Thinking of getting Firestorm DLX

[gbern]

Saw a new one at a gunshow being sold by a gunsmith. Seemed well-made, smooth operating, and the trigger felt crisp and light. And the price! Am looking for comments from those with experience with this 1911. Any durability/ reliability issues? How about the extractor? Would anyone recommend installing a heavier firing pin in view of no firing pin safety? How about shooting accuracy? Are the sights well aligned from the factory? Also, what is the issue with not having a full length guide rod versus having one? Thanks for your patience and help. I am relatively new to handgunning and this is my first post on the forum. I have enjoyed shooting my CZ 75 PCR Compact at the range but would like to have a 1911. I have rented and shot a Taurus PT1911 and a Kimber model (don't remember which).

[Hawkmoon]

Have you read our review of this pistol in our e-zine?

http://ezine.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=6

[gbern]

Yes. It was a very good review. Just wanted to get a number of opinions. Thanks.

[autotech6506]

i've got one and I love it! highly recommend getting one

[timf]

mine has 2k rounds down range not a problem so far accurate and reliable!!!

[bdb benzino]

I also really recomend it, I have 6-700 rounds through it with no malfunctions of any kind. It is as good of performer as my Springfeild loaded and has a super smooth action. With some kimber rosewood grips and a springfeild full length guide rod, it is my nicest looking pistol.

[LDJ]

Glad to hear the positive comments since I bought mine without knowing anything about it. I was in the gun store and got an attack of 1911 fever. I was looking at a slightly used CD when I spotted the Firestorm for the same price and what a price. Threw caution to the wind and said to heck with it and snagged it to go with my 2 RIAs.
I will be at the range Labor Day breaking mine in. I have Hogue wraps on my RIAs but I think I might get some nice wood grips for the Firestorm or maybe some faux Ivory. I have been noticing the carbon fiber grips as well but I need to see them and feel them first.

[CharlieW]

I would be interested to hear how your first visit to the range goes. My new DLX is very sensitive to the type of ammo -- "white box" Winchester fed perfectly, but Remington would not feed. The difference seems to be the length of the ammo. There was one little spur at the edge of the feed ramp that I knocked down that seemed to help.

Otherwise, the gun is very nice for the money. Tightly fitted, decent finish, good trigger, pretty nice sights and shoots to point of aim.

Got to watch out for that 1911 fever!

[gbern]

Thanks for your experiences, everyone.

[LDJ]

I would be interested to hear how your first visit to the range goes. My new DLX is very sensitive to the type of ammo -- "white box" Winchester fed perfectly, but Remington would not feed. The difference seems to be the length of the ammo. There was one little spur at the edge of the feed ramp that I knocked down that seemed to help.

Otherwise, the gun is very nice for the money. Tightly fitted, decent finish, good trigger, pretty nice sights and shoots to point of aim.

Got to watch out for that 1911 fever!

It definitely prefers the WWB. I tried some Georgia Arms reloads and it did not like those at all. FRTB every other shot. I think it is just so tight that it only likes brand new ammo. I never got a jam or FTRB using the winchester.
I am hoping it will loosen up since its getting harder and harder to pick up WWB at Wally World. Right now I am hesitant to carry it until I can get through 100 rounds with out a problem.
My RIAs feed anything but thats after I broke them in with 1000 rounds of WWB.
Problem was the slide would not go all the way forward after firing. It would take a tap on the back of it to fully seat. Anyone else have that problem?

[timf]

mine seems to feed everything just fine wwb remeington and blzer hp's too, only thing it hated was some old pmc starfire 165gr hps i had but the bullet is almost square on those lol!!! loved federal hst and golden saber hp though.

[CharlieW]

LDJ, What you are describing is exactly what I experienced. The slide would not close completely with the Remington ammo, but it was much better with the WWB. I will try to shoot some more of that WWB this week and report back if the gun loosens up and takes some other ammo -- I think I have some Federal and Blazer I can try.

Good luck with your new DLX -- please keep us "posted"

[CharlieW]

Well, I went back to the range with the Firestorm DLX again -- same results. The pistol ate the Winchester white box without a hitch, but it would not cycle with the other ammo I brought. The gun shot very well with the WWB, and I would be completely satisfied if it ran the other ammo as well.

Guess I will have somebody look at it, or send it in for service. I'm sure that it will be easily remedied, and I will enjoy the pistol for a long time.

[MikeyB]

My Metro Arms American Classic eats WWB, Blazers, Fiocchi and Aguila with no issues. Even feeds my 185 gr Sierra JHP's (flying ashtrays) handloads. Dang good pistol at a great price!

MikeyB

[ftroop82]

Had a few feed issues with my Firestorm DXL at first, had to slightly polish the feed ramp and the upper part of the barrel where the rounds first enter the barrel, have not have any issues since, shot WWB, Remg. Golden Sabres, PMC, and Magtech with no issues. I like mine alot!

