta-repro's profile. If it were a little less top-heavy, perhaps. But no.... There's a lot of stuff on my list before that.

 

[Fiv3r]

I dunno. Maybe if I had some cash burning a hole in my pocket. I MIGHT drop $800 on a .45 colt Lemat, but I could never justify the price of the cap and ball model sold through Cabela's.

It looks cool, but I try to keep my pistols purchases in the sub $500 range if I can.

 

[40 rod]

If it was double-action w/ a .45lc/410 lower barrel and a .22mag +8 cylinder 6'' SS I'd be on it like a duck after a june bug!

 

[CraigC]

It could be a .44Russian or .45S&W. The line forms here, get behind me.

 

[Busyhands94]

If they had those for sale at $800 I probably wouldn't buy one, just couldn't justify it. For that price I'll take a few cap and ball Colts and some Remingtons, and perhaps some conversion cylinders.

That being said, if I ever have money pourin' out my ears I'd possibly consider a Lemat. 9 rounds of .44 and a shotgun blast is a pretty cool thing to have from a handgun.

 

[Jim K]

IMHO, the LeMat was a poor idea in the 1850's and it has not improved with age. Given that the LeMat percussion repros sold for about that, and the costs of making a cartridge revolver are greater than those associated with making a percussion revolver (insurance, licensing, better steel, etc.), I doubt an $800 figure is feasible.

Still, as a novelty, it might have some sales; as any kind of practical gun, I don't think that train is going to leave the station.

Jim

 

[Big Al Mass]

Another point with a modern-production cartridge Lemat (which I am surprised nobody has brought up) is that since it has a shot barrel less than 18 inches, I think it would need to be registered with the ATF as an AOW. Am I correct on this?

Even if that was the case, I would buy one if I had the cash.

 

[Kaeto]

How about a modern made version of the original Le Mat that was modified for the Johnny Ringo western tv show?

http://www.johnnyringo.net/lemat.htm

 

[40 rod]

All afternoon since I read this post i'v been day dreaming about that 22mag/45 LC /.410 breaktop auto eject, stainless steel, double action,21st centerey,fiber optic,9"barrel horse pistol . I guess i don't care for that French renosance 44/20ga after all.

 

[snidervolley]

I don't think it would need any registration there are 410 pistols out there one by tuaras and it requires nothing ,and I would so buy one in a heart beat for that price coolest steam punk pistol ever and it's real to boot

 

[snidervolley]

It is so totally feasible

 

[Jaymo]

IMHO, the LeMat was a great idea and I would buy one in a hearbeat. That is, IF I had the disposable cash available.
Guess it's a moot point at this time. I'm having to replace 3 windshields as a result of the recent hailstorm.

Make it a double action breaktop and I'd be on it like stink on poop.

 

[robert garner]

Yes;I admire the weapon and the "Improved" grip on the model shown is a big selling point.

robert

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

The AOW issue could be avoided by rifling the barrel

 

[CraigC]

The shot barrel would probably have to remain a muzzleloader, which is fine.

I would buy one just to have, if nothing else.

 

[Jaymo]

The shot barrel could be chambered for .410, or make a proprietary .50 bore shotshell and use a rifled barrel, and it would not be an SBS.
I actually prefer the original French grip style of the original, but the new grip wouldn't be a deal killer for me.
.45 acp and a .50 shotshell would make me happy.

 

[CraigC]

But how are you going to load it??? You can convert percussion revolvers to fire cartridges all day long but the shot barrel of a Lemat presents a difficult design challenge to convert it to a breechloader. If not impossible.

 

[Jaymo]

Screw barrel. just like the old screw barrel pistols. Unscrew barrel, load cartridge in barrel, screw barrel back on gun, shoot gun, repeat.
Making it a breaktop would make loading much easier for the cylinder and the shot barrel.
It could use an automatic extractor, and/or ejector, just like a break open shotgun.

 

[CraigC]

If it was a break-top with an automatic ejector it wouldn't be a Lemat anymore.

 

[snidervolley]

the shot barrel was a breech loader on this gun it had its own port (the big cut out buy hammer hinge point is a loading trough for shot )the revolver loading is below right this .

 

[snidervolley]

the cavernous opening for shot barrel

 

[Jaymo]

Stop harshing my mellow, CraigC.
It would be an evolution of the LeMat. Harrington LeMat. LeMatchardson, even.
A Smith is still a Smith, even though it's not a tip-up rimfire.