Ballester-Molina

Infobox Weapon|is_ranged=yes


caption= Ballester Molina .45 Pistol
name= 0.45 Ballester Molina
origin=flagcountry|Argentina
type=Semi-automatic pistol
wars=World War II, Falklands War, Present Day
production_date=1927-1955
weight=1,130 g (2 lb 8 oz)
length=288 mm (9 in)
part_length=127 mm (5 in)
cartridge=.45 ACP
caliber=
action= recoil operated
rate= Semi-automatic
velocity=
range=
max_range=
feed=7-round magazine
sights=

The Ballester-Molina was a pistol designed and built by the Argentine company Hispano Argentina de Automotives SA (HAFDASA). The Ballester was originally called the Ballester-Rigaud (c. 1938–1940). The Ballester was created to give the various branches of the Argentinian police and military a less-expensive to produce alternative to the Pistola Colt Modelo 1927, which was itself a licenced copy of the Colt M1911A1 (and was built under the supervison of Colt engineers). Production of the Ballester-Molina began in 1938 and ceased in 1953. As the Ballester-Molina was designed to serve along side the M1927 that was currently in Argentine service, it bears a striking resemblance to the Colt M1911A1. The Ballester-Molina and the M1911 share an identical 7-rd magazine, barrel, recoil spring, and barrel bushing. Although many other parts appear identical at first glance, they are not. Many parts are adaptable, however. The Ballester is also known as the "Hafdasa" after the initials of the company that made it.

Use

The Ballester-Molina was used by the Argentinian police force, and it was sold to the British to be issued to the British Special Operations Executives agents, to be used behind enemy lines. The Ballester-Molina is a recoil-operated short semi-automatic lock-breech pistol. The locking system is a near identical copy to the Colt M1911A1, with the swinging lock that is used to unlock the barrel from the slide. The trigger is single action, two stage, but pivots rather than slides like the 1911 trigger. The hammer is locked by the frame-mounted manual safety, and there is no grip safety. Overall quality is excellent. Many examples for sale on the surplus market have seen heavy use, but show little internal wear.

References

*Hogg, Ian; Gander, Terry "Jane's Guns: Recognition Guide" London and New York City: HarperCollins Publishers. Fourth Edition, 2005. ISBN 0-00-718328-3. [http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg158-e.htm/]

External links

* [http://www.euroarms.net/CV/Argentina/HAFDASA_BALLESTE-%20MOLINA_10436.htm Euroarms]
* [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_2_47/ai_68704862 Argentina's Ballester-Molina pistol]

ee also

*Obregón pistol