[CharlieW]

Had a few feed issues with my Firestorm DXL at first, had to slightly polish the feed ramp and the upper part of the barrel where the rounds first enter the barrel, have not have any issues since, shot WWB, Remg. Golden Sabres, PMC, and Magtech with no issues. I like mine alot!
I performed exactly the same updates and my DLX is much improved. I wasn't sure what I was doing, and I am very much relieved to hear that I was (am) on the right track. Thanks.

[bdb benzino]

Congrats , good to hear its clearing up for you. It truley is a great pistol, and I am sure you will enjoy it !!!

[LDJ]

Had a few feed issues with my Firestorm DXL at first, had to slightly polish the feed ramp and the upper part of the barrel where the rounds first enter the barrel, have not have any issues since, shot WWB, Remg. Golden Sabres, PMC, and Magtech with no issues. I like mine alot!
Ok I went to the range today and only got 2 FTRB out of 100 using Georgia arms 185 gr JHP, my preferred carry load. I am going to have to break out the dremel and polish the feed ramp. Hopefully it will resolve my issues. I really like the gun but won't carry a gun I don't trust completely. Until the Firestorm gets through a 100 rounds of anything I will stick to my RIAs.

Now what did I do with that dremel?

[larryh1108]

You may wish to give your gun a nice rail job. A lot of kinetic energy is lost in the frame rail to slide rail relationship in these models. That and a Wolff 17" recoil spring with the ramp job should fix you right up.

[ftroop82]

What is the preocedure for a "rail job"?

[larryh1108]

Llamas are not as "refined" as their more expensive competitors. They took short cuts in their milling process, among other things. The rails on the frame and the slide, where they interact, often times contain tiny burrs or have a sandpaper texture. If you have small needle files (you can get a set at Lowes for about $12) you can run these files thru the channels where the 2 rails contact each other. As you file these areas you can "feel" them smooth out. If you detail strip your gun and have just the frame and slide, you can slide the slide on the receiver as you go along and you will feel the 2 parts going from a gritty sliding process to a butter on butter process. It's pretty hard to take hard steel off so don't be timid. However, remember that you are "finishing" the surface, not reshaping it. As you go along you will feel a certain part that may "stick" when you are hand racking the stripped pistol.

When you think you are finished, coat both surfaces with a Sharpie or magic marker and cycle it 50 more times. Look for any wear spots on the rails. If you see excessive rub then identify the area and smooth it out. Many times you'll see machining marks, cuts, bulges or other imperfections. It takes a good eye but once you know what you are looking for they become obvious.

When you can hand rack the stripped slide and frame without any hang ups or resistance and you are satisfied, then coat it with your favorite lubrication and let it sit for 3 days. When it has cured, reassemble your gun and hand rack it a minimum 100x to look for any hangups with all the parts assembled. When you take it to the range you will be amazed at how smooth the action will be and all the lost kinetic energy that was used to fight the sloppy milling will now be used to chamber your round. It makes a huge difference!

[ftroop82]

My Firestorm is made by MetroArms, not a Llama, the slide is very smooth and precise, so I guess I am ok.

[bdb benzino]

The Firestorm Dlx that the OP is talking about is not a Llama. They are made by Metro Arms and are much more refined. They are new as of a year and a half or so.

[dogdollar]

I readily admit to being a gun snob, but I have go to say that based on the feedback and the reviews on this pistol, I would easily recommend it to friends looking in that price range.
I don't recall hearing a lot about customer service, but that might just mean that they work !!!!
Good looking pistol, too......that never hurts !!!
DD

P.S. - My understanding is that MetroArms is a joint venture of Llama and Bersa.......

[SiRed91]

Whomever is behind this new company is doing it right!

Finally a contender in the price range I like for a range doggy.

[Rio Vista Slim]

I readily admit to being a gun snob, but I have go to say that based on the feedback and the reviews on this pistol, I would easily recommend it to friends looking in that price range.
I don't recall hearing a lot about customer service, but that might just mean that they work !!!!
Good looking pistol, too......that never hurts !!!
DD

My very good friend dogdollar speaks volumes of truth here!

After I did the Firestorm DLX review for the M1911.ORG E-zine, my local gun shop guy ordered several Firestorms. It appears from his feed-back that all the customers who've bought one have been more than pleased.

He tries to keep a couple on hand in his display case. The "word of mouth" in my hometown makes that an exceedingly difficult proposition!

[toad]

I like the 1911 platform but I haven't had "luck" in keeping hold of them. I had to sell my Dan Wesson CCCB a while back and it about broke my heart. In looking for an under $600 dollar pistol for a future purchase I was looking at the various tuppeware since I couldn't see my self getting to attached to it. Now you guys are touting a 1911 that is $100 to $150 less than the tupperware that I was looking at. As soon as I save enough bottle caps, I'll have to see what my local shops will give me in trade for a Firestorm 1911 DLX.

[SiRed91]

^ The AC2 has a better rollmark in my opinion.....LOL .... I love this gun.

