ballester 45 auto
Have an opportunity to pick up a Ballester 45 auto 1911 style. Real clean condition. Any input on value, function, concerns?
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Excellent quality, although most parts aren't interchangeable with Colt type 1911 A1's. Function and reliability is same as any of the Colt clones. Value is subjective, depends on factory originality and cosmetic condition. It would be in the ballpark of Colt clones in similar condition. Go on the auctions for actual selling prices, there were a lot imported from Argentina as surplus and sold in the States, over the years. 0 -
..Pretty much what Rufe said but, the Molina was a total Argentine design, unlike the Sistema/Colt. I think like 2-3 parts will changeout with a Colt, and I think the grip screws may be one of the parts, in other words, very insignificant parts.
...The Molinas are selling, not the listed/asking price, selling price; for almost half the price of Sistemas in comparable condition, about $350-$450. A big percentage of both Sistemas and Molinas were rearsenaled before being exported...and matching mags are unusual while all the other numbers should match.
...The prices on both, particularly the Sistema have jumped considerably in the last few years, mainly because people discovered they are a Colt 1911A1, just made in Argentina, on Colt machinery from Colt factory specs with every part interchangeable with the Colt of course.
...I'd give a LOT of thought before I bought a Molina over a Sistema, with patience, you can find a great cond. Sistema for REAL close or the same as a Molina...FAR better gun...with NO parts "finding" problems if parts are needed.
...My wife and daughter bought me one, along w/a 99% S & W 19 off the Auction side a few months ago from a friend of David's (Nunn)...pistolpac...both live not too far from me so I just went and picked it up, and was charged Texas sales tax, about $20 something bucks. The odd looking plum/strange color on the frame, just under the slide in two pics is just bad light or pic taking...the finish is really even and a good 85% and no scratches or dings/shiney nice bore and no rust...and shoots great and accurate for a 70 year old gun; FYI, right slide marking is "SIST/COLT".
The Sistema cost with tax less than $400, so they are out there...a no brainer for me...[;)]
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I love mine.
It's a beater, but it's as accurate as any handgun needs to be and it eats everything I feed it.
Good gun.
Given all that, COLT has the advice that I'd be heeding if I were you. A Sistema would be worth the wait.0 -
I agree with the advice of Colt. I have one of both..Arg Aeronautica (Air Force) Sis and Arg Armada Molina. Both are good shooters, but the Sis looks better and feels better in my hand. I would wait a bit and hunt for a Sis as the quality seems a bit better. You can't miss it as the serial #is on the frame, the right side of the slide and on the top of the slide 3/4" in front of the rear sight. The Molina serial # is on the rear of the barrel at the enjector port. Good shooting! 0
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