ccsniper
member
My local gunshop has a LLama .45 for 199.00 and I know I can get them down to 190 OTD, I can't remember the model number. What do you guys think, the gun is in great condition and looks very clean. Should I get it or not?
llama .45
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wishn4more
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Do you really need to ask?
If you don't have a .45 then you should buy it and see how you like it. If you do have a .45 then you should buy it and see how you like it. It's easy!
I saw a LLAMA in 9MM before Christmas but they wanted almost $400 for it. For $200 I'd be all over it...
If you don't have a .45 then you should buy it and see how you like it. If you do have a .45 then you should buy it and see how you like it. It's easy!
I saw a LLAMA in 9MM before Christmas but they wanted almost $400 for it. For $200 I'd be all over it...
ccsniper
member
wanted to know if even 200 is waste or not. I don't make enough to just go around spending 200 bucks on a gun to find out it isn't worth 10 bucks.
Quickstrike
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For half that much its a waste. I don't think many 1911 smiths would even use the bare frame and slide!
The 1911 is one of the least forgiving designs when it comes to cutting corners like poor hand fitting, materials, ect.
Save up some more and get a springfield milspec. A solid base gun for future custom work should your tastes change.
The 1911 is one of the least forgiving designs when it comes to cutting corners like poor hand fitting, materials, ect.
Save up some more and get a springfield milspec. A solid base gun for future custom work should your tastes change.
Llama was very hit or miss in terms of quality. Towards the end of their existence they brought in gun smiths to up the quality of their firearms and succeeded to a good degree in doing so. If the gun is from the right period it migh be worth the risk. I would also verify whether the gun is milspec. If it isn't parts availability specifically for a Llama are going to be an issue. So, my answer as to acquiring it would be "maybe, but probably not".
Llama was very hit or miss in terms of quality.
This is the issue with Llamas. I've seen some that ran great and some that were only good for fishing sinkers. There seems to be no middle ground and your chances of getting a good one are 50-50 AFAIC.
I would also verify whether the gun is milspec.
AFAIK no Llama 45 ever made was milspec. Numrich has plenty of parts.
This is the issue with Llamas. I've seen some that ran great and some that were only good for fishing sinkers. There seems to be no middle ground and your chances of getting a good one are 50-50 AFAIC.
I would also verify whether the gun is milspec.
AFAIK no Llama 45 ever made was milspec. Numrich has plenty of parts.
ForumSurfer
Member
I wouldn't buy it, but I've never had any experience with llama.
The only low end 1911 I've been exposed to is a rock river arms piece. I actually liked it and I'm considering buying one. I've had a craving for a bone stock, no frills, complete with a spur hammer 1911.
The only low end 1911 I've been exposed to is a rock river arms piece. I actually liked it and I'm considering buying one. I've had a craving for a bone stock, no frills, complete with a spur hammer 1911.
Mad Magyar
Member
I've had couple of the Llama IXA models, way ahead of it's time in terms of features for the money. One is still with a family member....After examining the weapon you speak of and it passed: I'd try to purchase for about $175.
wally
Member
I voted no, not unless you get to shoot it first to be sure it works!
Llama is out of business and its not a standard 1911.
Llama is out of business and its not a standard 1911.
LeonCarr
Member
Stay away from the Llamas, especially the live ones they can spit on you 
.
Way back once upon a time when I worked at Wal-Mart we sold handguns (late 80s). We sold Llama .45s and most of them were returned for parts breakage and jamming, even with 230 FMJ ammo.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
.Way back once upon a time when I worked at Wal-Mart we sold handguns (late 80s). We sold Llama .45s and most of them were returned for parts breakage and jamming, even with 230 FMJ ammo.
Just my .02,
LeonCarr
ccsniper
member
...
Don't do it. They are cheap for a reason, save your money and get something nicer
The sting of buying a nicer, more expensive gun goes away after you go shoot it, and realize you made a wise choice. Several thousand rounds later, you forgot you spent any money on it in the first place
The sting of buying a cheap, crappy gun comes after you go shoot it. It malfunctions a lot, cheap parts start to break/wear down easy, the finish wears off quicker, and you end up selling the gun at a loss
The sting of buying a nicer, more expensive gun goes away after you go shoot it, and realize you made a wise choice. Several thousand rounds later, you forgot you spent any money on it in the first place
The sting of buying a cheap, crappy gun comes after you go shoot it. It malfunctions a lot, cheap parts start to break/wear down easy, the finish wears off quicker, and you end up selling the gun at a loss
Several years ago I bought a Llama 9mm Max1 new in box for $200. It is a 1911 style gun. It has always fed ball ammo well. I have not shot a lot of HP through it, but it did ok with that when I did. THe trigger pull is terribly heavy and creepy. I use it to keep on a shelf in the garage, just in case I need a gun and dont have one handy. It got me started in learning about 1911s, so that was ok. If that is what you are looking for then ok, if you are looking for a slick 1911 to keep for life and shoot a lot, buy something else.
bannockburn
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I've been aquainted with a fair number of Llamas in .45 ACP, and like others have said, you might get a good one but the odds of that happening are not in your favor. Save your money and get something that's at least closer to milspec than the Llama.
MR_A
Member
I've had several in .45 over the past 40 years all were good, but someone always wanted them more than i did, good guns for the money.
Mule
Member
I have a MAX-1, LS. Maybe 5,000 rounds through it in four years. Changed the recoil spring a couple of times and replaced the grips. Feeds ball, hp, lrn and truncated cone just fine. Occasionally chokes on a swc. Less than 200 rounds of factory ammo have been run through it. For me, it has proven to be a good value. I would buy another.
Jonah71
Member
I had a very nice looking Llama .45 in the 80's. One of the best looking guns I've owned. Beautiful to look at but very undependable. Kinda like my ex. The main defference.....my wife didn't spit lead (only lawyers). The gun jammed at least once every mag. It may not be a huge amount of $$, but maybe you should put it with more and get something that will go bang when you pull the trigger.
My brother picked up a mini max, and it shoots great! But....The grip panels are unique to Llama, Wilson officers mags won't lock in (Kimbers do), I'm sure more parts won't interchange, as it looks like a 1911, but its not even close.
The Bushmaster
Member
Absolutely not. "Cheap gun for a cheap price". Or..."You get what you pay for".
I have a Gov't model LLama, and have not had any trouble with it. It's my house/beater pistol now, cuz I built myself a 1911. It does NOT take standard parts. I'd buy it w/ the understanding that you are going to put 200 rds through it ASAP, and if you have any serious issues you can return it. oh, and my mags have all fit just fine.
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