Anyone know anything about the Llama Especial .380?

[CZShooter]

I was at my local gun shop today and ran across a Llama Especial .380...it looks like a Colt Government .380 (a mini 1911), complete with grip safety and all. They had 2 of them...one for $299 and one (with a vent rib) for $249. The more expensive one had decent bluing, and the cheaper one definately showed some wear.

I'm a sucker for "neat" and unusual guns...and just wondered if this was something worth adding to my collection.

[DDMac]

I saw one here as well. Neat looking piece. My Bro-in-Law has a Llama .22 in the 1911 design, and needed parts to repair an extractor problem. He had a devil of a time finding the part and it required machining to boot. He loves the gun and it shoots great. Repair is the problem.
Mac.

[Trevor]

If you are a collector of little pistols, add it to your collection.  Yet,  be aware that shooting it may lead to the need for repairs.  Because Llama went out of business years ago, parts for it will be hard to find.  I would avoid it as a shooter.

[DonWorsham]

I've had one since 1972. Great gun. Cost $69.95. You can not find parts for it. If you have a (real) source, please let me know. Also,  watch out for replacement magazines...they don't work. Have the gun with you when you buy a magazine.

[AR1911]

If the one without a vent rib is still available, buy it.
It should be dated pre-1950
These are pure mini-1911, very well made.
The detail-strip just like a 1911, except for the extractor which is external.
May favorite guns. I have 3 of them.

The one with the vent ribs came later, and the rib grew bigger after 1960 or so. Still neat guns, but the old ones were unique and also better made.

[Sponsor]

[Walter45Auto]

Don't buy Llama if you want to shoot them a lot. You can't hardly find parts. ESPECIALLY firing pins. My dad's having a couple machined by a gunsmith right now.

[AR1911]

There are parts out there. Two parts sets sold on AuctionArms just today.
Many thousands of these guns were sold from the 1930s on. There are variations, but the type the OP has is the most common - blowback pistol with a slide rib.

Firing pins are pretty easy to make.   I may make up a batch of them to sell.

[DDMac]

AR 1911, if you decide to make some, let me know. My Bro-in-Law would probably want a couple. He has the vent rib model.
Mac.

[AR1911]

It won't be anytime soon, but I'll do so.

[DonWorsham]

It won't be anytime soon, but I'll do so.

Add me to the list please. Perhaps this can become a second job for you! 

One with the rib...