Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the pistols category.
01 / Overview
Ballester-Molina
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1938–1953
Quantity
113,000
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
PISTOLS · INTERWAR PERIOD
7
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the pistols category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Production Year1938
- Service Entry Year1938
- DesignerCarlos Ballester‑Molina
- Weight (Empty)1.13 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
- Notable UsersArgentine Federal Police, Argentine Army, United Kingdom (SOE agents), Italian Partisans
◈Cartridge & Calibre5MOD.5
- Cartridge.45 ACP, .22 LR
- Calibre11.43 mm
- Calibre Class11.43 mm
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation7MOD.7
- Action TypeBlowback
- Fire Modessemi-automatic
- Select FireNo
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity7
- Trigger Typesingle-action, two-stage
- Safety Typeframe‑mounted manual safety
◇Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
- Barrel Length127 mm
- Sight TypeIron sights
- Optic RailNo
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelNo
◆Construction4MOD.4
- Overall Length212 mm
- Folding / Collapsing StockNo
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Ambidextrous ControlsNo
▤Features5MOD.5
⬢Production & Cost4MOD.4
- Total Production113,000
- Production Start1938
- Production End1953
- Variants2
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1938Production started
- 1939First deployment: World War II
- 1953Production ended
88
years in service
15
years in production
113,000
units produced
8
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 2 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries10country
Ballester-MolinaSALES1records
| Year | Buyer | Quantity | Amount | Present Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — |  United Kingdom | 8,000 | — | — |
ⓘ "Present Value" is an estimated amount adjusted for inflation.
05 / MASS Score
PISTOLS RANKING Pistols · Interwar Period
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
ⓘ Rankings are within thePistolscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
A type of firearm action where the breech is not locked and the cartridge case expands to seal the breech, using case expansion and pressure to retain gases.
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources