with Colt except for the barrel and magazine). These pistols are found both with and without import markings. Pistols without import markings usually have a “B” prefix number stamped on the left rear part of the mainspring housing and are often in Excellent to New original condition. The vast majority of currently available pistols are found in excellent but refinished condition. Refinished = Fair – Good pricing. Some Ballester Molinas were aquired by Great Britain during WWII and might bear “Not English Make” and other English proof marks. Add 50 percent for English marked pistols. Ballester Rigaud was another Argentine manufactuer; not as common as Ballester Molina. Add 10 percent for Ballester Rigaud made pistols.
Argentine Hi-Power • Courtesy Blake Stevens, from The Browning High-Power Automatic Pistol, Stevens
Courtesy Karl Karash collection
FN Model 1935 GP
Postwar contract production for Argentine military and police. Argentine crest on top of slide. Produced before licensed production by FM in Argentina was begun in 1969. Some were imported to U.S. in the early 1990s. Frequently found in well-used condition; many were refinished in Argentina. Price for pistol with matching frame, slide and barrel. Deduct 20 percent for mismatch. Refinished = Fair – Good price.
FM Model 1935 GP/Browning Pistol PD
Designated by the Argentine military as the “Browning Pistol PD.” Licensed from FN and manufactured by FMAP “DM.” Since 1969, Argentina has built about 185,000 of these pistols, some of which have been sold commercially. This 9x19 caliber pistol is marked on the left side of the slide, “FABRICA MILITAR DE ARMAS PORTATILES “D.M.” ROSARIO, D.G.F.M., LICENCIA F N BROWNING, INDUSTRAI ARGENTINA.” Some have been imported for commercial sale.
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Shortly after World War II, Argentina purchased a number of Beretta Model 38A2 directly from Beretta. The Argentine military also used the Sterling Mark 4 and the Sterling Mark 5 (silenced version) purchased directly from Sterling against British forces during the Falkland War. The Argentine Coast Guard purchased HK MP5A2 and MP5A3 guns from Germany.
Argentina has also produced a number of submachine guns of its own design and manufacture. The PAM 1, PAM 2, the FMK series, and the Mems series were, or are, all Argentine submachine guns. It is doubtful if any of these guns were imported into the U.S. prior to 1968 and are therefore not transferable.
RIFLES
In 1879, the Argentine army adopted the Remington Rolling rifle in .43 caliber as its standard issue rifle. This was followed by the Mauser Model 1891 rifle.
The Model 1909 was replaced by the FN FAL series of rifles. This was the standard rifle of the Argentine armed forces. About 150,000 of these rifles have been issued in various configurations and the majority of these were manufactured in Argentina at FMAP “DM” Rosario.
Argentina has also used the U.S. M1 carbine, the Beretta BM59 rifle, and the Steyr SSG sniper rifle.
Remington
Model 1879 Rolling Block
Argentina purchased about 75,000 rifles from Remington in 11.15x58Rmm (.43 Spanish). They have an octagon barrel behind the rear sight, and will be marked “Argentino Modello 1879 EN” on the top flat.
Bayonet for Remington Model 1879
Brass handle. Muzzle ring. Hook quillion. 18.3" single edge blade. Maker marked “W.R. Kirschbaum Solingen” on the ricasso. Other side is marked “RA” (Republica Argentina) Brass tipped leather scabbard. Price range 100 – 200.
Mauser
M1891 Rifle
This rifle was made in Germany with a 29.1" barrel and 5-round magazine. Full stock with straight grip with half-length upper handguard. Rear sight V-notch. Chambered for the 7.65x53mm cartridge. Weight is about 8.8 lbs. Marked with Argentine crest on receiver ring. Most Model 1891 Mauser rifles found in the U.S. will have the Argentine crest ground off the top of the receiver. This was done by Argentina when they were sold as surplus in the 1960s. Many are in excellent condition and were probably never issued. Price for rifle with matching receiver, barrel, bolt, magazine and stock. Deduct 20 percent for mismatch.
Bayonet for 1891 Mauser Rifle
Courtesy Rock Island Auction Company
Add 50 percent for rifles with an intact Argentine crest.
Argentine Model 1891 Rifle • Courtesy Paul S. Scarlata
Bayonet for 1891 Mauser Rifle
Aluminum or brass grips. 15.75" single edge blade. Made in Germany by Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Co. Solingen; so marked on the ricasso. Argentine crest below “Modelo Argentino 1891” on the other side. Some had the Argentine crest ground off when sold as surplus. Serial number on blade and scabbard. Price range 80-25.
M1891 Carbine
Full stock with straight grip. Front sight protectors and sling loops attached to bottom of stock behind the triggerguard. Turned down bolt. Barrel length is 17.6". Caliber is 7.65x53mm. Weight is about 7.2 lbs. Most 1891 Carbines will have an intact Argentine crest. They were sold after Argentina stopped grinding the crests.
M1891 Engineers Carbine
Same as 1891 carbine with added barrel bands with bayonet lug. Some were imported to the U.S. in the 1990s.
Bayonet for M1891 Engineers Carbine
Brass
