Videos tagged with HAFDASA

This review details the Argentine Ballester Molina pistol, specifically a British SOE contract variant. Mechanically similar to Star pistols but resembling the 1911, these were produced with British-supplied steel during WWII. Key identification features include 'B' prefix serial numbers for British contracts and later commercial proof marks from Interarms.

The popular legend that Argentine Ballester-Molina pistols were made from salvaged steel of the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee is debunked. Metallurgical analysis shows no match between the pistol slides and the ship's armor. The true connection lies in Britain supplying steel to HAFDASA in Argentina, enabling both British pistol contracts and Argentine military orders.

The Ballester Molina is an Argentine .45 ACP pistol with a unique history, distinct from the M1911 despite shared component compatibility. Manufactured by HAFDASA, it featured design influences from Spanish pistols and simplified production with an integral mainspring housing and pivoting trigger. Notably, 8,000 units were supplied to the British SOE during WWII, identifiable by a 'B' prefix serial number. Despite its quality, production ceased as Argentina returned to the M1911A1 pattern.

This review covers the Argentine Ballester Molina .45 ACP pistol, a firearm designed by HAFDASA as an alternative to the Colt 1911 A1. It highlights the pistol's compatibility with 1911 parts, design differences like the absence of a grip safety, and its historical significance, including British procurement during WWII. The review also touches on range performance, market value, and field stripping.