The Littlest 1911

[patentnonsense]

I had heard that there are 9mm versions of the classic 1911 - but to my shock I just found a 1911 copy in .380!!
It's a Star model SS - I think a locking breech .380 is a nice idea, but doing a full 1911 action seems a little much. The lock for the takedown/latch is just a little different, but I'd claim that this is basically a 1911 action - I'll post detailed pictures later.

I've noticed, on the two SS models I've gotten to handle, that there's a fair amount of left/right slop (yaw axis), which can't be good for accuracy. I assumed that the first one I picked up was just used up, but the one I just bought, which is close to mint, has the same degree of left/right slop. That probably reflects short and narrow rails, as well as large clearance.

I'll try to post some accuracy results later too - "only accurate guns are interesting," but this piece is at least intriguing if not interesting!

 

[mtnbkr]

A few months ago I found a Llama 1911 clone in 32acp. It had the same controls, same external safeties, etc. It seemed fairly tight, but I didn't have $250 to burn on what amounted to a range toy.

Chris

 

[Brian Williams]

STI has the LS9 and the LS40 both about 7/8 versions of the 1911...

 

[patentnonsense]

A few months ago I found a Llama 1911 clone in 32acp. It had the same controls, same external safeties, etc. It seemed fairly tight, but I didn't have $250 to burn on what amounted to a range toy.

WOW!!
What is that model called??
I never would have dreamed that there could a smaller one yet.

 

[mtnbkr]

What is that model called??

I don't recall. I was just browsing while waiting to get into the range. It was small, thin, and felt good in the hand. It would be pocketable with deep pockets and a good holster. Trigger was pretty good too. The slide felt a tad gritty when pulled back, but I imagine that would go away with shooting. Slide to frame fit was tight and the barrel didn't appear to have any excessive slop.

Chris

 

[patentnonsense]

Maybe like the Llama X-A listed at http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976539139.htm ? That's a blowback though.

 

[Zundfolge]

Colt made the Mustang in .380
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/mustang.htm



I imagine that Llama is the same size as the Mustang (but its a Llama )

Of course you could probably buy 3 or 4 Llamas for the price off one Mustang.

 

[Ohlar]

Hello all, This my first posting here. I've been lurking for a while and find this to be a great place. I hope I can contribute something useful once in a while.

The link below shows the Llama 32acp pistol as a "model I" made during WWII supplied to the Nazis. The 1955 edition of "The Sooters Bible" shows the same gun, with somewhat different markings, as the "model XA", selling for $46.00. Specifications: 8 shot, 21oz, 3 11/16" barrel length. Llama also made a 380 auto in this size, "model IIIA". Outwardly the 32 and 380 are identical. Internally they vary. The 32 is a blowback design while the 380 operates from a locked breech to accommodate the heavier cartridge.

These small 1911A1 style guns are cute as a bug. If you find one of these don't be afraid to get it. They are decently made, fun and accurate guns, much better than the "Spainish Junk" tag some have hung on them.


http://www.littlegun.be/arme espagnole/llama/a llama gb.htm

 

[1911Tuner]

Llama

The Llama "Baby 45s' were miniature 1911s and were available in .22LR,
.32 and .380 ACP. The .380 was available in two versions...Straight blowback and true to design, locked breech with tilting barrel and falling link.
That one was a faithful copy, and was not only a little smaller than the mustang, it was proportioned correctly. I've heard of locked breech .32s
but have never encountered one. The little pistols even had a functional grip safety and removeable mainspring housings.

I owned one of the locked-breech .380s for a while, and it was actually a pretty neat little pistol. It was accurate and dead reliable with Silvertips
and Hydra-Shoks. I don't recall ever having a stoppage. I owned a
.22 rimfire version too, and it was also very reliable. Both guns were pretty well-made...something that I can't say for the .45s and .38 Supers. If I could find a decent one for a reasonable price today, I'd buy it.

 

[patentnonsense]

Great site - thanks Ohlar, and welcome to the board!

and Zundfolge, the little Star SS is proportioned quite differently from the Mustang - more like a shrunk 1911.

(and what does Zundfolge mean, BTW??)

 

[FlyinGN]

I used to owns a hard chrome .380 LLama version. Shot pretty nice but it fell apart.. Honest. I liked the gun but it was a POS..

Frank