Llama XI Especial

Llama Gabilondo y Cia · Pistol · Discontinued · 1933

Also known as: Llama Model XI Especial, Llama XI Especial

Overview

The Llama XI Especial is a Spanish single-action, hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, built by Gabilondo y Cia under the Llama brand. Patterned on the Colt/Browning M1911A1 with a locked-breech action and a more ergonomic frame, it carried a lanyard ring and a rounded hammer but omitted a grip safety, feeding from an eight-round detachable box magazine. It was produced from 1933 to 1954 and briefly revived around 1970.

Specifications

Overall Length216 mm (8.50")
Barrel Length127 mm (5.00")
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity8 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle Energy481 J (355 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 1933-1954, c.1970

Commercial and export production; briefly reintroduced around 1970

Origin

Country of origin: Spain

Designer: Gabilondo y Cia

Discontinued: 1954

Notes

One of Gabilondo's large-frame 1911-pattern Llama service pistols. The 1970 production run used plastic grips in place of the earlier ribbed wooden grips. Several dimensional figures follow the full-size Llama Model XI platform on which it is based.

Background

Gabilondo y Cia of the Spanish Basque Country built a whole family of Llama pistols as close copies of the American Colt 1911; the 'Especial' large-frame guns dropped the grip safety and added a lanyard ring for military and export buyers.