3/4/21 - This is an excellent example of a HAFDASA Ballester-Molina pistol manufactured in Argentine in 1944. The Ballester-Molina Pistol, originally known as Ballester-Rigaud (and marked as such during the first years of manufacture, circa 1938 to 1940), were made in Argentina by the Hispano Argentina de Automotives SA (HAFDASA) company. Manufacture started in 1938 in an attempt to provide Argentinean police and military with a less expensive alternative to the Colt Modelo 1927 Pistol, a domestically made licensed copy of the American Colt M1911A1 pistol. Production of the Ballester-Molina ceased in the early 1950s. This one is matching and has retained about 95% of its finish. There is wear around the muzzle and noticeable scratches and handling marks throughout, most noticeable on the front strap. Nice grips with tiny bruises throughout. Period-correct magazine. The bore has decent rifling, but there is frosting in the grooves. Small import mark on the underside of the trigger guard.
