Llama 32 ACP (1911-scaled down frame)

[Robroy3]

Is the pistol's super stiff recoil spring common to this model? My wife can't pull back the slide without help. If this is normal, is there any way to address the problem? Would appreciate any help on this.

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[revjen45]

Back before the last ice age I worked in a shop that did warranty service on Llamas. IIRC, the .32 is straight blowback so a stiff recoil spring is to be expected. You might check with Wolff about other springs.

 

[ma96782]

Blow back pistols have a "stiff recoil spring." The spring has to counter the ammo. You know, holding the slide forward until pressure drops off to a safe level. It happens with the PPKs too.

Your wife needs to either change her technique.........on how she racks that slide or grow stronger muscles in her arms and hands.

Then again........maybe a revolver might be in her future. Though it still requires a strong finger to go double action. OK........so if it's a problem.........go with the single action revolver.

Her choice.

Aloha, Mark

 

[ZigZagZeke]

Or get her a Colt pocket 1903 in .32 ACP. I still have my mother's. Very nice little pistol and easy for anyone to operate.

 

[TCOV]

If she is not already doing so have her cock the hammer first and then pull back the slide. It should be a little easier as you are not pushing against the mainspring then. My older Llama 32 has been a reliable and accurate small pistol. The Colt 1903 does seem to take less force to chamber a round. These old 32's are probably a little more powerfull than the current crop of pocket 32's as they have longer barrels. In their day they were considered adequate for self defense and Europeans used them for military and police work. The Beretta Tomcat has a hinged barrel for loading the first round and does not require the slide to be worked.