llama .45

[1000yards]

.45ACP llama



In the 1970's I bought 2 llamas; one 45ACP and one .38Super. The .38 was a fine gun, as far as I'm concerned. FTF during first 100 rds. No problems after that. It was based on that experience that I got the .45 ACP -MISTAKE!
From the begining it was a POS FTF, FTE; and my biggie; as a round was being chambered, the casing was punctured and the gun literrally fell apart in my hands. I received burns on my face & bear arms, both grips split puncturing my plam.

If my choice was between a llama and a CRKT KNIFE, I'd take the knife in a heartbeat.

 

[Fat Boy]

I agree that typically a buyer receives what they pay for; therefore paying $190 for a .45 ACP semi-auto would seem to suggest that an item purchased so inexpensively must be prone to problems, junk, etc.

However, I think on the other hand about some models that simply don't command higher prices, like a Ruger p90; a servicable, durable, .45ACP that functions very well; these can typically be bought for prices well below the cost of other .45ACP guns.

So; Llama, in my understanding, has a bit of a spotty record but I wouldn't discount one altogether. For me it would be more a question of intended use; as a range gun, truck gun, general plinker it might be a good deal.

Who know's, this may the one that was made on a Wednesday in November, when the moon was in the correct house, and the planets were all in alignment, there was peace on earth, etc. etc....

 

[degunner]

I have an old llama from the 1950's with the "tolerant chamber" it shoots 38 super, the gun is in fantastic shape good finnish and a tight crisp trigger, as others have said parts interchangeability is sporadic with colt / mil-spec.

When approximately was the gun made?
Colt mags, chip mccormick mags work well (38super) I know my cal. is different but I picked mine up for 120 OTD 2 years back, I think some issues in the older llamas may be worn parts, although I hear llamas from the 80's and newer had there own issues.

Look it over carefully it could be a diamond in the rough. But for another hundred bucks or so and you can get into the used glock,sig,ruger arena and they all have a much better rep. than llama

 

[ccsniper]

But for another hundred bucks or so and you can get into the used glock,sig,ruger arena and they all have a much better rep. than llama

Maybe a used Ruger in the 290 to 390 range, but in my area finding a Glock/sig for that money would be A HUGE FREAKING DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CajunBass]

I might buy it, but I tend to buy guns that other people don't like (Hi-Point, Sigma, Taurus) to see for myself. They're not necessarly guns I NEED, but just sort of toys I get to entertain myself with. If they don't work out, I'll just take the loss and move on.

So far they're all worked out. Go figure?

 

[Rex B]

Well, did you buy it?

If not, you should have.

 

[mactex]

I had a Llama made Firestore 1911 made around 2004 for a while. The gun gave me no problems at all and I was quite happy with it. I picked it up to get a feel for what the 1911 was, how it worked, and what to look for when I went to spend more serious money later. The pistol was very accurate and cycled all the ammo I put through it without any issues. My only negative comment was that the trigger was only so-so because of a long, heavy pull (especially for a 1911).

Traded it in for a Desert Eagle 1911 later and got most of my money back. Love the DE 1911G!

 

[rattletrap1970]

I have a Llama XI-A 9mm and an Especial III-A with a .380 and .32 ACP top end. All of them shoot very well. Just wondering if every person saying run away had 1st hand experience. Parts aren't everywhere, but they are available. The guns are easy to work on and depending on the model some are made very well, better than many contemporaries. IF you can get one for a fair price do it, odds are better than not that it will be a fun shooter.

 

[6x6pinz]

I have seven different Llama pistols, most of them the small frame. I have a couple of the 9mm Omni and a couple 45 omni's, great guns just ahead of the American curve. Sadly these pistols never stood a chance against the close minded American market although they would outperform most pistols of their time. Rolling block safety, four piece firing pin, 33% more material at the barrel lock up point, factory fitted front barrel bushing...... you can start to get the picture. Now for the bad. Llama made a 1911 look-a-like that was to say the least not very well made. Metals in the pistol were too hard and would snap with very little use. These problems were fixed but Americans being Americans would not forgive and so the popularity of the Llama pistol never went mainstream. Those who own later generation Llama's will tell you how great they are for a pistol in their price range.

 

[jcwit]

How correct you are and also most if not all Spanish Pistols were looked down upon because of the early and mid 20th century cottage industry quality. Even tho that was mainly revolvers.

 

[JR47]

We own a 9x19 Model X1-B, and a Model IIIA in .32 ACP. Both are over a decade old. Neither has had a problem feeding Ball ammo. That's what they were designed for.

I've never considered them to be "real" 1911s. For that matter, I don't consider the Star 1911 style pistols as 1911 compatible guns, either.

Because something looks like a 1911 doesn't automatically mean that it is a 1911, and parts are interchangeable.

 

[larryh1108]

Buy it and run. If you don't like it I'll buy it from you. I own 12-15 Llamas and every one shoots just fine. The Llama reputation has spread like a bad virus but the truth is you have a much better chance at getting a good one than a bad one. By reading the above comments you can see why they only fetch $150-$300 on the market. I'd be willing to bet that 90% of the bad comments are from people who only heard they were bad. Every maker has it's dogs and I'm sure the ones who owned them and did not like them are no different than the Kimber crowd or any other crowd who has purchased a lemon. Seriously, if you buy it and don't want it I'll buy it for what you have in it. So, now there is no gamble.

 

[Deaf Smith]

A friend of mine got a LLama IX-A .45.

Very nice blue finish. Small windage adjustable sight (like the one pictured above ont he right bottom.) Same wood grips to.

BUT... after 15 shots the extractor few off and I have tried all kinds of places to find an extractor for his pistol but that part was NOT GI! Some parts on the IX-A are GI, like the trigger, hammer, main spring housing, barrel link and pin, but the extractor is an outside type and no can find!

Deaf

 

[larryh1108]

I know where he can get an extractor if he still needs one. Extractor issues and 1911s in general go hand-in-hand. Llama or Big Name, it doesn't matter. Several 1911s produced today now have the external extractors with S&W and Sig 2 of the big boys doing it. See if he still needs that extractor. He can have one within a week if he needs one.

 

[DannyInSoCal]

I voted no - I want them all....