cavalry LeMat

[mi1stcav]

am looking to solve a problem that is reoccuring and will take any and all advise. The barrel locking spring is constantly being replaced and even when new does a very poor job of staying locked. Three shots at best and becomes unlocked. Firing on the ground is easy to keep control of but when mounted is almost dangerous. Any ideas??:confused:

[vicka]

Sell it!
Get a Remington, or even a Colt.
Several fellows I know had this problem with the Italian Le Mats, and finally sold the cool looking pistol to purchase a Remington or Colt 1860. One of the LeMats also went off in a chain fire, several cylindars at once! The LeMats sell well at gunshows to non-reenactors, as they look sooo cool.
Steve Sullivan

[mi1stcav]

your advise is favorable however with my first impression as Michigan cavalry I utilize both the colt and remington. when galvanized all come in to play as a texas boy the more the merrier. I will add that firing that weapon is truly a joy and destructive.:p

[ArtillaryRules]

hi,

i had this problem also.

the fix is a three step process:
1) remove all lubrication from inside the slot and on the lever. use alcohol if necessary. keep it squeaky clean. this will allow it to really grip when pushed back in.

2) if that fails, take a thin piece of paper (onion skin typing paper works well, so does thin plain typing paper). make a "u" shaped cutout and put that inside the slot and then force the lever back in within the sides of the paper - a wedge on both sides of the lever.

3) reduce your loads to 15-20 grains. i was blasting with 35 per chamber and that was literally shaking the gun to pieces. not as much "bang" but it will last longer overall.

of all, keeping the slot and lever free of lube seemed to be all i really needed. be sure you have forced it all the way in when you start.. that should be done by making sure the barrel and frame are aligned perfectly in the first place.

from what i have read, this is one of two design flaws tha still exist from the 1856 cavalry models which is probably why the navy and army don't use this method.

try these solutions and let me know what happens.

~daniel~

[Poor Private]

If you go over to the www.muzzleloadingforum.com there several threads on the LaMat goin on this past month. Lots of questions and answers. Seems to be alot of BP gunsmiths over there also who can probably give you an answer to your question.

[ArtillaryRules]

poor private - is that you !!

the same "poor private" from the muzzleloadingforum ?

it's me, "lemat1856"

ha! what a small world.

~daniel~

[Poor Private]

Yep tis the same.

[mi1stcav]

thanks guys. might run into you over there.