Lemat Revolver Cartridge Conversions?

[Story]

Since I didn't get any responses in the Barracks, I'll try here : just to be a Devil's Advocate.... who is the best 'smith at conversions?


from
http://www.johnnyringo.net/lemat.htm

Note the nine shot cylinder - I wonder what caliber it's chambered for, as the Navy Arms .44 would never support so many cartridges (the rims would overlap). An eight shot cylinder, however..

While the Johnny Ringo Lemat is a breakopen design with a cartridge shotgun barrel, the post Civil War cartridge conversions look like they were mostly solid frame.
http://home.hiwaay.net/~stargate/images/Le%20Mat%20revolver.jpg

And pinfires seem to be more prevalent than centerfires, but this pinfires were in vogue then.
I look at this as merely a proof-of-concept.


Last seen in the space opera TV series 'Firefly'/movie 'Serenity'. 
http://www.imfdb.org/images/thumb/1/1c/FireflyLmat.jpg/500px-FireflyLmat.jpg

[rifle]

That top gun looks like it's been sleeved to 38cal and a new cylinder made. Cool conversion.
I'd say that the best in the conversion department is R.L. Millington. Does good,work and...isn't cheap.

[John Taylor]

So... how soon do we get to see your plans for the conversion? I know I could do it if I had the time. Got to stay busy doing other thing to pay the bills. I think the top break would be the way to go, otherwise the middle barrel remains a muzzle loader. I hope you can come up with a better idea for the cylinder bolt, maybe a slightly larger pin with a taper. I'm with you on caliber, 38 S&W or 38 Colt.  If you make it for 38 special someone might try a +P. While I think it would not come apart it would start to get loose fast.

[Harley Starr]

You know the shotgun barrel would make a nice spot to put a laser or a light if you can find one small enough. 

That's it! The LeMat Tactical Conversion.

Well that's my weird idea for the day.

[Story]

Sorry I lost track of this conversation.

I think the top break would be the way to go, otherwise the middle barrel remains a muzzle loader.

A top break would make the revolver a short-barreled shotgun, no? Or would it be like the Taurus Judge .410/.45LC?

I'd think an eight shot cylinder in .450 Short Colt would have sufficient wall thickness - no more pressure there than .44 C&B, right?

[Raven]

Hey John,

First off thanks for the LeMat! It is in the process of being converted into a Carbine and should be done in the next couple of months.
I agree with you about making money to pay the bills. The Johnny Ringo gun could be done but the retail price would be prohibitive and I think there could be some legal issues with the shotgun ( no mater how many times I read the Regulations I still don't understand them).
I have three LeMats in to be converted right now. They are going to be converted on the Cooper system i.e a cylinder cap with 9 firing pins in .38 S&W with the shotgun barrel staying percussion. Price is $800 for the converter and barrel lining (still prohibitive for many).
I will post updates as I progress.

Raven
Here is a photo of an original carbine that I am using as the basis of my recreation.

[John Taylor]

Hey, that looks neat. Not worried about a chain fire with a cartridge gun but there will be some powder flash coming out of the cylinder gap.
I still haven't done my Colt and Remington conversion. I did get to repair an original 49 Colt pocket pistol last week, it had a 3 digit S/N.

[Raven]

I'm going to make a shoulder length welding glove!
Check the STORM forum page for a couple of 1st Model Richards I just finished.

The 49 would be cool to work on!
I am in the middle of building the top half of a 2nd Model Paterson Ring Lever rifle flask for a collector that has only the bottom half.
It must look like it is original to the bottom half - patina, dents and all! It will be heavily marked on the inside with my cartouches. I do forgery quality work but it all gets signed!!!

Jay

[John Taylor]

It may not look exactly like the original but it do work. Just soldered the new star in. made it very easy to time, just heat it up and turn the star.

[Raven]

Nice job John!

Jay

[John Taylor]

Your idea of converting the LaMat to a rifle has inspired me. I got this 45-70 pistol that went through a fire and the back strap was destroyed. Might just make it into a rifle, got a new take off 45-70 barrel for an 86, just need to fill a dovetail on the bottom and thread it to the frame. Picture has a 58 Remmy for comparison of size.

[Raven]

John,

Neat revolver! It would look nice with an octagonal barrel. and with such a large frame the wrist will be proportional.
If you have ever seen an 1851 Belgian Brevete Colt rifle the wrists always look too thin!

Jay

[Story]

grr... this thread was hiding from me!

[Professor Marvel]

Why Story, My Dear Sir , I have seen you over on Brass Goggles, haven't I?

yhs
prof marvel

[Raven]

I knew there had to be some Steampunks lurking around the Cas forums 

Raven

[Harley Starr]

I knew there had to be some Steampunks lurking around the Cas forums 

Raven

Comes with the territory I reckon.

[Professor Marvel]

Firstly I did  Rondyvooz.
Then I found CAS
always interested real steam power.
then I fell in love with Victorian paraphernalia

Steampunk is such a logical extension of 1880;  I'm interested in it for "the look", altho their are quite a number of real "steam power" affecianados out there. I gave up on personal steam engines when I was educated on their ways by a steam certified fellow at a museum ... those boilers are scary....

However, somehow a steampunked computer looks so much better than a "cowboyed" computer LOL

http://dominicholden.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/stupid_computer.jpg

http://forums.techguy.org/attachments/161313d1260569459/steampunk-computer-.jpg

we now take you back to your Lemat Conversion thread ....

yhs
prof marvel

[John Taylor]

Professor Marvel, That's some fancy stuff you got there, I like it.

[Professor Marvel]

Professor Marvel, That's some fancy stuff you got there, I like it.

Ah my dear Monsieur Taylor -

the other stuff is "just prettified", and other fellow's work. for the most part folks manufacture and fit  brass and wood frameworks over existing technology in order to give it a Victorian flavor.

I admire your barrelmaking manufactory and conversions far far more :-)

yhs
prof marvel

[Story]

Professor Marvel, we meet again...    

However, somehow a steampunked computer looks so much better than a "cowboyed" computer LOL

What a Cowboyed Computer might look like -> http://i.zdnet.com/blogs/gateway2.jpg

I made my 1860 Colt conversion setup for .450 Adams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.450_Adams

.450 Adams/Webley/Short Colt < 12,700 psi

.45 (Long) Colt - 14,000 psi