Hispano Argentina Fábrica de Automotores Ballester-Molina Complete Specs and Full Gun Specifications

Hispano Argentina Fábrica de Automotores SA (HAFDASA) was a firearms manufacturer from Argentina that manufactured the famous Ballester-Molina pistols in .45ACP and in .22LR calibers. HAFDASA was established by two Spanish entrepreneurs, Arturo Ballester and Eugenio Molina as a branch of the Spanish Hispano-Suiza in Buenos Aires in 1927. Ballester-Molina pistol is basically a copy of the Colt M1911A1. The Ballester-Molina and the M1911 share an identical 7-round magazine, barrel, recoil spring, and barrel bushing. Although many other parts appear identical at first glance, they are not. Many parts are adaptable, however. The Ballester is also known as the "Hafdasa" after the initials of the company that made it. From 1938 to 1940 pistols were named Ballester-Rigaud and from 1940 they change name to Ballester-Molina. Serial Numbers and Year of production: 1938 to 1942 (1 - 12,000), 1942 to 1944 (12,000 - 23,000), 1944 to 1953 (23,000 - 108,000).