![]() However, some will be found with non-removable links. The Llama uses a pivoting barrel with a link identical to the 1911 in some regards. The Llama 1911 Basicsįirst, the basic design is very much John Browning’s locked-breech single-action pistol. In this article, I’ll focus on what is similar to the 1911 and what isn’t, as well as some of the common problems and simple solutions. He used the Llama for a year or so before moving on to something better.ĭespite its shortcomings, we should all be familiar with the Llama. 45 for a fellow just beginning in competition. Oddly enough, I once fitted a six-inch Clark Custom barrel and other accessories to a Llama. Providing work for gunsmiths is a good thing, of course, but I suspect that few owners of this marginal handgun will be willing to pay a high tariff for repairs and improvements to a Llama. Still, the Llama has allowed shooters to scope out the 1911 system on the cheap, and has certainly helped gunsmiths to stay in business. The various Stars have proven reliable, the CETME is a great rifle, and the single Ruby in my collection is a well-made and reliable if somewhat “utilitarian” pistol. Spanish gunmakers certainly know how to make a good pistol. While the pistol can be made serviceable, my guess is that most were meant to be dropped on our shores among the unwary. In my opinion, the Llama is best suited as a beginning or entry-level pistol for the owner who wants to see what a 1911 is like, but who cannot afford a better piece. Over the years, the quality of the Llama has varied from what I would call indifferent to absolutely dismal. Over the years, the Llama was produced in some variations that appeared to be nearly identical to the 1911 Government Model, but differed maddeningly and significantly. Most were chambered for the 9mm Luger or 9mm Largo cartridge, but those intended for sale in the U.S. When the company was prosperous, its main source of prosperity was a line of pistols resembling the Colt 1911A1. The pistol was modest, but the total number produced was impressive. Various “Spanish Ruby” pistols, purchased by the French army during the first World War at a rate of up to 30,000 per month, gave the company its beginning. It is because of this, that I added it to the best handgun for women article, and because of that classification, I added it in the list of best 9mm pistols for women.The company name is often mispronounced as Lah-mah, though the proper pronunciation is Yah-mah, which means “fire” in Spanish. 380 version if you are getting it for a women new to guns. I’ve found that one of the hardest things to get over is operating the slide. Now that being said, because of the easy slide, and loading capability, and low recoil, I think this makes for an excellent handgun for novice women, or those who are looking to get into shooting and thus their first gun. Novice leadslingers crave small successes to build their confidence.ĭoes a gun with middling accuracy, feed issues, and a grip safety inspired by a shark fin serve this market as well as it should? They may be center’ish mass instead of center mass, but the gun shoots straight enough to win a gunfight in close quarters, where most defensive shootings happen.įor me, the 9 EZ’s shortcomings raise an important issue: The M&P Shield 9 EZ is a gun designed for new shooters. When you leave the groups behind and shoot defensive drills, the 9 EZ will put your rounds on target. This isn’t a shooter issue, I can group far better with a Glock (full size or subcompact), a 1911 or even a mid-sized revolver than I can with the 9 EZ. I like having these thumbstuds available, so long as I don’t stop to think how much better I might like a double stack magazine. The thumbstuds on the sides of the magazines are a nice feature to have and really reduce the thumb-strain induced by other mags. ![]() I can manipulate the slide with my thumb and ring finger alone.Īfter dry fire drills, it’s time to load up the mags. They provide excellent gripping points and achieve the intended result of making the slide easier to operate for those with limited hand strength. The slide serrations and flared edges are great. ![]() This is not a match trigger, nor a bowl of mush, it’s simply serviceable. Not too much creep, good break and only a little on the heavy side. This includes a pretty wide variety of bullet weights from a handful of different manufacturers.īefore I get to shooting, I run a couple dry fire drills. I’ve had the test & evaluation 9 EZ for around 4 months now, with a good number of range trips under my belt with it. The other was a notably uncomfortable fit to my hand, which I wasn’t able to fully diagnose in limited time, especially on a range day that included other handguns. One was a mediocre level of accuracy that I hoped was simply the result of a well-worn prototype.
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