Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Fact or Fiction???

notdownorout
I have a question for all you C&R holders out there; Are there problems with "fakes" out there in regard to British Ballester Molina pistols. I made a deal to purchase one today and further research today has me questioning authenticity. The gun has two different numbers. One number on the grip has no "B" prefix. The number on the right side of the frame has the "B" prefix. The number is B63XX. No I am not paranoid to list the number. I haven't received the gun yet to know what the other two numbers are. But, during my research today I read that the British guns were in a serial number range of 12000 to 22000. Does that make the gun I purchased a fake? The gun has the British proof marks on the barrel, slide and frame. But, I guess these could be faked. One sight I found did say the guns carried two different numbers. But, I am concerned about the serial number range.

Anyone have any knowledge of this gun? Thanks in advance of your responses.

NO, I'M NOT EXPRESSING ANGER! I TYPE WITH CAPS BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE THE USE OF ONE HAND!
0

Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • madmarc0
    I purchased an Agentine 1911 and from what mine has on it is that they were stamped with 1 set of "serial" numbers and another single set of numbers on the frame depending on who it was issued to loke the police dept etc...
    I have the Sistema Colt so mine may differ slightly but the numbering may be similar.
    One note: I thought that the D.G.F.M. F.M.A.P. on the slide was on all these guns and mine did not have it, but it turns out I just had a later model without it.
    It goes to show that there is still so much missing information.

    Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my gun has!______________________________________________________________Proud Member of the GunBroker Ladies' Auxiliary.
    0
  • Der Gebirgsjager
    You, Sir, are about to have good luck, because I recently purchased a really nice Ballister Molina British issue pistol, which I will describe for you: The serial number is B41XX, located on the right side of the frame above the trigger between the hole for the slide stop pin and the forward edge of the right grip. The number 170XX is stamped into the left side of the arch of the mainspring housing. There is a British proof mark on the right side of the slide forward of the hammer and to the rear of the slide grasping grooves, another on the right side of the frame on the right side of the hand protector, and visible in the ejection port on the barrel is another proof mark with ".45" .990 7 Tons". No other markings are visible on the outside of the pistol, other than the extensive manufacturer's info or the left side of the slide. The magazine is not numbered, and is probably a replacement, as I also bought a Ballister Rigaud and it's magazine is numbered to the pistol. I feel positive that the pistol is authentic in every way. So--sounds like the one you are looking at is also original.
    0
  • notdownorout
    Der G.,

    Thanks for your response. I still wonder why the "blue book" makes no reference to the British version. My gun has all of the proof marks as you described. So I was told. I still haven't received the gun yet. Hoping the gun will ship tomorrow. I have seen these for some very lofty prices. I gave $700.00 for this gun is that close to what you gave for yours? If you don't mind me asking.

    Also, I just bought a Ballester Molina in the 22lr caliber. The "blue book" does list this version and gives it a 100% value over the normal 45 acp. But, I can find nothing in regards to how many were made, when they were made etc etc. Any suggestions?

    Thanks for your reply on the British version. Sounds as though you and I have identical guns.[8D][8D][8D]


    NO, I'M NOT EXPRESSING ANGER! I TYPE WITH CAPS BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE THE USE OF ONE HAND!
    0
  • Der Gebirgsjager
    I obtained mine in a package deal with several other firearms, so it would be difficult to exactly sort out the price of any one item. As for how many of the .22s were made, I don't know; but congratulations on your purchase--I don't have an example of the .22 yet. It seems that there is a great deal to be learned about these pistols by collectors in our country. For example, production of the Ballister Rigaud is said by several sources to have been confined to early four digit serial numbers, but my specimen has five numbers. By the way, it also has a secondary number stamped on the left side of the mainspring housing arch. As for the Blue Book, it is my understanding that their values are based upon transactions reported from gun shows. Often items are not listed in the book because insufficient numbers of the item have changed hands to establish a value, or in some cases none have changed hands. I would have to assume that the British purchase variation is much less common than the ones used by the Argentine Army and Police. These really are fine pistols, and underrated by many shooters and collectors.
    0
  • notdownorout
    DER,

    THANKS FOR THE "CONGRATS" ON THE 22LR PURCHASE. I HAD BEEN LOOKING FOR ONE A LONG TIME. SAW ONE ON A SITE THE OWNER WAS ASKING $850.00 FOR THE GUN. TOO STEEP FOR ME. I AGREE, THERE IS STILL MANY THINGS TO BE LEARNED ABOUT THESE BALLESTER GUNS. BUT, THEY DO SAY THERE WERE ONLY 10,OOO OF THE BRITISH GUNS MADE AND THAT WAS WHY I WANTED ONE. I SURE WISH I COULD FIND SOME INFO LIKE THIS ON THE 22LR MODEL.

    BY THE WAY, MY BALLESTER RIGAUD IS FOUR DIGIT. 11XX

    THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSES.

    NO, I'M NOT EXPRESSING ANGER! I TYPE WITH CAPS BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE THE USE OF ONE HAND!
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity