Mid Corona acquisitions

ithacaartist · 06-16-2020, 02:19 PM

We're part way into the re-opening process here in NYS, which seems to have inspired amnesia in many residents. The basic guidelines for mitigating the virus' spread are in many cases being flouted in noticeable ways, to the extent that the Governor has said, "What are you doing?" The guidelines are what accomplished the current decline in the numbers of new cases, and disregarding them seriously risks another spike in contagion and death.

Gun dealers are open again, and practicing social distancing, masks, etc. as they should. But I was able to have three pistols transferred to me before this relaxation began, under basically the same guidelines, and by doing the paperwork via mail and email.

I now have two examples of the latest iteration of the Llama Micromax .380, and I thought I'd give a brief review.

The first one I received was satisfying. The new sights are easy to see/use, with a fiber optic element on the front and a nice notch on the back that is flanked by two white dots. The trigger is crisp and on the lighter side, so you don't feel like you're trying to move a piano with your finger. This setup made using it on my back yard range seem easy, with very acceptable recoil and good function, to boot...and I got decent accuracy right out of the box. It has very nice fit, far from being a rattle-trap as some 1911-style renditions can be. Its finish is the current standard satin. The extension at the bottom of the mag works well for my hand, and it's comfortable to grip with all four fingers.

The second example, not quite as successful. On the positive side, this auction lot came with two factory mags, an owner's manual, and a factory plastic case for only $30 more than the first one. The ambidextrous thumb safety lever on this one, however, doesn't maintain its position very well, and while firing a shot, it's influenced by my hand on its right side to come up out of "fire" position just enough to behave like it's on "safe," which is pretty damned annoying. I may have to deepen the detentes for more positive action. It's so floppy, in fact, that the left side of the lever found its way to its removal position and popped off the gun during a shot, allowing the plungers and spring to jump out as well. Fortunately, I was able to recover all the parts from the ground.

Factory mags are a big issue with this gun. I have three between the two, and want at least another couple spares. They've been unavailable for quite some time, and the importer has no idea when they will be available again.

In correspondence with the importer, I've found that these "new" Micromax pistols are now out of production and considered obsolete. It's only been on the market for a couple of years... Only a handful of replacement parts are currently available. This is ironic, indeed. I was interested in these because I liked the older Spanish-made originals, and anticipated parts and/or service to be more available. Alas, they're in the same category as most of my other pistols--Parabellum, Erma, original Llama, Whitney Wolverine, etc. Further irony is that parts for all the others are generally more available than for these "new' guns.

I have a replacement right-side safety lever on the way, with intent to modify one in hopes of eliminating most of its presence on that side of the gun and thus avoid the interference with my hand.

rhuff · 06-17-2020, 03:14 PM

It is a nice looking piece. I haven't read a lot about these handguns.

ithacaartist · 06-18-2020, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhuff

It is a nice looking piece. I haven't read a lot about these handguns.

What with their being obsolete so soon, chances are we won't hear much further about them until they become collectible. Reviews so far rate it the equivalent of the Baby Rock or Browning's 1911-380. It's not particularly fussy about ammo brand or format, and mine functions dependably so far.

Not sure how many were produced, but probably not as many as each of the earlier, original variations--which may be of greater variety than the bewildering number of variations among Lugers.

tomaustin · 06-18-2020, 08:16 AM

throw up a picture of the pistol in your hand...can't get a reference on the size and fit...thanks, tom

ithacaartist · 06-18-2020, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomaustin

throw up a picture of the pistol in your hand...can't get a reference on the size and fit...thanks, tom

Here ya go, Tom!

tomaustin · 06-18-2020, 03:55 PM

that is a handy sized pistol........how many were made ?...you figure there is a big box in the corner of a warehouse somewhere?

Kiwi · 06-18-2020, 05:14 PM

Me too,

First a Kimber 9mm full size 5 inch with Vortex red dot
It is enjoying being a safe queen as all ranges are closed still.

The second is an Erma KGP-69 .22 LR which is still waiting for the NICS check, yes I know the I in NICS stands for "Instant" but in the Peoples Republic of New Jersey where the dealer send the request - not to the NICS, but to the New Jersey State Police who do the check when they get time, it has been 6 days and not yet. Maybe I will get a gift for Father's day.

Vlim · 06-18-2020, 05:25 PM

Got a few goodies in the pipeline as our 'service oriented' police administration halted all permit work when the crisis started. The Renato Gamba P.08 arrived. Now waiting for a Mauser R&D made preseries HSc, a 1910 and an interesting factory numbered HSc anomaly that belonged to a Heckler & Koch engineer.

Edward Tinker · 06-18-2020, 11:54 PM

pretty neat stuff you guys picked up

I bought a police luger from Sandi Collins - it took the place of one I had sold a long time ago.

Picked up a shooter / parts luger and I think I've got it up and shooting, need to go to the range again (back 40)

ithacaartist · 06-19-2020, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomaustin

that is a handy sized pistol........how many were made ?...you figure there is a big box in the corner of a warehouse somewhere?

It's small enough for concealed carry, but since it's made of steel, it's still hefty enough to help with recoil. I'll be running two mags a day through it for a while, to get an idea if it's dependable for carry as it seems it will be.

I have no idea how many were made. I suppose I'll ask the importer at some point. Today I found out that the parts I ordered, and for which I received email notification they'd shipped a week ago, haven't even made it to the post office yet. Nor could they tell me what diameter and thread pitch the grip screws are supposed to be. Nothing in this world is perfect, but jeez...

hayhugh · 06-19-2020, 10:31 AM

https://www.personaldefenseworld.com...cromax-pistol/

tomaustin · 06-19-2020, 01:45 PM

with the talent on this board, if you guys can get one good pistol, you can make a 100................

hayhugh · 06-29-2020, 10:56 AM

Maybe get parts here: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...tail&FORM=VIRE

06-16-2020, 02:19 PM	#1
ithacaartist Twice a Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atop the highest hill in Schuyler County NY Posts: 3,292 Thanks: 7,059 Thanked 2,484 Times in 1,325 Posts	Mid Corona acquisitions We're part way into the re-opening process here in NYS, which seems to have inspired amnesia in many residents. The basic guidelines for mitigating the virus' spread are in many cases being flouted in noticeable ways, to the extent that the Governor has said, "What are you doing?" The guidelines are what accomplished the current decline in the numbers of new cases, and disregarding them seriously risks another spike in contagion and death. Gun dealers are open again, and practicing social distancing, masks, etc. as they should. But I was able to have three pistols transferred to me before this relaxation began, under basically the same guidelines, and by doing the paperwork via mail and email. I now have two examples of the latest iteration of the Llama Micromax .380, and I thought I'd give a brief review. The first one I received was satisfying. The new sights are easy to see/use, with a fiber optic element on the front and a nice notch on the back that is flanked by two white dots. The trigger is crisp and on the lighter side, so you don't feel like you're trying to move a piano with your finger. This setup made using it on my back yard range seem easy, with very acceptable recoil and good function, to boot...and I got decent accuracy right out of the box. It has very nice fit, far from being a rattle-trap as some 1911-style renditions can be. Its finish is the current standard satin. The extension at the bottom of the mag works well for my hand, and it's comfortable to grip with all four fingers. The second example, not quite as successful. On the positive side, this auction lot came with two factory mags, an owner's manual, and a factory plastic case for only $30 more than the first one. The ambidextrous thumb safety lever on this one, however, doesn't maintain its position very well, and while firing a shot, it's influenced by my hand on its right side to come up out of "fire" position just enough to behave like it's on "safe," which is pretty damned annoying. I may have to deepen the detentes for more positive action. It's so floppy, in fact, that the left side of the lever found its way to its removal position and popped off the gun during a shot, allowing the plungers and spring to jump out as well. Fortunately, I was able to recover all the parts from the ground. Factory mags are a big issue with this gun. I have three between the two, and want at least another couple spares. They've been unavailable for quite some time, and the importer has no idea when they will be available again. In correspondence with the importer, I've found that these "new" Micromax pistols are now out of production and considered obsolete. It's only been on the market for a couple of years... Only a handful of replacement parts are currently available. This is ironic, indeed. I was interested in these because I liked the older Spanish-made originals, and anticipated parts and/or service to be more available. Alas, they're in the same category as most of my other pistols--Parabellum, Erma, original Llama, Whitney Wolverine, etc. Further irony is that parts for all the others are generally more available than for these "new' guns. I have a replacement right-side safety lever on the way, with intent to modify one in hopes of eliminating most of its presence on that side of the gun and thus avoid the interference with my hand. Attached Thumbnails __________________ "... Liberty is the seed and soil, the air and light, the dew and rain of progress, love and joy."-- Robert Greene Ingersoll 1894

