Your list is rather small. My nominee is the NAA Guardian, a very substantial piece of engineering in steel that has always gone Bang when requested. 
http://www.naaminis.com/380.html
http://www.naaminis.com/380.html
Which steel .380?
- Thread starter KelTecian
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Rex B
Member
HisSoldier wrote: "Wow, I guess we hijacked this thread. That's outrageous tolerance differences between the three guns! Every one could use a custom fitted bushing. I guess that's why folks say Llama's are junk. I'm fond of the little 1911's though and enjoy amateur gunsmithing. If someone wanted to put a new gun on the market that would sell I don't think making this one over in stainless with good materials and tolerances would be be a loser, but it would cost as much as a Colt."
I am the same way, I like these little guns and like to tinker. I had to fit a later thumb safety to mine, but I think I've figured out how to modify it to match the original style. I may pick up another to experiment on as this one works very well after fitting it.
I've found a source of parts for these, so I'll pick through his bushings next chance I get. I may also look at Colt .380 bushings, although they don't appear to be available in different sizes like the 1911 bushings. I do wonder about building up the inisde with weld and machining it back down.
As bad as that barrel fit is, the rest of the gun appears to be well fitted. I have had the most recent gun completely apart and then back together. Everything fit as well or better than my Sistemas. Trigger could be better, but it's not bad. And you have to remember, these were built during wartime, so that barrel fit may have reflected reliability as a first priority.
As for similar guns, the closest thing I have found is the Colt Government .380. Those run about $600 used, and are not as exact a scaled-down 1911 as the Llamas are. Undoubtedly better guns though, and I'll likely buy one.
I am the same way, I like these little guns and like to tinker. I had to fit a later thumb safety to mine, but I think I've figured out how to modify it to match the original style. I may pick up another to experiment on as this one works very well after fitting it.
I've found a source of parts for these, so I'll pick through his bushings next chance I get. I may also look at Colt .380 bushings, although they don't appear to be available in different sizes like the 1911 bushings. I do wonder about building up the inisde with weld and machining it back down.
As bad as that barrel fit is, the rest of the gun appears to be well fitted. I have had the most recent gun completely apart and then back together. Everything fit as well or better than my Sistemas. Trigger could be better, but it's not bad. And you have to remember, these were built during wartime, so that barrel fit may have reflected reliability as a first priority.
As for similar guns, the closest thing I have found is the Colt Government .380. Those run about $600 used, and are not as exact a scaled-down 1911 as the Llamas are. Undoubtedly better guns though, and I'll likely buy one.
HisSoldier
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Well, I've got problems, it seems that I can't stop buying .380's! My wife has pretty well put her foot down though. I got my second Llama .380 yesterday, the bushing/barrel fit isn't nearly as bad but the barrels lower lugs are very loose side to side in the link area. The link and vertical lockup via the lower lugs is very nice. The grip safety has a huge amount of play side to side, about .025" slop at the safety pin slot area. I'm coming to the conclusion that if one had 20 of these Llama's one could disassemble them and reassemble one pretty tight gun! It's really a shame because the concept of a smaller 1911 is pretty cool. Stars on the other hand seem to be considerably better made. That last Llama trigger breaks at 6 lbs 2 oz, not nearly as bad as the first.
rantingredneck
Member
Yeah, what he said
One .380 and one .32NAA (.32/380 bottleneck)
Rex B
Member
HisSoldier wrote: "Well, I've got problems, it seems that I can't stop buying .380's! My wife has pretty well put her foot down though. I got my second Llama .380 yesterday"
So what type was it, early unribbed, later ribbed??
We will require a photo, of course.
So what type was it, early unribbed, later ribbed??
We will require a photo, of course.
Rex B
Member
Those NAA Guardians are on my radar too.
I declined a good trade for one last year, shoulda took it.
I looked at a .32 ACP version at a store this week, used for $279.95
Seemed a bit high to me.
I declined a good trade for one last year, shoulda took it.
I looked at a .32 ACP version at a store this week, used for $279.95
Seemed a bit high to me.
