Llama
Llama grips
Llama Firearms (officially Llama-Gabilondo y Cia SA) was founded in 1904 in Eibar, Spain—the heart of the Basque gunmaking region—initially as Gabilondo and Urresti by the Gabilondo family and partner Urresti. Starting small with four gunsmiths by 1907, it produced inexpensive pocket revolvers (Velo-Dog types, Nagant copies) and parts for others amid Spain's neutrality in WWI
WWI demand surged production of the Ruby pistol (1914 onward)—a .32 ACP Browning 1903 copy exported to France. Post-war, the firm rebranded to Gabilondo y Cia and shifted to original designs. The Llama trademark debuted in 1931–1932, with the first Llama Model I (.32 ACP 1911-style) in 1933, followed by Llama II (.380 ACP) and larger frames like Llama IX (.45 ACP, 1950s)
Known for affordable, reliable Colt 1911 copies and modern pistols (e.g., Llama M82 adopted by Spanish Army 1986), Llama gained popularity in Europe, Latin America, and U.S. imports via Stoeger. Economic woes led to 1992 bankruptcy; employees formed a co-op, acquiring assets around 2000 under Fabrinor Arma Corta y Microfusion SA in Alava. Persistent debt forced closure in 2005, ending nearly a century of Spanish handgun innovation
