Semmerling LM4

The Semmerling LM4 is a five-shot, manual repeating double-action pistol designed for backup purposes.

Concept and History

The Semmerling series of pistols included the LM1, LM2, LM3, LM4 and XLM. The only version available to the public was the LM4 which was first designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. in the early 1980s and marketed at a price of US$750. The "LM" in the model numbers stands for "Lichtman Model", after the inventor of the design, Philip R. Lichtman. Lichtman applied for and received at least four United States Patent's related to the design.

The goal of the LM4 was to achieve a combination of the highest practical firepower in as small and light a gun as possible, so as to be easily concealable. This was approached by selecting the service caliber of .45 ACP for its proven stopping power and opting for a manual repeating mechanism to minimize bulk and weight and ensure flawless operation in the most difficult situations. Because of this the LM4 was first offered to the U.S. Army and government agencies.