:: Bersa Talk ::

Hi guys, thanks for all the info concerning the Rock Island 1911. You were all very helpful, and it is really appreciated. But I have to trouble you guys for info on a Firestorm .45 1911 clone that I saw on the internet. I'm curious since I'm currently in the market for another handgun, but I've been looking at the 1911's. Though I would love a Kimber, or a Springfield they are out of my budget at the moment.They have three sizes from the full size to a mini compact which would have a 3.5 inch barrel like the BT380. So if anyone would take the time to fill me in on this firearm, I would be greatful. Thanks in advance.

http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/45.htm

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"Those who give up essential liberties to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"
Benjamin Franklin

Bersa Thunder .380 Duo Tone
S&W .38 Special 637-2
Remington 870 Express Magnum

Got my eye on a 1911 clone.

I got excited when I saw the Firestorm 1911!  Even though I have a Rock Island Armory 1911 that I love, I was intrigued.

But, alas, not any more....  the more research I did, the more it looks like the Firestorm is just a Llama 1911 that is re-branded as a "Firestorm".  I am not a big fan of Llama firearms.  I owned one and I sold it.  The experiences that other people have had with Llama, that I have heard about and read about, were not impressive, either - for the most part. 

I could be wrong about the Firestorm 1911 being a re-branded Llama.  I hope so!

UPDATE:  I have confirmed that the Firestorm 1911 is made by Llama.  Bummer!

Best regards,

Jay1958

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http://www.yourweapons.com/

And Llama is out of business.

Right, Llama apparently went out of business in 2005 or early 2006.  The company attempted to re-form under another name (Fabrinor), but they failed, also.  Llama was made in Spain.

Apparently it was Fabrinor that was making the Firestorm branded 1911s.  Most of the parts are not interchangeable with original milspec 1911s.  That alone makes them less desirable and true milspec 1911s like the RIA more desirable.  But in my opinion there is no shortage of reasons to avoid the Llama / Fabrinor / Firestorm 1911s, but that is just me.

Jay1958

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http://www.yourweapons.com/

Thank you for your input. Will definitely stay away from that pistol, and stick with the Rock Island 1911. I got a lot of positive feedback on it.  Thanks again.

Btw I wonder why they went out of business? LOL

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"Those who give up essential liberties to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"
Benjamin Franklin

Bersa Thunder .380 Duo Tone
S&W .38 Special 637-2
Remington 870 Express Magnum

Got my eye on a 1911 clone.

Jay1958:

Right, Llama apparently went out of business in 2005 or early 2006.  The company attempted to re-form under another name (Fabrinor), but they failed, also.  Llama was made in Spain.

Apparently it was Fabrinor that was making the Firestorm branded 1911s.  Most of the parts are not interchangeable with original milspec 1911s.  That alone makes them less desirable and true milspec 1911s like the RIA more desirable.  But in my opinion there is no shortage of reasons to avoid the Llama / Fabrinor / Firestorm 1911s, but that is just me.

Jay1958

+1 to all the above. I have a Firestorm 1911 I bought about three years ago (the price was right) and while I've never experienced any problems, most parts are not compatable with Milspec 1911's. The fit and finish are so-so and overall, there are many other 1911 style guns (Armscor is the first to come to mind and they make the "base " gun for the RIA, Charles Daly, SGI and others) in the same price range that are much better guns. As has been pointed out, all Firestorm SA, 1911 style .45's were made by Llama. Firestorm's DA .45 (and all the other DA Firestorm autos) are made by Bersa.

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Thunder 380 & 380 Concealed Carry
Thunder 9
Ultra Compact 9 (2+)
Ultra Compact 45
... among others

http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/1911.htm

Looks like firestorm is coming out with a real 1911 clone!



The FireStorm 1911 returns, this time as a true mil-spec 1911 pistols. Great quality coupled with affordable pricing, makes the new FireStorm 1911 a tremendous value.

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I've got my eye on these. Going to wait for some more reviews.

