Llama factory closed...

kymasabe · September 18, 2005, 08:52 AM

I was just reading on BersaTalk that the Llama factory closed and apparently their 1911's are now darn near impossible to find new. There is a really good post about the Llama/Bersa/Firestorm relationship and apparently Bersa isn't affected but I think we've seen the end of Llama for a while.

**Tamara** · September 18, 2005, 09:05 AM

If there were any justice in the world, Llama would have gone toes up a decade ago, and Astra & Star would still be making pistols.

Hard Ball · September 18, 2005, 10:14 AM

Sorry Tamara, but there's not.

liliysdad · September 18, 2005, 10:30 AM

Odd as it sounds, I think Astra and Star were making guns that were too nice, and they ran themselves out of business. No one wanted to pay a deent price for a high quality pistol made in Spain, when they could buy a sh1t Llama for a lot less that looked as nice.

The Firestar .45 has always been a want of mine. The PD was cool as well.

citizen · September 18, 2005, 10:59 AM

Gotta agree with Tam, she nailed it.

Webleymkv · September 18, 2005, 11:06 AM

There's a Firestar in a local shop that'd be mine by now if I weren't worried about the availability of parts.

kymasabe · September 18, 2005, 12:39 PM

You mean FireStorm? The website says the FireStorm 1911 Gov't parts are interchangable with most 1911's, even lists the parts that ARE interchangable and I think it lists everything but the frame. Hey, if a builder can make a worldclass shooter out of a Norinco, why not a Llama?

liliysdad · September 18, 2005, 01:09 PM

No. A firestar is not a Llama or a firestorm. It was a 1911esques subcompact availablein 9mm, 40 and 45. Steel frame, single action, excellent little guns. Basically a next generation Star PD.

The Firestorm 1911s are made by Llama, sold by Bersa/Firestorm. I would imagine these to be going away quite soon as Llama is no more. Furthermore, a Norinco and a Llama are worlds apart. Worlds.

If you need a good, cheap 1911, get a Rock Island/Armscor. These are 1911 clones, with 100% interchangeability, all for 275-350 bucks.

res1b3uq · September 18, 2005, 02:52 PM

The PD is still a dandy little pistol. I have one strapped to my waist right now. I just got it back from Sprinco. They updated the recoil action on it so I don't have to worry about buffers anymore.

michael t · September 18, 2005, 02:59 PM

One of 2 reasons I sold my Firestar 1st was parts and 2nd was Caliber. Was a 40 and I just couldn't warm up to it. Great little pistol but a bit heavy for their size I would seriously look at a 45 or 9 even knowing parts are scarce. You can find mags and springs but other....

Mike H · September 24, 2005, 02:24 PM

Quote:

If there were any justice in the world, Llama would have gone toes up a decade ago

I don't think there's any joy to be gained from the demise of any firearms manufacturer. There are precious few of them as it is in my opinion.

yorec · September 24, 2005, 03:44 PM

I was salivating (years ago) over a Firestar in .40 Sw when I noticed an Astra A-75 in .40 SW... bought the Astra and the only regret I've ever had is that I didn't pick the Firestar up later as well.

Never has a Llama product crossed my radar. (well I did look twice when they came out with thier Warthog, but the urge quickly passed when I handled one)

Have to agree with Tamara.

USP45usp · September 24, 2005, 03:46 PM

Amen Tam

Quote:

Astra & Star would still be making pistols.

I have a Star Model Super and now a Ballister Molina. Man, I love the feel of these guns.

Wayne

September 18, 2005, 08:52 AM	#1
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: Northern by birth, Southern by choice. Posts: 1,634	Llama factory closed... I was just reading on BersaTalk that the Llama factory closed and apparently their 1911's are now darn near impossible to find new. There is a really good post about the Llama/Bersa/Firestorm relationship and apparently Bersa isn't affected but I think we've seen the end of Llama for a while. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

September 18, 2005, 09:05 AM	#2
Tamara Staff Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 15,527	If there were any justice in the world, Llama would have gone toes up a decade ago, and Astra & Star would still be making pistols. __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

September 18, 2005, 10:14 AM	#3
Hard Ball Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 1999 Location: California Posts: 3,886	Sorry Tamara, but there's not. __________________ "I swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemeis domestic or foreign WHOMSOEVER."

September 18, 2005, 10:59 AM	#5
citizen Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2000 Posts: 801	Gotta agree with Tam, she nailed it. __________________ ILLEGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM NRA, GOA, AOC Ignorance can be cured, Stupid is forever Life is too short for dial-up

September 18, 2005, 12:39 PM	#7
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: Northern by birth, Southern by choice. Posts: 1,634	You mean FireStorm? The website says the FireStorm 1911 Gov't parts are interchangable with most 1911's, even lists the parts that ARE interchangable and I think it lists everything but the frame. Hey, if a builder can make a worldclass shooter out of a Norinco, why not a Llama? __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

September 18, 2005, 10:30 AM	#4
liliysdad Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2004 Posts: 1,143	Odd as it sounds, I think Astra and Star were making guns that were too nice, and they ran themselves out of business. No one wanted to pay a deent price for a high quality pistol made in Spain, when they could buy a sh1t Llama for a lot less that looked as nice. The Firestar .45 has always been a want of mine. The PD was cool as well.

September 18, 2005, 11:06 AM	#6
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 5,381	There's a Firestar in a local shop that'd be mine by now if I weren't worried about the availability of parts.

September 18, 2005, 01:09 PM	#8
liliysdad Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2004 Posts: 1,143	No. A firestar is not a Llama or a firestorm. It was a 1911esques subcompact availablein 9mm, 40 and 45. Steel frame, single action, excellent little guns. Basically a next generation Star PD. The Firestorm 1911s are made by Llama, sold by Bersa/Firestorm. I would imagine these to be going away quite soon as Llama is no more. Furthermore, a Norinco and a Llama are worlds apart. Worlds. If you need a good, cheap 1911, get a Rock Island/Armscor. These are 1911 clones, with 100% interchangeability, all for 275-350 bucks.

September 18, 2005, 02:52 PM	#9
res1b3uq Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2005 Posts: 111	liliysdad The PD is still a dandy little pistol. I have one strapped to my waist right now. I just got it back from Sprinco. They updated the recoil action on it so I don't have to worry about buffers anymore.

September 18, 2005, 02:59 PM	#10
michael t Registered User Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 2,271	One of 2 reasons I sold my Firestar 1st was parts and 2nd was Caliber. Was a 40 and I just couldn't warm up to it. Great little pistol but a bit heavy for their size I would seriously look at a 45 or 9 even knowing parts are scarce. You can find mags and springs but other.... __________________ 1995 Colt Combat Commander,Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB,American Classic PPK/S Bersa Thunder 380 You must learn to be......slow in a Hurry Wyatt Earp 1849 1929

September 24, 2005, 03:44 PM	#12
yorec Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2000 Location: Wyoming Posts: 2,341	I was salivating (years ago) over a Firestar in .40 Sw when I noticed an Astra A-75 in .40 SW... bought the Astra and the only regret I've ever had is that I didn't pick the Firestar up later as well. Never has a Llama product crossed my radar. (well I did look twice when they came out with thier Warthog, but the urge quickly passed when I handled one) Have to agree with Tamara. __________________ What part of "... shall not be infringed..." don't you understand? My site - stop by n see what I'm all about... Yes, there is gun stuff. Last edited by yorec; September 24, 2005 at 04:16 PM.