Just bought a new full size govt .45 for $250 total, now Im not a cheepy being that I own a glock 27, ar15 and some rugers, I thought I would give this brand a try. I shot about 100rds through it so far, had a few FTF's but I heard even high dollars jam a little in the break in process, so far this gun is accurate and feels comfortable to shoot, it even has a lifetime warranty(hope I dont have to use it). I just want to put my say in on my new firestorm, you dont need a 1500 les baer when you can just build up your cheepy for way less, we need some more people standing behind these low dollar firearms, remember you dont always get what you pay for.

I agree to a point. I have several 1911a1's that cover the spectrum. In my experience, some of the inexpensive function okay and some don't. Some are good candidates to build on, while others are not. To base a judgement of a manufacturer's pistol line based on only 1 firearm is to be un-informed. But then, people have done it. Most people research and have found that for different reasons, they will not work on SAM, CD's, LLama, or others.


Putting a race engine in a street car does not make it a legit racer. Adding quality parts and building a gun the way you like may satisfy you, but what if you would have splurged a little more? I have found that to be "cheap" on things is not the best for me. When a part needs replacing 2 or 3 times, you are not saving money.

This is not a flame on your choice of brand. I hope you enjoy shooting it.

The major drawback to using a Llama/Firestorm as a base for building a custom gun is that some of the parts are non-standard. Both the Llama and Firestorm web sites have a list (if you search for it) of the parts that will interchange, and (I believe) which are direct fits and which require tweaking.

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Hawkmoon
On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside

I agree. As a basis for modifying or building a 1911 type gun, the Llama is not the one to choose. It is not a true 1911 clone, and does not follow the 1911 pattern closely enough to have parts and accessories readily available for it. Also, it would not be a good choice in terms of value or resale.

I've owned a Llama Max-I C/F for about 6 years. While I originally purchased it for use as an inexpensive shooter that I wouldn't cry over if it fell on the ground or into the mud, it's become a favorite of mine for it's accuracy and dependability. It took a little TLC to get there, but it was worth it. I now have a $250 .45 that works and shoots like a champ. But, I recognize that it's still a Llama, and I shouldn't try to make it into something that it's not.

I bought a LNIB, newer production full size duo-tone Firestorm over the weekend for $210.00. Good looking gun- matte blue slide, front serrations, bead blasted underside of frame. There is no play at all between the slide and frame and no rattles. For a $150.00 more I would have considered a Mil-spec, but for the money, why not? I also had a Max-1 about six years ago for about a year and had no problems. I've owned a Colt, Para-ordnance, and a Springfield in the past, but as a "shooter" (myself and the gun), I thought this would be the way to go. I'll soon find out. It is interesting to note that the firing pin safety is a copy of the old "Schwartz" system that Colt used briefly around 1940. It works off the grip safety instead of the "Series 80" system that works off the trigger. Some say it is superior to what Colt is now using. Series 80 critics say the trigger doesn't break as clean as a Series 70 (and previous) because of this system and many have it disconnected. Also, an external extractor would seem to be more reliable than an internal one.