Llama Ruby Plus Ultra
Gabilondo y Urresti · Pistol · Discontinued · 1928
Also known as: Plus Ultra, Gabilondo Plus Ultra, Ruby Plus Ultra
Overview
The Llama Ruby Plus Ultra is a Spanish blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol developed by Gabilondo y Urresti around 1928 as a supersized evolution of the WWI-era Ruby pocket pistol. Chambered in .32 ACP, it featured an extended and widened grip housing a double-stack, double-feed detachable box magazine holding 20 to 22 rounds, giving it far greater capacity than the pocket pistols of its day. It was offered with either a standard 110mm barrel or an extended 140mm barrel, and a select-fire derivative known as the Non Plus Ultra was also produced.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 970 g (34.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Barrel Length | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 200 J (148 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Extended High Capacity Grip, Double Stack Magazine, Fixed Sights, Heel Magazine Release
Variants
- Plus Ultra (140mm barrel) - Extended Barrel
- Non Plus Ultra - Select Fire
Service history
Operators
- Chinese warlord forces
- Imperial Japanese military aviators
Conflicts
- Chinese warlord conflicts (1920s-1930s)
Production
Production years: 1928-1936
Produced in limited numbers; sold poorly and is rare today. Manufactured just before the Gabilondo firm fully adopted the Llama brand name.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Gabilondo y Urresti
Discontinued: 1936
Notes
Never a strong commercial success and uncommon today. Many were exported to Asia, where they found buyers among Chinese warlords and Japanese military pilots through private military-supply channels.
Background
The name 'Plus Ultra' echoes the Spanish national motto and the famous 1926 transatlantic flight of the seaplane Plus Ultra, capturing the era's spirit of ambition; the pistol was Gabilondo's bid to turn the humble Ruby into a high-capacity service arm.