I'm new to the forum and new to 1911 building in general, although I have done some minor projects before. My question is will a Llama 1911 slide fit a mil-spec frame? I have a complete frame and recently found a Llama slide. I know the Llama has the firing pin safety. I just want to ask before I buy it and find out it won't work.
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bbuddtec
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Welcome to the forum... duck and cover!!!
You are about to dip into the 1911 resource on THR...
You are about to dip into the 1911 resource on THR...
I have a Llama "Especial" in 45 ACP and it's slide will not fit my GI frame; one instance in a row however does not a trend make. I'm sure it can be made to slide completely on with a little judicious fitting, but since it was manufactured in the '70s (and it's a complete functioning gun), I'd not be inclined to spend the time, or money, to do that. Too many good 1911 form guns out there to go through that.
I assumed that the slide would require some fitting and I am willing to do that. I was more curious about function of the slide on a mil-spec frame. I know the Llama has a firing pin safety and am not sure how this will affect function on a mil-spec frame. Like I said it is a first project and the slide would be far cheaper than some other options. Thanks all for the replies.
Fitment is one issue, rather easily handled. The other issue is tougher.
The way the firing pin safety works is that levers from within the receiver should push the plunger in the slide up, and then that will allow the firing pin access to the primer. Without that lever, (I'm betting by mil-spec you're referring to a series 70 receiver) the plunger won't be pushed out of the way and the firing pin will take the hit from the hammer and mash into the plunger, WITHOUT striking the primer, hence forth, no bangy bangy.
If you decide to fit this slide to this frame, you'll either A: have to pull the plunger from the slide or B: have to mill the receiver to take the series 80 frame parts.
I wouldn't tell someone what to do with their gun, but if it were my gun I would pull the plunger, the firing pin, and the firing pin spring. Then I would use a series 70 pin and spring, and re-install without the plunger.
This will allow the firing pin to work and the gun to fire, but will also do the same thing that the series 80 design is supposed to do. It'll keep the firing pin from hitting the primer if you drop the gun because the series 70 firing pin spring is stiffer and more resistant than the series 80.
The way the firing pin safety works is that levers from within the receiver should push the plunger in the slide up, and then that will allow the firing pin access to the primer. Without that lever, (I'm betting by mil-spec you're referring to a series 70 receiver) the plunger won't be pushed out of the way and the firing pin will take the hit from the hammer and mash into the plunger, WITHOUT striking the primer, hence forth, no bangy bangy.
If you decide to fit this slide to this frame, you'll either A: have to pull the plunger from the slide or B: have to mill the receiver to take the series 80 frame parts.
I wouldn't tell someone what to do with their gun, but if it were my gun I would pull the plunger, the firing pin, and the firing pin spring. Then I would use a series 70 pin and spring, and re-install without the plunger.
This will allow the firing pin to work and the gun to fire, but will also do the same thing that the series 80 design is supposed to do. It'll keep the firing pin from hitting the primer if you drop the gun because the series 70 firing pin spring is stiffer and more resistant than the series 80.
Skylerbone
Member
Patrick Sweeney did just the opposite in a review of the Llama, using a Springfield slide on a Llama frame but there aren't any guarantees.
Removing the plunger should not be difficult or cause problems and there is no Series 80 firing pin spring. There are extra power springs (stiffer) that can help resist inertia ADs, usually combined with a lightweight Ti firing pin. You might seek permission from the shop owner to test your frame with the slide if you're interested.
Personally speaking I'd pass as parts availability could be a problem. Many rumors that both slides and frames from Llama were both soft and poorly fitted- too many rumors for me to ignore. I'd shop a few gun shows for a slide or use the frame for a dedicated .22 conversion. Your money, your choice. Best of luck whatever you decide.
Removing the plunger should not be difficult or cause problems and there is no Series 80 firing pin spring. There are extra power springs (stiffer) that can help resist inertia ADs, usually combined with a lightweight Ti firing pin. You might seek permission from the shop owner to test your frame with the slide if you're interested.
Personally speaking I'd pass as parts availability could be a problem. Many rumors that both slides and frames from Llama were both soft and poorly fitted- too many rumors for me to ignore. I'd shop a few gun shows for a slide or use the frame for a dedicated .22 conversion. Your money, your choice. Best of luck whatever you decide.
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