Llama Comanche III - Forcing Cone Funkiness

[BluesDancer]

Hi THR,

I recently acquired a Llama Comanche III .357 magnum revolver from a family member and after hitting the range with .38's it works as one would expect. However, I noticed that when I am closing the cylinder back into the revolver it always hits the edge of the forcing cone but will close correctly if I specifically remember to maneuver the cylinder backward a bit. I took a closer look and upon inspection (see picture) the outer edge of the forcing cone on the cylinder side is not in great condition - as if the prior owner closed the cylinder roughly and did that a lot.

Any thoughts on if there anything that can be done about this and/or would it be worth it to get it repaired, if even possible?

I ask about the part about being "worth it" because my limited understanding (from google) is that Llamas were a fairly decent budget revolver back in the day but that there was big variance in the quality (i.e. they ranged from good to bad, depending on the time produced, product line, etc.) - not exactly like the pre-lock S&W's, I gather...

Thanks - BluesDancer

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Is there corresponding damage to the front of the cylinder?

Todd.

 

[jdavis123]

It appears that the previous owner was guilty of “flipping” the cylinder closed like the Hollywood gangsters do.
This can result in damage to the yoke and cause cylinder play. I the gun will lockup tight and you only have movement forward and backward of the cylinder, try to tighten the ejector rod (likely to have reverse threads).When tightening this place several empty cartridge cases in the cylinder to prevent damage to the ejector guide pins. Check the screw on the opposite side at the front of the side plate. If loose or missing, the yoke will not be secure and allow movement of the cylinder and yoke.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you will need to shim the cylinder to eliminate the “end shake” and move the cylinder a few thousands rearward.

 

[BluesDancer]

Is there corresponding damage to the front of the cylinder?
Todd.

I actually don't see any damage to the front of the cylinder at any point...thoughts?

It appears that the previous owner was guilty of “flipping” the cylinder closed like the Hollywood gangsters do.

We'll, the family member this belonged to had quite a few screws loose (pun intended!) so that wouldn't surprise me. Makes sense though.

This can result in damage to the yoke and cause cylinder play. I the gun will lockup tight and you only have movement forward and backward of the cylinder, try to tighten the ejector rod (likely to have reverse threads).When tightening this place several empty cartridge cases in the cylinder to prevent damage to the ejector guide pins. Check the screw on the opposite side at the front of the side plate. If loose or missing, the yoke will not be secure and allow movement of the cylinder and yoke.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you will need to shim the cylinder to eliminate the “end shake” and move the cylinder a few thousands rearward.

Noted, thanks for the direction on that - much appreciated. I'll give that a try as soon as I can!

 

[Obturation]

Is there excessive end shake?

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I actually don't see any damage to the front of the cylinder at any point...thoughts?

Then, I'd wonder; replacement cylinder or the cone was damaged prior to installation.... I should think one or the other.

Todd.

 

[Monac]

Blues Dancer, do you mind a question about the Llama revolver that has nothing to with your forcing cone problem?

I have heard that Llama used the Hopkins & Allen "Triple Action" type safety mechanism, where the hammer is mounted on on eccentric. When you lower the hammer fully and then release the trigger, does the hammer move upward until it no longer touches the firing pin? I have not remembered to check for that the few times I have handled a Llama revolver. Thanks, and good luck with your problem!

 

[Mizar]

Either the yoke has play, or you have excessive ednshake on the cylinder - both can be addressed easily by a competent gunsmith as those parts don't differ in function than a S&W revolver.

 

[243winxb]

 

[silvermane_1]

How does that Comanche III shoot, there BluesDancer?

 

[larryh1108]

Blues Dancer, do you mind a question about the Llama revolver that has nothing to with your forcing cone problem?

I have heard that Llama used the Hopkins & Allen "Triple Action" type safety mechanism, where the hammer is mounted on on eccentric. When you lower the hammer fully and then release the trigger, does the hammer move upward until it no longer touches the firing pin? I have not remembered to check for that the few times I have handled a Llama revolver. Thanks, and good luck with your problem!

Yes, the Llama Comanche series did use the concentric hammer as a FP safety.
I find their revolvers to be a better than budget revolver with nice blueing and tightness.