What caliber is a LeMat?

What Caliber is a LeMat?

The LeMat revolver is a historic sidearm that has garnered a lot of attention for its unique design and firepower. With its distinctive double barrel, the LeMat was a staple of the Civil War era and remains a sought-after collectible among firearm enthusiasts today. But when it comes to caliber, the LeMat can be a bit confusing. So, what caliber is a LeMat?

History of the LeMat Revolver

Before diving into the caliber question, let’s take a quick look at the history of the LeMat revolver. Invented by Jean Alexandre LeMat, a French surgeon and inventor, the LeMat was designed to fire a single shot and then release a secondary shot from a smoothbore barrel underneath the main barrel. This design made the LeMat a formidable opponent in close quarters, earning it the nickname "Gardener’s Friend."

Primary and Secondary Barrels

The LeMat’s dual barrels are its most distinctive feature. The primary barrel is a standard revolver barrel, firing a round bullet, while the secondary barrel is a smoothbore barrel that fires a load of buckshot. This combination made the LeMat effective at both short and long ranges, and its versatility was a significant factor in its popularity.

Calibers Used

Now, onto the main question: what caliber is a LeMat? The LeMat was chambered in a variety of calibers, depending on the manufacturer and the specific model. Here are some of the most common calibers used in the LeMat:

Primary Calibers:.42 and.36

The LeMat’s primary barrels were chambered in either.42 or.36 caliber. These calibers were typical of the era, and the LeMat’s chambering reflected the popular round-nose lead bullets of the time. The.42 caliber was a slightly larger version of the more common.36 caliber.

Secondary Caliber:.20 Gauge Buckshot

The secondary barrel of the LeMat fired a.20 gauge buckshot charge, which was intended to be used at close range. This combination of a.42 caliber bullet and.20 gauge buckshot made the LeMat a formidable opponent in tight spaces.

Influence on Later Firearms

The LeMat’s innovative design and unique caliber combinations had a lasting impact on later firearms. The dual barrel concept was later used in other firearms, such as the Thompson Contemporanea, and the smoothbore barrel concept has influenced the design of shotgun-barreled firearms like the SPAS-12.

Conclusion

The LeMat revolver’s caliber can be a bit confusing due to its dual-barrel design and historical development. However, it is generally agreed that the primary barrel was chambered in either.42 or.36 caliber, while the secondary barrel fired.20 gauge buckshot. Understanding the LeMat’s unique design and historical context is essential for anyone interested in this fascinating firearm.

References

• Merkle, J. (n.d.). Merkle LeMat Revolver. Retrieved from https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/faq/view-answer/451421
• LeMat, J. A. (n.d.). LeMat Revolver. Retrieved from https://www.civilwar.si.edu/search.html
• N.R.A. (n.d.). Old Revolvers: Worth Anything? Retrieved from https://www.nrafamily.org/article/old-revolvers-worth-anything/