Ballester-Molina
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| 0.45 Ballester Molina | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin |  Argentina |
| Service history | |
| Wars | World War II, Falklands War, Present Day |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1927-1955 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1,130 g (2 lb 8 oz) |
| Length | 288 mm (9 in) |
| Barrel length | 127 mm (5 in) |
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| Cartridge | .45 ACP |
| Action | recoil operated |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Feed system | 7-round magazine |
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 Argentinian police and military a less-expensive alternative to the Pistola Colt Modelo 1927. Production of the Ballester-Molina began in 1938 and ceased in 1953.
The Ballester-Molina bears an uncanny resemblance to the Colt M1911, perhaps because Colt technicians took part in the weapon's development. The Ballester-Molina and the M1911 share an identical magazine. The Ballester-Molina, while it had its similarities to the Colt, also had its differences, like the safety and the trigger. The Ballester is also known as the "Hafdasa" after the initials of the company that made it.
Contents |
[edit] 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 bears a resemblance to the Colt M1911A1, with the swinging lock that is used to unlock the barrel from the slide. The trigger is single action, 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.
[edit] 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.[1]
[edit] External links
[edit] See Also
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