LeMat Revolver

Lemat Revolver
TypeGrapeshot revolver/service pistol
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1861–1865
Used byConfederate States
Government of National Defense
WarsAmerican Civil War
Franco-Prussian War
Production history
DesignerJean Alexandre LeMat
Designed1855; US Patent 1856
ManufacturerJohn Krider of Philadelphia
Charles Frederic Girard and Son of Paris
London Armoury Company
Produced1856–1865
No. builtapprox. 2,900
VariantsRevolver
Carbine
Specifications
Mass4.1 lb (1.86 kg), loaded
Length13.25 in (356 mm)
Barrel length6.75 in (172 mm) barrel (revolver)

Cartridge.42 ball (.44 repro.) or .36 ball
16 to 20 ga. shot
Caliber.42/.44 (repro.)/.36
20 ga. shot
Barrels2
ActionSingle action revolver
Single barrel shotgun
Rate of fire9 rounds/minute
Muzzle velocity620 ft/s (190 m/s)
Effective firing range40 yd (37 m)
Maximum firing range100 yd (91 m)
Feed system9-round cylinder; and
single-shot smooth-bore secondary barrel
Sightsfixed front post and rear notch

The LeMat revolver was a .42 or .36 caliber cap & ball black powder revolver invented by Jean Alexandre LeMat of France, which featured an unusual secondary 16 to 20 gauge smooth-bore barrel capable of firing buckshot. It saw service with the armed forces of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War of 1861–1865 and the Army of the Government of National Defense during the Franco-Prussian War.