Llama Omni - what happened?

Duxman · March 31, 2006, 02:56 PM

Back in 1982 - Llama introduced the "ultimate" 9mm / .45 - the Llama Omni - it had micro ball bearings integrated into the slide so it would not wear when it cycled against the frame, along with some new innovative features for a semi automatic pistol. But because of its cost, and Llama's reputation for cheap guns it never took off.

Does anyone know what happened to it? Anyone own one?

SIGSHR · March 31, 2006, 03:52 PM

It is the gun buying public that is the final determinant of sucess and if a
design doesn't sell, the manufacturer/importer will not continue it. A good
example being my favorite Sig SHR 970 rifle. Also I believe Llama went out
of business a few years ago.

Handy · March 31, 2006, 04:17 PM

The Omni had several other interesting features, like seperate mechanisms for single and double action. The one I examined, but didn't shoot, didn't seem all that beautifully made despite the obvious effort.

There are many, many examples of excellent, forward thinking firearms that went nowhere from better companies than Llama.

They are still around. Half the "Firestorm" product line are Llamas, the rest are Bersas.

michael t · March 31, 2006, 11:00 PM

The Omni didn't make it public wasn't ready I guess. So it went a way and last summer Llama also closed its doors. Now both are together in history.

March 31, 2006, 02:56 PM	#1
Duxman Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,250	Llama Omni - what happened? Back in 1982 - Llama introduced the "ultimate" 9mm / .45 - the Llama Omni - it had micro ball bearings integrated into the slide so it would not wear when it cycled against the frame, along with some new innovative features for a semi automatic pistol. But because of its cost, and Llama's reputation for cheap guns it never took off. Does anyone know what happened to it? Anyone own one?

March 31, 2006, 11:00 PM	#4
michael t Registered User Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 2,271	The Omni didn't make it public wasn't ready I guess. So it went a way and last summer Llama also closed its doors. Now both are together in history. __________________ 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

March 31, 2006, 03:52 PM	#2
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 1,240	It is the gun buying public that is the final determinant of sucess and if a design doesn't sell, the manufacturer/importer will not continue it. A good example being my favorite Sig SHR 970 rifle. Also I believe Llama went out of business a few years ago.

March 31, 2006, 04:17 PM	#3
Handy Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2001 Posts: 8,793	The Omni had several other interesting features, like seperate mechanisms for single and double action. The one I examined, but didn't shoot, didn't seem all that beautifully made despite the obvious effort. There are many, many examples of excellent, forward thinking firearms that went nowhere from better companies than Llama. They are still around. Half the "Firestorm" product line are Llamas, the rest are Bersas.