Ballester-Molina
Hispano-Argentina Fabrica de Automoviles S.A. (HAFDASA) · Pistol · Discontinued · 1938
Also known as: Ballester-Rigaud, Pistola Ballester-Molina
Overview
The Ballester-Molina is an Argentine semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, produced by HAFDASA between 1938 and 1953. Developed as a lower-cost service sidearm closely resembling the locally licensed Modelo 1927 (Sistema Colt) M1911, it uses a near-identical Browning short-recoil locked-breech action and interchanges its magazine, barrel, recoil spring, and barrel bushing with the M1911. It differs internally with a fixed-pin trigger mechanism lacking a grip safety and a one-piece backstrap. Roughly 113,000 were built and the type saw service with Argentine forces and, via Lend-Lease-style supply, with British commandos and the Special Operations Executive during World War II.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1075 g (37.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 1300 g (45.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 216 mm (8.50") |
| Barrel Length | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Height | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Width | 30 mm (1.18") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 262 m/s (860 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 477 J (352 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45 ACP · primary — also known as .45 Auto, 45 ACP, 11.43x23mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Fixed Sights, Single Stack Magazine, Exposed Hammer, Browning Locked Breech
Service history
Operators
- Argentine Armed Forces · adopted 1938
- British Special Operations Executive · adopted 1941
- Bolivian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 113,000 · Production years: 1938-1953
Approximately 113,000 produced; early examples (1938-1940) bore the Ballester-Rigaud name.
Origin
Country of origin: Argentina
Designer: Carlos Ballester Molina, Rorice Rigaud
Discontinued: 1953
Notes
From 1938 to 1940 the pistol was marketed as the Ballester-Rigaud after French engineer Rorice Rigaud, before being renamed Ballester-Molina. Unlike the M1911 it has no grip safety. A small number were also produced in .22 LR for training.
Background
During World War II Britain procured Ballester-Molina pistols from neutral Argentina, issuing many to commandos and the Special Operations Executive, where its rugged 1911-pattern reliability made it a favored clandestine sidearm.