06-17-2020, 03:14 PM	#2
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 2,695 Thanked 961 Times in 707 Posts	It is a nice looking piece. I haven't read a lot about these handguns. __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

06-18-2020, 05:14 PM	#7
Kiwi User Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Wrong side of the Delaware river Posts: 296 Thanks: 203 Thanked 423 Times in 167 Posts	COVID Acquisitions Me too, First a Kimber 9mm full size 5 inch with Vortex red dot It is enjoying being a safe queen as all ranges are closed still. The second is an Erma KGP-69 .22 LR which is still waiting for the NICS check, yes I know the I in NICS stands for "Instant" but in the Peoples Republic of New Jersey where the dealer send the request - not to the NICS, but to the New Jersey State Police who do the check when they get time, it has been 6 days and not yet. Maybe I will get a gift for Father's day. Attached Thumbnails

06-29-2020, 10:56 AM	#13
hayhugh User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida/Penna Posts: 885 Thanks: 851 Thanked 508 Times in 271 Posts	Maybe get parts here: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...tail&FORM=VIRE Last edited by hayhugh; 06-29-2020 at 10:59 AM. Reason: More info

06-18-2020, 08:16 AM	#4
tomaustin Lifer X5 Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: texas Posts: 708 Thanks: 87 Thanked 522 Times in 201 Posts	throw up a picture of the pistol in your hand...can't get a reference on the size and fit...thanks, tom

06-18-2020, 03:55 PM	#6
tomaustin Lifer X5 Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: texas Posts: 708 Thanks: 87 Thanked 522 Times in 201 Posts	that is a handy sized pistol........how many were made ?...you figure there is a big box in the corner of a warehouse somewhere?

06-18-2020, 05:25 PM	#8
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,049 Thanks: 1,035 Thanked 3,955 Times in 1,200 Posts	Got a few goodies in the pipeline as our 'service oriented' police administration halted all permit work when the crisis started. The Renato Gamba P.08 arrived. Now waiting for a Mauser R&D made preseries HSc, a 1910 and an interesting factory numbered HSc anomaly that belonged to a Heckler & Koch engineer.

06-18-2020, 11:54 PM	#9
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,916 Thanks: 1,992 Thanked 4,507 Times in 2,081 Posts	pretty neat stuff you guys picked up I bought a police luger from Sandi Collins - it took the place of one I had sold a long time ago. Picked up a shooter / parts luger and I think I've got it up and shooting, need to go to the range again (back 40)

06-19-2020, 10:31 AM	#11
hayhugh User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida/Penna Posts: 885 Thanks: 851 Thanked 508 Times in 271 Posts	https://www.personaldefenseworld.com...cromax-pistol/

06-19-2020, 01:45 PM	#12
tomaustin Lifer X5 Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: texas Posts: 708 Thanks: 87 Thanked 522 Times in 201 Posts	with the talent on this board, if you guys can get one good pistol, you can make a 100................