Ballester Molina Colt 1911 45acp Clone Pistol

Published on April 25, 2009
Duration: 5:18

This guide details the field stripping process for the Ballester Molina .45 ACP pistol, a firearm with significant historical ties to the Colt 1911. The expert instruction covers disassembly, inspection, and reassembly, emphasizing safety throughout. It highlights the pistol's heritage and its place in military history, particularly its adoption by the Argentine Army and its contract with the British Army during WWII.

Quick Summary

The Ballester Molina is an Argentine .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol, a clone of the Colt 1911, adopted by the Argentine Army in 1938. It shares barrel and magazine compatibility with the Colt 1911 but differs in features like the grip safety and mainspring housing. It performs well with Semi-Wadcutter reloads but can be finicky with hollow points.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Ammunition
  2. 00:49Pistol Overview & History
  3. 01:04Colt 1911 Compatibility
  4. 01:27Key Differences from Colt 1911
  5. 02:13Features & Performance
  6. 02:51Spanish Gun Heritage
  7. 03:03WWII British Contract
  8. 03:30Service Life & Replacement
  9. 03:58Market Value & Recommendation
  10. 04:31Shooting Demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ballester Molina pistol?

The Ballester Molina is a .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol manufactured by HAFDASA in Argentina. It was adopted by the Argentine Army in 1938 and is known for being a clone of the Colt 1911 design, featuring interchangeable barrels and magazines with the Colt.

How does the Ballester Molina compare to the Colt 1911?

While the Ballester Molina shares barrel and magazine compatibility with the Colt 1911, it differs significantly in other areas. It lacks a grip safety, has an integral mainspring housing, and features distinct grip panels and slide serrations compared to the Colt 1911.

What is the market value of a Ballester Molina pistol?

Historically, the Ballester Molina pistol had a dealer cost of around $148 in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Currently, on the secondary market, these pistols typically sell for between $300 and $400, depending heavily on their condition.

What ammunition is recommended for the Ballester Molina?

The Ballester Molina functions well with 200 grain Semi-Wadcutter reloads, producing good accuracy. However, the pistol can be finicky with hollow point ammunition, so users should test various loads for reliability.

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