Gun combo 16 of 17

[Ysabel Kid]

And then there were two...

Back to a "non-traditional" lever, though still a lever-action (I'm sure ScottT will agree). Saving a "traditional" lever for the last post in this series.

I imagine most folks will probably scratch their heads and wonder why I consider these a combo. Not the same caliber, nor manufacturer, ignition type, and barely in the same historical period. I put these together because I think they hit a 10 in the "cool" factor - one heck of a cool rifle and one heck of a cool handgun! My opinion - others may differ.

This is not anywhere near the class of "Big Nose Kate", but I do like her a bunch! This is my Pedersoli "1874 Sharps Heavy Target" in .45-120 Sharps (3.25-inch) caliber. It has a 1/3 octagonal - 2/3 round 34-inch barrel, and weighs just over 12 pounds. My wife got me this for our 10th anniversary (sorry fellas, she's a keeper - and she's mine !).



The revolver was made by Pietta in Italy and is a reproduction of the Civil War era "LeMat", the favored handgun of many of the South's finest generals and raiders! I have wanted one of these for over 15 years, after first reading about one in a J.T. Edson western (where I get the moniker I use here on the forum), but just didn't want to drop the coin on it. Finally found one for a price I was willing to pay. For those not familiar with the LeMat, it is a black powder cap and ball revolver. The cylinder holds 9 shots of .44 caliber ball, and rotates on a roughly 20-gauge bore instead of a cylinder pin. This was commonly loaded with grape shot and a great close-in last stance charge should the pucker-factor hit a 10!



Again, I just think both firearms are so cool. Sadly, of all the posts I've made so far, the revolver is the only one still a virgin - I've never had a chance to fire it. I will get around to it some day. I've fired the Pedersoli plenty, and it is a hoot. I'll need to fire it a ton more though to get anywhere close to being in Scott's league!



Last post in the series is tomorrow - I've hope you've enjoyed these!

[AmBraCol]

Well, if bird shot is used to shoot birds, rat shot is used to shoot rats, swan shot is used to shoot swans - what size shot is used to shoot grapes?

I've wanted to play with a LeMat ever since I read about one in Centennial, a novel by James Mischener (SP???) The concept sounds interesting.

Well, I guess you've got us hooked, now you're going to have to go out and buy a new combo everyday and post pics back here...

[2ndovc]

Sweet!!

Love those LeMats!

[Noah Zark]

Love that Sharps, Kid. I have a Pedersoli that's similar in 45-70.

Great combo.

Noah

[kimwcook]

Gotta love a Sharps, no matter the ethnicity. Have always wanted to shoot a LeMat. Quite the design.

[gamekeeper]

Wow! I'll be glad when this series of combo's comes to an end. I have lost weight worrying about all the guns I ain't got!!!

Although the La Mat was a French design, I believe the Confederate Army prefered the Le Mat's built in my old town, Birmingham, England. I know a lot of other stuff was made there for the Confederate States too.

[rjohns94]

well done YK. I have enjoyed the series. Amazing how fast 2 weeks and a few days goes. I have enjoyed it.

[Andrew]

That La Mat is very, very cool.

I was excited to see today's combo, then saw it was the next to last one. I will be ready for the tommorow though. I think.

[CowboyTutt]

Ysabel, your collection of firearms is truly amazing. I'm very jealous. I was told at the SHOT SHOW that the Pedersoli's are the only Sharps' rifles other than Shilo's that are competative "out of the box". This list should also probably include C Sharps, but what do I know. Point is, you have nothing to apologize for. The difference in accuracy will probably boil down to the shooter and the load developed for the rifle. Sure have enjoyed your posts!

-Tutt

[JReed]

Now thats just going to far a LeMat and a Sharps. Is there no decentcy.

Nice pare