HisSoldier
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I have a Guardian, without sights. Wish it had sights Also, since it is DAO I tend to favor the Colt's or Llama's.
The Llama has a rib, but this is a later variation with loaded chamber indicator
Seen here the indicator says I have a snap cap in the chamber, well, it's loaded at any rate, so best not assume it's a snap cap.
[/IMG]
Also, since it is DAO I tend to favor the Colt's or Llama's.The Llama has a rib, but this is a later variation with loaded chamber indicator
Seen here the indicator says I have a snap cap in the chamber, well, it's loaded at any rate, so best not assume it's a snap cap.
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PakWaan
Member
I LOVE my Sig P232. Besides being thin and accurate, it's a DAMN good looking pistol!
Phantom Captain
Member
Broke down and bought myself a christmas present today.
Have wanted one for a long time and finally just decided to do it. Bought a S&W stainless PPK/s today!
I am going to order some of those cocobolo checkered grips too. Mostly I've shot nothing but black powder lately but decided I just NEEDED something new!
Have wanted one for a long time and finally just decided to do it. Bought a S&W stainless PPK/s today!
I am going to order some of those cocobolo checkered grips too. Mostly I've shot nothing but black powder lately but decided I just NEEDED something new!
HisSoldier
Member
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- Sep 26, 2007
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Phantom,
I bought my gorgeous PPK/S the checkered cocoblo grips on ebay, but I don't know if there are any more. I emailed Herrett (Who made them) before I found the ebay ad and asked him for some, he said he didn't and just made a bunch up for someone in Florida, who is probably who I bought mine from. You might google Herrett and ask, as that's what may prime the pump. I love those grips! And they really set off that S&W PPK/S.
http://www.herrett-stocks.com/
I bought my gorgeous PPK/S the checkered cocoblo grips on ebay, but I don't know if there are any more. I emailed Herrett (Who made them) before I found the ebay ad and asked him for some, he said he didn't and just made a bunch up for someone in Florida, who is probably who I bought mine from. You might google Herrett and ask, as that's what may prime the pump. I love those grips! And they really set off that S&W PPK/S.
http://www.herrett-stocks.com/
BlazingAngel01
Member
it does the job very well
Phantom Captain
Member
Thanks HisSoldier,
I just got on ebay and found them in about two seconds! They are now ordered and on the way! I was looking at grips for awhile before even buying the pistol knowing that I wanted to change them if I bought it. Looking at the picture of yours was exactly what I wanted and I totally agree with you that they really set off the stainless PPK/S really nicely.
I just got on ebay and found them in about two seconds! They are now ordered and on the way! I was looking at grips for awhile before even buying the pistol knowing that I wanted to change them if I bought it. Looking at the picture of yours was exactly what I wanted and I totally agree with you that they really set off the stainless PPK/S really nicely.
HisSoldier
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- Sep 26, 2007
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Phantom, I had to do some fitting, just a bit. I found that the grips didn't allow fast and easy access to the mag release, so I made a recess. Also, they made a pretty obvious gap at the top, I had to take a file and cut the top of the wood shoulder inside the back of the grips to get them higher, then epoxy tiny strips of wood to the opposing side to limit play. Well worth the slight effort.
Mad Magyar
Member
I don't own or have handled many that have been mentioned..But, I'm extremely satisfied with the way this handles & fires...Did a little sanding on the sharp rear edges & tang; but that was it...
Don't go to Wally World w/o it....
Don't go to Wally World w/o it....
tydephan
Member
I'm partial to my P232:
chief
Member
I have a Colt Gov't .380 that has a really good trigger and shoots as well as any .380 in it's size range. The CZ 83 is on the huge side for .380's but has a double and single action trigger that is hard to beat, good sights and a hand filling grip. All this said, I carry my evil hand-biting PPK; it is small, durable, and a proven design almost on the scale of the 1911.
Mulliganpaintdee
Member
the only experience I had with a .380 is a Bersa, but looks wise I really like the Browning BDA .380
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