LeMat Revolver

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	Weapon: LeMat Revolver Type: Revolver Country of Origin: France Year Adopted: 1856 Caliber: .36 Caliber Action: Percussion Overall Length (mm): 337.0 Weight (kg): 1.00 Effective Range (m): 30

The LeMat Revolver was a unique and innovative firearm designed in 1856 by Jean Alexandre LeMat, a French-American inventor. Its distinctive feature was a dual-barrel system, with a nine-shot cylinder for .42 caliber bullets and a central, larger bore under-barrel for a single 20-gauge shotgun round. This dual-purpose design made it versatile, providing both standard revolver capabilities and a powerful close-range option. The revolver's frame and construction were robust, featuring a loading lever similar to other cap-and-ball revolvers of the time, and it was produced in several variants, including percussion and later pinfire models.

Production of the LeMat Revolver was limited, with estimates of around 2,900 units manufactured primarily in France and Belgium. The revolver saw most of its use during the American Civil War, where it was favored by Confederate officers due to its high capacity and versatility. Notably, General J.E.B. Stuart and other prominent figures were known to carry the LeMat. However, logistical challenges, including difficulty in acquiring sufficient ammunition, limited its widespread adoption despite its technical advantages.

The LeMat Revolver earned notoriety for its unconventional design and association with the Confederate forces, becoming a symbol of innovation amidst adversity. Its unique features have made it a sought-after collector's item and a popular subject in historical firearms literature. While it was not produced in large quantities, its legacy endures as a testament to 19th-century ingenuity and as an iconic weapon of the American Civil War. Today, original LeMat Revolvers are highly prized by collectors and often featured in museums and historical reenactments.