Split Barrel
- Thread starter REALWORLD
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Bill DeShivs
New member
Lots of snobs here that can't see past S&W or Ruger. The Llama Commanche was a pretty nice gun. Perhaps a S&W barrel could be fitted, then you could move up a notch in the Internet gun circles!
It's worth repairing.
Bill
It's worth repairing.
Bill
Its not snobbery that makes me dislike the Llama. You can ask my Bersa .380, or my CZ shotgun how much of a snob I am.
However, I am very much against low quality guns, and the Llama is definitely that. There are much, much better guns out there, for no more money. Even Taurus is a better option, as much as that irks me to say.
However, I am very much against low quality guns, and the Llama is definitely that. There are much, much better guns out there, for no more money. Even Taurus is a better option, as much as that irks me to say.
If that Llama means a lot to you to get it fixed even at the higher cost of just buying a new revolver then careful research and a good gun smith is called for. If a standard S&W, Ruger or Taurus barrel won't work then a custom non treaded barrel will have to be ordered and that will cost some money. You can contact Clark Custom guns to see if they can fit one of their custom barrels to your revolver and then if you want it machined to original contour then the cost goes higher. Just to give you an idea of a barrel will be around $65 - $150 and still need to get machined. Machining is about $40 - 60 an hour depending on who's doing it. If you scrounge around you may find another used Llama being sold at rockbottom price and then cannibalize the parts to get yours running again. Try contacting this guy http://www.experimentalmachining.com/home2.html
he has done superb work on IPSC type of pistols and he's a master machinist. I'm sure he can direct you somewhere if he can't do the job. josh
he has done superb work on IPSC type of pistols and he's a master machinist. I'm sure he can direct you somewhere if he can't do the job. josh
I have shot Llamas and enjoyed the experience. I don't think everyone has the same tastes in firearms. For instance, my son-in-law loves his Hi-points and believe me, he can shoot them well. Give the guy a break, he already has a gun and it will cost much less to fix the one he has than go out and buy a high dollar gun someone else thinks he should have.
Bill DeShivs
New member
Llama Commanches are no cruder than a Bersa.
If the metal was too "soft", it couldn't handle .357 pressures.
Bill
If the metal was too "soft", it couldn't handle .357 pressures.
Bill
I've shot llamas before and sad to say it wasn't a good experience. The revolver was spitting a lot of debris from the barrel cylinder gap. Anyone on the side of the gun will get peppered with tiny fragments that stung like heck if you get hit. I know cuz I got peppered. The gunsmith said to just lay it to rest and give it a proper burial. Seriously that's what the gunsmith basically said. I'm not a snob in firearms. I own a Rossi 851, mossberg 500, Maverick shotgun and a cheap 25acp pistol. josh
Did you even read why the gun is broken?
Hoenstly, the Llama is not on the same level as Smith, Ruger, or Colt. Its not even a comparable gun to a Taurus or Rossi. Even the few Astras I have seen were better guns than the Llama wheelguns. Absolute junk.
As for the cost, if you can find a barrel, and a smith willing to work on it, and the barrel can be swapped without trashing the frame, then I am willing to bet the cost would be more than a Ruger Security Six would cost.
Bill DeShivs
New member
Generally, split/bulged barrels are caused by an obstruction. Llamas are not the finest guns in the world,but they generally are serviceable.
Bill
Bill
Dfariswheel
New member
Here's some sources for llama parts:
http://www.e-gunparts.com/model.asp?idDept=149
http://www.jackfirstgun.com/ (Pros shop here first).
NOTE: Revolver barrels are NOT something you can "do at home".
Changing the barrel REQUIRES a fair amount of expensive tooling and the knowledge of exactly what to do, and how.
Attempting to do it with "expedient" tooling is how you ruin a gun.
As example, the old gag of using a hammer handle to twist the frame off is pretty well guaranteed to destroy the frame.
