The Pietta LeMat is a faithful reproduction of the historic Civil War “Grape Shot Revolver” originally designed by Jean Alexandre LeMat. It's a fascinating and unique black powder revolver with some standout features:

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???? Key Specs & Features

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  Dual-barrel configuration:

  
  
  
  
  
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    A standard nine-shot .44 caliber cylinder, and

    
    
  
  
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    A central smoothbore barrel, .20‑gauge in Pietta’s modern version—originals used ~.63 cal (~16 gauge)

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Barrel: 6¾″ rifled octagonal main barrel, 1‑in‑30″ twist .

  
  


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  Weight: About 1.5–1.6 kg (3.3–3.5 lb) Construction: Blued steel, case‑hardened hammer/trigger, checkered walnut grips, lanyard ring, variant‑specific selector lever

  
  

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????️ Handling & Performance

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  Well-made & accurate: Reviewers praise its tight lock-up, proper timing, and impressive craftsmanship—often outperforming modern Colt reproductions cabelas.com+4civilwartalk.com+4pietta.us+4.

  
  


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  Weight balance: The revolver feels muzzle‑forward and heavy, but this mass helps to reduce recoil; accuracy at 25 yd is respectable if you can manage the heft henrykrank.com.

  
  


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  Shotgun barrel quirks: The secondary barrel may not always ignite on the first hammer strike—caps may need thinning—historical originals likely used more sensitive primers thefiringline.com.

  
  

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???? Historical Context

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  Original production: Around 2,900 built between 1856–1865 in the US, Belgium, France, and the UK bradfordsauction.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2it.wikipedia.org+2.

  
  


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  Civil War use: Favored by Confederate cavalry officers like P.G.T. Beauregard, Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart—sometimes carried eight revolvers at once es.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3taylorsfirearms.com+3.

  
  


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  Modern Pietta replicas: Made in Italy since 1985, available in Cavalry, Navy, and Army models distributed by Navy Arms, Dixie Gunworks, Cabela’s, etc. es.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2pt.wikipedia.org+2.

  
  

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✅ Who’s It For?

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  Living history & reenactors: Authentic look and feel with historically accurate details—great for ACW impressionists .

  
  


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  Collectors/firing enthusiasts: A rare opportunity to own a working replica of this iconic design—not your typical Colt or Remington.

  
  


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  Black-powder shooters: Expect to use round ball loading, careful percussion cap prep, and manual maintenance for reliable performance.

  
  

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Summary

The Pietta LeMat is a meticulously crafted homage to a one-of-a-kind Civil War revolver. It blends historical authenticity, mechanical intricacy, and raw shooting fun—though its hefty weight and occasional ignition quirks mean it demands skill and patience. For reenactors, collectors, or black powder aficionados, it’s an unforgettable piece of firearms history.