Lee PrecisionLoad DataInline FabricationTitan Reloading
MidSouth Shooters SupplyRepackboxRotoMetals2Snyders Jerky
Reloading Everything Wideners
Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: llama .380 handgun Question

  1. #1
    Boolit Master



    atr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Vashon Island WA
    Posts
    2,293

    llama .380 handgun Question

    any opinions or experience firing the llama .380 semi-auto patterned after the 1911?
    thanks
    atr
    Death to every foe and traitor and hurrah, my boys, for freedom !

  2. #2
    Moderator


    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Way up in the Cascades
    Posts
    8,161
    They're fun to shoot, reasonably accurate, reasonably reliable. There are two types, which you may or may not know; the original type operates exactly like a 1911 .45 auto with a locked breech utilizing a swinging link under the barrel and top barrel lug. The second, later type is a straight blowback action. Externally they look the same. Because they are a miniaturized 1911 some folks seem prefer other designs, but if you like a 1911 you're pretty sure to like the Llama .380. The original Llamas were produced in Spain for many years, but the company went out of business about 20 years ago, and apparently they are now being produced in the Philippines. Mine are the Spanish production, and I have no experience with the current model, but have heard nothing derogatory about them.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master Dan Cash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Western North Dakota
    Posts
    3,327
    One of my earliest pistols was a Llama .389. The nickle was coming off and the bore was well pitted; older than dirt and I had it in the early 60s. This one was very small and fit in my shirt pocket but was a true copy of a 1911. I shot the snot out of it and gained quite a respect for the .380. It went down the road when it would no longer remain cocked but it inspired me to snatch up a Colt Government .380 when I ran into one about 1986.
    To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, the trouble with many shooting experts is not that they're ignorant; its just that they know so much that isn't so.

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master
    rintinglen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Orange, VA NOW
    Posts
    6,520
    Mine is about 25 years old and save for the fact that it frequently jams on the last round, it is a pretty good gun. It is the later, blow back version, the IIIa. As long as you can get’er done with 7 shots, you’re good to go. If you need the eighth, or need to reload in a hurry, might be a bad day.
    _________________________________________________It's not that I can't spell: it is that I can't type.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    gardners pa.
    Posts
    3,443
    I have one in,32 auto. works good no problems at all it is a good pocket gun .

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Location
    OKC , Oklahoma
    Posts
    3,384
    I have had several through the years none were shot much but cycled reliably.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
    LUBEDUDE's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    East Texas
    Posts
    2,678
    I have 2 380s and one 32, all of which are 70s/80s vintage. They are true mini 1911 designs and great shooters!
    TEAM HOLLYWOOD

    NRA- LIFE TSRA-LIFE SASS-LIFE

  8. #8
    Boolit Master

    Uncle Grinch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Middle Georgia
    Posts
    1,709
    RIA and Browning both produce baby .380’s now. I have handled them and they closely feel like the early Llama’s.
    Shoot Safe,
    Mike

    Retired Telephone Man
    NRA Endowment Member
    Marion Road Gun Club
    ( www.marionroad.com )

  9. #9
    Boolit Master


    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    NH
    Posts
    3,783
    I had one it was a .380 like a 1911. That was it, Small easy to hide still a SA Auto.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check