Barrel removal requires a special frame wrench with plastic inserts that are made to fit ONE specific brand and size frame.
To fit a barrel requires:
A lathe to turn the barrel shoulder so the front sight lines up.
The special frame wrench with inserts.
Brass, aluminum, or hard plastic barrel clamps.
A barrel vise.
A special cutting tool that works down the bore to cut the rear of the barrel to adjust barrel/cylinder gap.
A special cutting tool that works down the bore to re-cut the forcing cone.
A special plug gage to gage the forcing cone.
Here's a hint. Trying to do it with a file and some wood barrel blocks will destroy the gun.
Second hint: NO local gunsmith is going to have the right frame wrench inserts or barrel blocks.
In all likelihood, he'll try to do it with expedient tooling too, and botch it.
Sorry, revolver parts are hand fitted at the factory, and there are few to NO "drop-in" parts, and especially NOT barrels.
Best advice: Try to find the importer and find out who did their warranty repair work.
http://www.e-gunparts.com/model.asp?idDept=149
http://www.jackfirstgun.com/ (Pros shop here first).
NOTE: Revolver barrels are NOT something you can "do at home".
Changing the barrel REQUIRES a fair amount of expensive tooling and the knowledge of exactly what to do, and how.
Attempting to do it with "expedient" tooling is how you ruin a gun.
As example, the old gag of using a hammer handle to twist the frame off is pretty well guaranteed to destroy the frame.
Barrel removal requires a special frame wrench with plastic inserts that are made to fit ONE specific brand and size frame.
To fit a barrel requires:
A lathe to turn the barrel shoulder so the front sight lines up.
The special frame wrench with inserts.
Brass, aluminum, or hard plastic barrel clamps.
A barrel vise.
A special cutting tool that works down the bore to cut the rear of the barrel to adjust barrel/cylinder gap.
A special cutting tool that works down the bore to re-cut the forcing cone.
A special plug gage to gage the forcing cone.
Here's a hint. Trying to do it with a file and some wood barrel blocks will destroy the gun.
Second hint: NO local gunsmith is going to have the right frame wrench inserts or barrel blocks.
In all likelihood, he'll try to do it with expedient tooling too, and botch it.
Sorry, revolver parts are hand fitted at the factory, and there are few to NO "drop-in" parts, and especially NOT barrels.
Best advice: Try to find the importer and find out who did their warranty repair work.
nagib otayek
New member
Llama 45
I've had bad experience with llama autoloaders. One in 45 ACP. along with the empty case, ejected also the firing pin, the firing pin spring and the retaining plate. I gave to gunsmith friend. The other in 9mm luger, was a beauty with highly decorative solid silver and gold leaf motive grips. The gun didn't jam or go apart but the fit was so loose that it was hard to hit anything beyond 10 meters. I sold it to a guy who was fascinated with the grips. I have little experience with Llama revolvers almost none with the exception of dry firing one; the diference with the S&W can be felt immediately especially the roughness of the mecanism.
I've had bad experience with llama autoloaders. One in 45 ACP. along with the empty case, ejected also the firing pin, the firing pin spring and the retaining plate. I gave to gunsmith friend. The other in 9mm luger, was a beauty with highly decorative solid silver and gold leaf motive grips. The gun didn't jam or go apart but the fit was so loose that it was hard to hit anything beyond 10 meters. I sold it to a guy who was fascinated with the grips. I have little experience with Llama revolvers almost none with the exception of dry firing one; the diference with the S&W can be felt immediately especially the roughness of the mecanism.
Chances are that if the barrel split, there may be frame damage too. Have that checked then go here. He lists a used 4" .357 barrel for $50. http://www.gun-parts.com/barrels/
DWARREN123
New member
Think it over first. Do you really want to spend a lot of money on it? Have a good gunsmith check it out and make your decision on that input. A new or used revolver may come out costing less.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Good luck with whatever you decide.