Hispano Argentina de Automotores S.A.

The Ballester-Molina is an Argentine semi-automatic pistol developed by Hispano Argentina de Automotores S.A. It was designed as a simplified version of the Colt M1911 for the Argentine military. The pistol fires the .45 ACP cartridge and uses a delayed-blowback action rather than the M1911's locked breech. It is recognizable by its squared-off slide and straight mainspring housing without a grip safety. The Ballester-Molina was the standard Argentine military sidearm from the 1940s through the 1960s. It is known for robust construction and reliable performance in field conditions.