HAFDASA Ballester-Molina .45 ACP Full-Size Pistol, 5 in Barrel, Blued, Argentina
This Argentine-made HAFDASA Ballester-Molina is a full-size .45 ACP pistol with a standard 5 in barrel, blued carbon-steel construction, and grooved hardwood grip panels. It features the model's hallmark pivoting trigger with side sear bar, an integral backstrap with no grip safety, and a manual thumb safety. The slide legend denotes 11.25 m/m, corresponding to .45 ACP, and the pistol bears C.F.S. markings. Produced by HAFDASA circa 1938–1953, this is a collectible example of a classic service-grade design.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The exterior shows scratches and blemishes with small areas of pitting.
What’s Included
- HAFDASA Ballester-Molina .45 ACP pistol
- 1x 7-round magazine
The Ballester-Molina is a single-action, short-recoil, locked-breech design chambered in .45 ACP with a 7+1 capacity. Its integral backstrap eliminates the grip safety found on some other designs, while the pivoting trigger and side-mounted sear bar distinguish its internal layout.
Construction is robust, with a blued carbon-steel frame and slide, fixed iron sights, and an internal extractor. The slide wears grouped vertical band rear serrations for confident manipulation, and a spur hammer and manual thumb safety support traditional manual of arms.
Sighting is straightforward, combining a small staked front blade with a fixed rear notch set in a dovetail. The grooved hardwood grip panels provide a solid, period-correct feel in hand.
The slide legend reads 11.25 m/m, the metric designation corresponding to .45 ACP. Limited parts interchangeability with the Colt 1911 platform exists primarily for the barrel and magazine, aligning this model with common .45 ACP support while retaining its unique HAFDASA design.
Manufactured in Argentina by HAFDASA with production spanning roughly 1938–1953, the Ballester-Molina holds strong collector interest. This example also carries C.F.S. markings, adding to its documented characteristics.