Argentine NAVY 45acp Ballester Molina & Holster
This is an interesting variation on the Colt 1911 pistols. In the early 20's Colt set up and licensed the Argentine Government to build a copy of the 1911. In the 1930's Argentina changed the design slightly and in doing so no longer had to pay Colt royalties on the 1911 design. This Ballester Molina is one of those pistols. The barrels and magazines will interchange between these and a 1911, but there is no grip safety on these, and the mainstpring and trigger are redesigned. This one has been through an Argentine Arsenal rebuild at some point in time, as evidenced by the newer grips and bluing. Further this variation is a Navy marked specimen, making it an even rarer find. The pistol comes with an original 1950's era Argentine holster and two original Ballester Molina magazines. The slide, frame, and barrel numbers all match, however the magazine numbers do not. The barrel shows some wear, and frosting and light pits, but is still shootable and mostly bright. The holster shows some wear as well, but the leather is sound with no rot. If you have ever tried to find a decent Argentine holster you will know how had these are to come by. Most are in horrible condition. Overall this is a very presentable Argentine Ballester Molina rig!