600 rounds of various ammo from God Dots to WWB and eats it all....not ONE malf yet.

[ftroop82]

I love my Firestorm 1911 DXL by MetroArms, had a few hiccups first 100 to 200 rounds, did some minor polishing, been perfect ever since, got about 900 rounds through it now. Question is have anyone changed there grips out and if so then what kind?

[bdb benzino]

Any grips for a Govt or commander size 1911 should fit fine. I beleive the Metro Arms 1911's are totaly in spec. I have used Hogue's and Kimber double dimond rosewood grips on my Metro.

[sixguncowboy]

I just bought a Firestorm Dlx locally for $449.00, but an adult toy store in the Dallas Metroplex has them advertised at $388.00. It would have cost me the difference in gas to drive to D and back to buy the gun at the lower price so I wouldn't have saved anything.

I shot it yesterday for the first time using 230 gr FMJ reloaded ball ammo. I hand one stovepipe due to limp wristing. I had a few FTFs due to a Wilson ss 8rd mag that the Firestorm definitely did not like. I also tried Colt and Novak mags as well as the mag that came with it w/o a hiccup.

Accuracy is much better than I expected, specially since we were using some practice reloads. Groups were between 1 1/4" & 1 3/4'' @ 25 yds with 3 of us shooting the gun. POI was dead center. This gun is a keeper. :)

[SiRed91]

It would be nice to get our own forum outside of the Llama group, which Metro Arms has nothing to do with anyway.

[sixguncowboy]

It would be nice to get our own forum outside of the Llama group, which Metro Arms has nothing to do with anyway.

+1. The only thing the Firestorm has in common with Llama anymore is the name. Llama has been out of business for at least 18 months, perhaps longer. MA makes a fine gun.

[michael t]

People please remember Firestorm is a Name only. They contract with Bersa to build their pistols in DA/SA . They contract with Metro Arms to make their 1911 The American Classic is also same pistol as the Firestorm just different roll mark. All share same importer and warranty centers .
I have one of the first American Classic in US and it has been as reliable as any of my other higher priced 1911's . These 1911 are one of the best values for the money going. Problem is can't get enough of them . I am told this will hopefully change in 2010
Be sure to come by the Eagle Import Booth at the upcoming NRA convention in May. I will be their showing and talking Bersa and Metro Arms Stop by and say hi .

[mrgrowl791]

Is this a good price for this?



Interarms - Special Edition

M1911A1 Pistol - "Exercito Brasileiro"

Newly Manufactured Frame
Original Brazilian Contract Slide with crest and markings
5" New Barrels - 45ACP Caliber
All other parts are new or good on the appropriate gauges
New Checkered American Walnut Grips
New Match. Grade Magazine - 7 Round
Mil Spec Parkerized Finish
MSRP 475.00 US Dollars

[edh]

I'm picking up my Firestorm Deluxe on Dec. 1 along with an AR from Gundealeronline located in Lancaster County, Pa.

[sixguncowboy]

Is this a good price for this?
Interarms - Special Edition

M1911A1 Pistol - "Exercito Brasileiro"

Newly Manufactured Frame
Original Brazilian Contract Slide with crest and markings
5" New Barrels - 45ACP Caliber
All other parts are new or good on the appropriate gauges
New Checkered American Walnut Grips
New Match. Grade Magazine - 7 Round
Mil Spec Parkerized Finish
MSRP 475.00 US Dollars

This question should have been asked in the "Other 1911s" since this is the Firestorm/MetroArms forum. You would probably get a better answer. I would say that you should be able to buy this gun for $375 or less if you shop around. For $400 - $450 you should be able to pick up a Hi Standard GI Model which has a MSRP of $539, or Firestorm DLX or American Classic DLX. There are many dealers who will sell you a gun @ 10-15% above their cost.

Never pay MSRP for any gun. You can always find one for less just around the corner if you're patient. Ie; I saw a Firestorm DLX at a local gun shop for $599. My gut feeling said, don't buy it. that price is too high. Two weeks later I had to take a business trip to another town 130 miles away. I looked at a couple gun shops there and found the same gun for $449 which I felt was a fair price so I bought it. I later found that same gun at a shop in the Dallas Metroplex for $388.00.

At first I thought 'Just my luck. I find it for less after I already bought it'. But I never go to Dallas on business and it would have cost me around $75 in gas and meals and 12 to 14 hours on the road. So considering all that, there really isn't a savings. in these economic times it pays to be a smart shopper.

[shooter57]

I'm very happy with my ACII. not one problem. Did hear if you want to change the rear site you need a Novac dove cut.

[Sirch]

Try Finish Line Dry Teflon Lube. This stuff was intended for bike chains, but it works great on guns. After cleaning wet ALL parts and slide areas down liberally, let stand for ten minutes, reassemble weapon. Wipe down any excess with a micro cloth, and see the slickest action you ever had. My firestorm 1911, Bersa 380, 9mm all love it.