Firestorm 1911 - service/warranty?

[Rittmeister]

I was in the market for an RIA 1911 and my local vendor said he didn't have any, could get them, but for the money I should check out the Firestorm. He has a Deluxe model in the case right now for an attractive price. I did some research over the last few days and have found the reviews to be pretty favorable - about on par with the RIA offerings.

HOWEVER, the Firestorm/American Classic is so new on the market that I'm understandably nervous. I went and checked out the gun physically today and was impressed; it felt solid, the finish was nice, it passed all the safety checks, and the slide/frame fit was pretty tight. The warranty card listed a one-year full warranty and a lifetime fix-it warranty (if I read it right) for manufacturing defects.

So the question is: has anyone dealt with their customer service, or are they so new it hasn't come up yet? RIA/Armscor's CS is of course the stuff of legend, but this gun is about $90 cheaper than the RIA would be and on my budget that counts.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Browns Fan]

I also have read positive reviews on the Firestorm 1911's and am anxious to check one out.

 

[Kman]

I've seen the guns and handled them a bit, it's impressive, lots to offer for $400. Can't wait to pick up a used one.

 

[railroader]

Aren't Firestorms made by made by Llama who are now out of business? This was a joint venture between Llama and Bersa if I recall. Bersa made the 380's and Llama made 1911 style pistols. Here's from wikipedia

Gabilondo Llama y Cia SA, as a result of financial difficulties filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors in 1999. A group of employees then decided to mount a cooperative society and creates "Fabrinor Arma corta Microfusion & SA" and continued production pistols Llama. Despite its great strength and recent profitability, the huge financial liability of Llama Gabilondo and the refusal of a moratorium of debts by creditors in 2003 shut them down also.

Mark

 

[PX15]

FWIW:

I consider the Bersa/Firestorm line of pistols, MADE IN ARGENTINA. as excellent values..

I've had the Bersa Thunder 9/Ultra Compact, and I still have the Firestorm FS22. The only downsides I've ever heard of with the Bersa/Firestorm pistols are:

1. Finish quality is iffy... (But very good for what you had to pay for the pistol)
2. Extra mags are pricey. (Not a big deal, as most folks only need 2 anyway.)

BUT:

I have read many times that the Bersa 1911's made by Llama, for Bersa, were junk. I suggest you "google" and use the "search" functions on the various firearm forums and see for yourself.

I would recommend any of the Bersa/Firestorms, but I would be very careful and do considerable research before I bought a Bersa 1911..

Perhaps you should pose your question on www.bersatalk.com?

Just personal opinion/no offense to B/F lovers.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Rittmeister]

Everything I've found about the new-manufacture Firestorm is that they're not related to the older Llama/Firestorm pistols at all, but are in fact made in the Philippines by Metroarms. Apparently the Firestorm and American Classic 1911 pistols are the same gun with different roll marks. They are being compared here and on other firearms forums very favorably to the RIA 1911 pistols - similar fit, finish, materials, and build quality.

I was simply asking what experience anyone may have had with their customer service, as they're so new to the market. I asked this question after "googling" and "searching" myself blue in the face.

 

[PX15]

Ritt:

My apologies then regarding the quality and desirability of the Bersa 1911 pistols.

I haven't been "in the loop" regarding Bersa/Firestorm pistols for some time now, and I wasn't aware of the change in sub-contractors for the 1911 platform.

I have high regard for the B/F line of firearms and it's good to know that the 1911 is up and running again by a different manufacturer for B/F.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Rittmeister]

PX15, no worries mate.

Anyone got an experience they can share? I might take the plunge, I've finally verified that Bersa is the importer and they deal with the warranty stuff; from what I've read their service is decent.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Bersa has pretty good CS. Check out www.bersatalk.com. A guy from a Bersa service center posts on the forum.

 

[Mxracer239y]

I am the proud owner of a 'new' Firestorm 1911 Deluxe, and absolutely love it. Slide fit, machining quality, everything is great. Mine was had for $392 OTD. Can't beat that for a quality 1911!

It goes bang every single time. I've had about 850 rounds through it, and not one misfire or ftf, even during break in.

It is my guess that you would be very happy with a new Firestorm.

 

[Mooseman]

Mxracer, How close is it to a regular 1911. Are parts interchangeable?

 

[PX15]

FWIW:

I should think any 1911 w/a lifetime warranty, (from a company who actually backs the warranty) otd for less than $400.00 is a steal.

The only problem I see with the "new" Bersa 1911 is overcoming the prejudice brought on by the reputation of the old "Llama" made 1911... Most folks simply (just as myself) won't know there has been a change in manufacturers, but hopefully Bersa will do a better job of advertising/marketing this new pistol to the American market..

They certainly haven't done much in the past on ANY of their pistols, and that's a shame because in my experience Bersa/Firestorms are great pistols, bargain priced.

Just personal opinion/no offense.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Mxracer239y]

as far as I know, the standard model is 100% mil-spec, and the deluxe model just has different sights, grips, and trigger guard.

I have not run into ANY parts thus far made for a 1911 that do not fit. I tried various magazines (used), from multiple manufacturers, and all worked. I also tried grips, all of which fit.