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.