Llama Max-I .45, Yay or nay?

D

dasmi

New member
I was just at a gun shop, looking at a NIB Llama Max-I .45, $249.00. Yay or nay on this gun? Anyone have one? Shot one?
I checked in the store, regular 1911 mags fit, at least the one I pulled out of a Springfield that was also there. Any thoughts?
 
I have one. I purchased it a couple of years ago when I was low on funds but needed something. Most will tell you to save your money a little while longer and purchase a better one from Springfield Armoury. Before I retired mine, I had put over 5000 rds through it with very little problems. The interior machining was alittle rough but it fired each time I pulled the trigger. It's not 100% compatible with a standard 1911. Some parts are different but as you found out the mags do exchange. The only work that I can remember that I did to it was a trigger job to reduce it from over 9lbs to 5lbs. For the price, I didn't hink it was that bad.
 
Buy. They are good quality firearms. You will hear from 30 people who DON'T own one that they are soft steel and other myths. I own one. Mine works and feeds Winchester Silver Tips. My Llama is the best knock around, through the woods, across the river, horseback, tractor riding, rain, snow, ice, 4-wheeling and trustworthy foreign 1911 pattern pistol I own. Mine worked for my needs on a farm.
 
This would be my first gun. It's either this, or a used revolver in .357. I was set on the revolver, but then I saw and held the Llama, and I've always liked 1911's, so now I'm torn. And damn it all to hell, tales of the gun is on history channel, and it's about the 1911!!!
 
If you really want a 1911, the Rock Island Armoury or genuine used Colt are good choices. If you want a clone, the Llama flatters Colt well enough. I would still buy a used S&W 357 Magnum revolver first.
 
Oh, I forgot to mention my budget is LESS than $250. So anyone who replies with "Bah! Get a Kimber" or other high-priced weapon, save it :)
 
The only problem I've heard with the Llama is that it isn't 100% mil-spec, so if you are planning one customizing it you may run into parts compatibility problems. If you are not going to mess with it, the gun should be fine.

I'd also recommend checking with your local gun shops and pawn shops. If you can find a Rock Island Armory (made in the Philipines) or a Norinco (made in China) used but in basically good condition, you might be able to snag one for your price range.

NIB RIAs are running for $325 in my area.
 
The only problem I've heard with the Llama is that it isn't 100% mil-spec, so if you are planning on customizing it you may run into parts compatibility problems. If you are not going to mess with it, the gun should be fine.

I'd also recommend checking with your local gun shops and pawn shops. If you can find a Rock Island Armory (made in the Philipines) or a Norinco (made in China) used but in basically good condition, you might be able to snag one for your price range.

NIB RIAs are running for $325 in my area.
 
The only consistent complaint I have heard about the Llama .45 is that parts for "standard" 1911's don't drop in. (No, I don't have one. No I don't have a 1911. Yes, I have been shopping and researching on the net for about a year.) The problem, If I remember right, is something about converting specs from english units to metric ones when they manufactured. Things are always just a bit off. This isn't an issue if you don't intend to modify or make a "race gun."
The articles I read state that if that is what you want to do, start with a Springfield, a Norinco (can't get new due to embargo) or a base Colt. Another one mentioned is Rock Island Armory, but I guess there are a few problems with them and with Charles Daly's. Some claim inferior metallurgy. I don't really know. Not sure what to believe on that.

Mikey
 
That particular pistol WAS my first gun and I was attracted to it for all of the same reasons. The price was right, it was accurate for my needs and generally fed everything I shot without a hiccup. I had heard stories about poor metalurgy but it wasn't apparent to me. I had about 1,000 rounds thru it when I traded it on an Essex frame 1911.

If you can't save the extra hundred for a Rock Island Arsenal 1911 then the Llama isn't a bad place to start.
I'm not overly fond of revolvers at any price.
 
Ah, that's good to hear.
Basically, I was set on a revolver because that's all i've shot, and they are simple. How hard is it to strip and clean a 1911 like that?
 
IIRC, it breaks down like the standard 1911...unload the weapon, remove bushing and mainspring, cock hammer, pull slide back and wiggle out the retaining pin, take off the slide, there you have it...ready to clean. There was a list of parts available that weren't compatible with the Colt 1911; it can be found on the web. My Llama took standard Colt magazines. Check the 1911 Forum for more info and links.
 
Oh, since you're here reading this thread, and I know nothing about 1911's, how does one de-cock a cocked 1911?
 
I don't know how the manual of arms says do it but with my finger OFF the trigger I make sure of my muzzle direction, disengage the thumb safety, grab the hammer between the thumb and forefinger of my left hand and then squeeze the trigger. This allows me to ease the hammer down to the decocked position.
I DO NOT recommend doing this with a loaded pistol.
Please drop the magazine and rack the slide to eject any cartridge that may be chambered prior to dropping the hammer.
I DO NOT recommend resting the hammer on a loaded chamber. The safest way to carry a loaded 1911 is the 'cocked and locked' position...round in the chamber, hammer cocked and the thumb safety engaged.
At this point, others will chime in and either agree or not. Then we all learn something. :)
 
Oh, see, you can tell I haven't ever shot an auto :) I was thinking revolver, where you have to de-cock with a round in the cylinder. Of course you can drpo the mag and rack the slide to decock safely. I'm a goof :)
 
Take the money you were going to spend on the Llama and use it as a down payment on a Springfield. You can in my area get a basic military type springfield for around 400. Much better pistol all around. My Llama is trash

BUY THE SPRINGFIELD
 
I'm glad to see I'm not the one and only member of the Llama fan club. I have an older one, Commander size, chambered in .38 Super. I like it and it's been pretty reliable. I polished the feed ramp myself and changed out the springs (bought it used and I do this with every used gun) and bought a Mec Gar mag for it and it shoots extremely well for the price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top