During the American Civil War, the Confederate South needed firearms. They came to use a design that had been created in New Orleans by a man named Dr. LeMat—a revolver that came to bear his name. Also called the “grape-shot revolver,” it had a nine-shot .42-cal. revolver cylinder rotating around a .63-cal. shot barrel.
With its nine-shot revolving cylinder and an additional smoothbore barrel for buckshot, the LeMat gave its bearer a distinct battlefield advantage. Carried by Confederate officers during the American Civil War, the LeMat remains one of the most distinctive firearms of the era.
If you'd like to learn more about the original design, check out this great (if somewhat grainy) video from our friends at American Rifleman! Yes, we recognize that our 2010-era video isn't the quality we've all come to expect in 2025 ... but the LeMat revolver is.
Today, LeMat historical accuracy meets modern quality in the capable hands of Italian firearms maker Pietta. The company has created a series of gorgeous replicas of this iconic sidearm, now available for purchase at MidwayUSA. Instantly recognizable with that dual-barrel design—featuring a standard revolver cylinder above a second barrel chambered in smoothbore—it's a piece of living history, reimagined with character and built to last.
Pietta’s commitment to authentic detail and quality craftsmanship ensures that today’s LeMat Revolvers are faithful reproductions of the original, offering the reliability modern collectors and enthusiasts demand. Four configurations are part of the current production line, including the discontinued “Old West” model. The LeMat’s unique combination of firepower and versatility cemented its place in firearms history.
The “LeMat” Revolver is in stock now and shipping through MidwayUSA. MSRP $1,299; MidwayUSA.com.
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