This time around they are saying that this 1911 is a true milspec of the Govt. 1911 .45 made with 4140 steel.

The one review that I've read gives it high marks.

From what I understand is that, the company did in fact go out of business. Some key employees that believed they could build a quality gun and compete in the market, bought the company or should I say what was left of it and are trying to make a go of it.

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The past is just the future that hasn't happened yet and the future becomes the past as soon as that happens........

Keep us posted if you hear anything!

The NEW Firestorm is being made in a new factory and is a brand new pistol  For get the LLAMA   That company is history. This is a entirely new operation.

Firestorm and American Classic 1911's are being made in their own factory .

I want one to do a build on  . Hear me Eagle  A Firestorm project gun.

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"Just say "Lay A Way"

"WWJBD" What Would James Bond Do?

"Hokey religions and plastic glocks are no match for a good 1911 at your side, kid."

Ok, buckle up and keep your hands inside at all times, here we go!

In my quest for 1911's, I went down to my not quite local FireStorm dealer (60miles away) and asked about the new FireStorm 1911 and 1911 delux. Gun store guy has one of each comming so, with deposite money in hand my thoughs were maybe this could be a way to get started down the 1911 road (gonna have to get my own as my future x wife wont let me shoot her 1911).  Gun store guy said he had his hands on a couple FS 1911s at some dealer show he was at a month ago. Gun store guy loves FireStorms and Bersa's and makes a fair amount of money selling them. But was not very impressed with the new FireStorm 1911's. Gun store guy said although its a new company made in a new factory, they still look, feel and taste like a Llama. All the things he didnt like about the old one hasnt been improved that much on the new. He said, "say what you want" they may be a little better but are still not very mil spec.  He went on to point out things like the grip attachemtn point,  hammer mech, frame and a bunch of other gun talk stuff has not really been improved much over the old Llama. I know almost nothing about 1911s so I took him at his word. Heck he sells them!! What do I know? Told me not to waste my money on one. If I really want a 1911 save up and get a Colt. I took a deep breath and asked about Dan Wesson's and he said "great choice" cant go wrong with either.. Gee where have I heard that before? Anyway was hoping for a little better report Re the "new" FireStorm 1911. All those little voices in my head said dont buy. Still have my deposite $$ in my pocket. Thought I would pass this on!

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Bersa Talk isn't perfect.. But we are perfecting the art of imperfection...

Mason, the guy is full of crap. I have held and disassembled the new Deluxe 1911 and it is quite nice. They are coming in at a limited supply for now, but I have seen no problems. What I am looking forward to is receiving one to put through the wringer and see what it does. Plus I will check parts interchangability with standard mil-spec 1911. I think the guy must have had one too many beers or something, but I will let you know what I am finding as we go.

Thanks,

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C. Royce Honeycutt
Master Gunsmith
Master Firearms Instructor
Bersa Warranty Center

ColoradoGunWorksGunsmith:

.....Plus I will check parts interchangability with standard mil-spec 1911......

That's the test I want to read. If it is mil-spec I will be very interested.

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You trying to screen for communists? Don't worry, we're all cool. - Dale

Thanks for the encouragement Royce! I was pretty dissapointed but I still have that $$ burnin a hole in my pocket. Maybe I'll rethink the Firestorm and then let you play w/it and accurize it for me??? Hmmm

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Bersa Talk isn't perfect.. But we are perfecting the art of imperfection...

The new Firestorm is a nice looking pistol.  Good blue job and middle of road grips. No body keeps stock grips on a 1911.

 I sent 2 days handleing and even fieldstriped couple times for people.  The were early production gun and new ones will be better. People for the money These little gems are nice.

 I hope to have one to test and play with . Down road. All I need is all members of BT to send me  1  dollar .  Then I can get pistol, ammo, and test . Remember need all members to send. That will give me enough money. to buy and test my new Ed Brown I mean Firestorm 

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"Just say "Lay A Way"

"WWJBD" What Would James Bond Do?

"Hokey religions and plastic glocks are no match for a good 1911 at your side, kid."