Llama Firearms - Llama

Llama

The Llama trademark was registered in 1932 and pistols started to appear in 1933. There seems to have been a desire by Gabilondo for a clean break with the Ruby brand, given the adverse reputation that wartime Ruby-type pistols acquired (the majority of which, ironically, were not even manufactured by Gabilondo). These were based on the Colt M1911 and later the improved Colt model 1911-A1 model of 1924, but without the grip safety. Very early models were advertised in .45 ACP, 9mm Largo and 7.63mm Mauser. The Llama IV was the first numbered model to appear, and unusually, it was erroneously advertised as having a "tolerant chamber" capable of firing .38 ACP and 9 mm largo rounds interchangeably. The Llama V was chambered for .38 ACP, and had English language markings for sale in the US. The Llama VII was chambered for .38 ACP, but had Spanish markings for the Spanish and South American markets. During WWII, the British SOE purchased a large number of Llama Vs.

Concurrent with the release of these large models, Gabilondo replaced the Danton with the Llama I and Llama II. The Llama I was manufactured from 1933 to 1954 and resembled a miniature copy of Colt 1911 in 7.65 mm/.32 ACP. As a locked breach was unnecessary for a pistol in this calibre, it was eliminated, as was the grip safety. Similar to previous Gabilondo models it had a nine-round magazine. The Llama II was manufactured from 1933 to 1936, but design issues lead to its early replacement. The Llama II was chambered in 9 mm corto/.380ACP with an eight-round magazine and without grip safety. The Llama III replaced the Llama II in 1936 and continued to be made until 1954. It was made in the same calibre and magazine capacity.