Author Topic: Need opinions on Ruger vs Llama vs Rock Island. (Read 973 times)

JimG · « **on:** October 26, 2005, 10:20:54 AM »

In the market for a inexpensive 9mm/.40/.45. I've been talked out of buying a Hi-Point. So I've looked some more. My budget is a tight $400 including tax. A local dealer has some Ruger P series 9's, 40's, and 45's for $300-$350 new or like new. Has Llama Max-1(?) .45's for $300. Another dealer has a Rock Island .45 marked for $412 (including tax) and not a penny less. The dealer with the Rugers and Llamas claims in his own opinion that he would rather buy a Llama than a Ruger. But says both are 'fair' quality guns. The dealer with the Rock Island I think has no clue as to what it is. Soooooo....... what do you all think? This is new territory for me so I have no dog in this fight and just want a dependable, reasonably accurate semi-auto pistol. BTW the dealer with the Rugers and Llama's does have a new Springfield Armory 1911 style with a double stack mag for $450 plus tax and not a cent less. I don't think it offers much more than the Rugers so I'm not that interested. I'm also not a big Ruger fan however I'm willing to give it chance. What about caliber? I'm not partial to any of the three 3.

jerkface11 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2005, 11:59:09 AM »

If you don't care about the caliber go with 9mm the ammo is cheaper. As for the gun go with the ruger. I had a llama didn't have any problems with it but it wasn't what i'd call accurate. Of course since you want an inexpensive auto why not get a star BM? They won't set you back $200. They look better than any of the 3 guns you've mentioned. And they have a nice smooth action and good triggers.

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2005, 12:34:36 PM »

definitely the Ruger out of those three in my opinion. As for the Star suggestion, I wouldn't since you cant get parts for star pistols any more. At least I haven't been able to find any. I have several star pistols and they are fairly nice but I'm not sure I would buy another unless it were a real bargain. KN

JimG · « **Reply #3 on:** October 26, 2005, 01:55:46 PM »

How much cheaper is the 9mm ammo vs the .40 and .45? A dollar a box? Two, more? I had a feeling the general opinion would be for the Ruger. I've had a 'bad' and a 'so-so' experience with both of the Ruger rifles I've owned. I'm not saying Ruger is junk but I am a little leery. The dealer did say that the Ruger would feed darn near anything fed to it and that reliability was the Rugers strongest point.

poncaguy · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2005, 03:11:02 PM »

I have a Ruger P95 9mm, a P90 45 and a P345 45 , all excellent and accurate pistols. Never a problem with any of them. For the money, they cannot be beat. Had an XD 40, didn't care for it, have a Glock 22 40, prefer the Rugers.

Win 73 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 27, 2005, 04:36:44 PM »

I have the following Rugers:

P89 9 mm
P97 .45
Mark II .22 semi auto pistol
10/22 .22 rifle
Single Six .22 lr/.22 mag convertible
Blackhawk 10 mm/.38-40 convertible
Blackhawk .45 acp/.45 colt convertible

My son has the following:

GP100 .357 mag revolver
Old model Vaquero .357
10/22

They are all great guns. Never any problem with any of them. Nobody makes them any tougher.

greenjeans · « **Reply #6 on:** October 28, 2005, 03:57:21 AM »

I'm not sure why any gun dealer would recommend a Llama over a Ruger unless he's trying to get rid of it. I have Rugers in 9mm, .40, .45, .22, .22mag and never had a problem with any of them. I still have ever Ruger I ever bought. Can't say that for other brands. My dealer is high on the Rock Island .45's and they go for $300. to $350. around here. Rugers aren't pretty, but they are dependable.

arky65 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2005, 01:37:09 PM »

Rock Islands, rock .I have three. The full size has 1200 rounds of hardball (mostly my handloads) and some 50 or so Gold Dots through it and has never malfunctioned. I have used 4 different brands of magizines and mixed ammo up in the mags trying to make it fail it never has.

It is as accurate as I am at 15 yards. keep them in a 5 inch circle. I can shoot my gp better but it has been tuned.

I think they are great for the price. You can get one from sarco for about 300.00 plus shipping and ffl transfer.

I have shot several ruger .45 and do not like the trigger pull but they are good weapons know several people that have owned them for years with thousands of rounds down the tubes.

Can't say anything about Llama one way or the other.

arky65

papajohn428 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 05, 2005, 05:27:27 AM »

There are bargains to be had, but you still tend to get what you pay for. The Ruger is a solid value, has GREAT customer sevice, and won't break, or break the bank. The Llama has a spottier record, and the availability of parts and good service might be kinda dicey. The Rock Island is a nice gun, but I think rather than going by name brands and prices, you should first decide which gun your hands, eyes and trigger finger get along with the best. That's usually the one that shoots where you point it, and makes you look good. I've never been a fan of the 9mm, but the ammo prices right now tell me if I wanted a plinker in a semi-auto pistol, I'd think hard about it. And while money is part of the choice factor, don't let it decide for you. Get what you want, or you'll always regret it. Just my .02........................hope it helps.

Papajohn

tbull55 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2005, 10:42:08 AM »

I would go with the Rock island or the Ruger P-90. Both are 45acp. I have a Ruger P-90 and I really like it. i have shot a rock island and for the price you cannot beat it. I just purchased a Kimber ultra compact stainless I plan on comparing it to the rock island. I must say I was impressed with the Rock Island, that would be my choice.