[Machodoc]

As a collector of Argentine firearms, I'd have to respectfully disagree slightly with DSK's comments. If you have a "B" series Ballester-Molina, it would certainly be worth looking for a period correct magazine, even if it doesn't match. Argentine handguns are sort of the red-haired step children to collectors of American military 1911s, but there's a growing interest in the guns from people who like them for what they are.

Condition is, as DSK says, very important, but there are other things that might make the gun more desirable. I'd have to see photos to be able to tell you more, but I personally wouldn't just write it off as a shooter to be knocked about. It's still got more appeal than a run of the mill Ballester-Molina with the same issues, and starting collectors might be interested in a B series gun as a placeholder in their collection until they can afford/find a really nice one. If you don't want to post photos here, drop me a PM and I'll give you an address to use.

 

[Machodoc]

JMSTR -

Yeah, I watched that one while it was at auction. I think you have a pretty realistic view of what you got and what you paid. I think that's actually a fair price for what it is.

That one probably didn't go out into the field because it's got the post-war English proof marks on it. Interarms picked up a large number of those, imported them, and sold them in the U.S. It looks like that one was used by its American owner for awhile. I don't have a clue why the barrel was changed out of one that doesn't appear to have been used enough for it to have been shot out--and the original barrels on B-Ms are actually tougher than what's in it now.

It's not bad, but it's hardly pristine. Still, the finish is original and it looks pretty decent to me. It may not be a high-end "investor gun", but I think you got a reasonable buy on an interesting piece.

I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it, but I don't think that I'd include in my regular cycle of range guns ... but that's just me. The British contract guns are a bit more special than most of the B-Ms, so I'd probably shoot it, clean it well, and tuck it away.

 

[Machodoc]

Here's a British Contract Ballester-Molina in my collection



And here's an Armada Argentina Ballester-Molina that I have (photos of this gun magically have showed up on various websites).


Just for good measure, here's an Ejercito-marked Argentine Sistema.

 

[Machodoc]

I was about to mention that the last one is the prettiest of the bunch, but then I realized it's a 1911. The Ballester Molinas actually improved on the 1911 in a few ways, but I never liked the way they looked.

As much as I like the Ballester-Molinas, and respect the fact that they were a remarkably good design and were built like tanks, I have to agree that I'm still inclined to prefer the Colts and Colt Sistemas. I carried a 1911A1 on watches in the USN, and shot my first 1911 platform at about age 12.

Technically, the Colt Sistema is a Model 1927, rather than a 1911 (or 1911A1-style Colt). It was based on the 1927 C series guns (Government Models) that were purchased by Argentina, but they didn't go into production until 1945.

Nice guns Machodoc!

Thanks. I need to take better photos of them someday. That Ballester-Molina of yours is in exceptionally good condition--certainly one of the nicest I've seen.

Good buy on a good shooter. Without the original numbered barrel it won't be worth any more for a long time.

It's hard to tell about such things. None of us can see clearly into the future. That said, though, it's not likely to be one that climbs dramatically in value, but it ought to creep up a little at a time over the years. That same gun would have been ... tops ... a $400 piece about 5 years ago. That's not a bad increase in value, really.

 

[Machodoc]

Hope yall don't mind me jumping in here with a question. I have a 4 digit serial number, first year, all-matching, Ballester-Rigaud. The only issue is it was refinished in what appears to be cerakote. Whomever did it, did a great job though. It is as close to the original as one could get. The condition overall is very good plus mechanically and surface-wise, and bright bore. Anyway, I paid $450 for it from a private individual a couple years ago. Is it worth anymore than that? Sorry, no pics.

The cerakote really hits the value hard. I'd say that it's still worth about what you paid for it. Not being able to see photos, we can only guess what condition the gun was in before it was coated, how buffed down it may have been, if it was coated over phosphate, etc. Cerakote can hide a bunch of unpleasant things.

 

[Machodoc]

I am new to the forum. Thanks for adding me.


I recently purchased a Colt firearm. It from the 1927 contract. The serial Number on the slide and barrel Match. The serial number on the magazine is different. The serial number on the slide and Barrel is 1871. I am wondering if this is a collectable Firearm. I was wondering If anyone knows the approximate value? I will post some pictures from my Phone.

You also posted this on another thread, and I responded to it there.