Anyone with experience on Ballester Molinas from Sarco?

[sc00by]

Hi all, I've come across this time and again, and it has tweaked my interest:
http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/colt1911a11930original-bestgrade-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.aspx
It's a Ballester Molina, worn and with faded finish but supposed to be functional, $299. Note- I have no NEED for it, but I have always liked the 1911 style, and I've always wanted to pick up a beater for the right price. Something I could get for cheaps and maybe clean up, re-blue, that sort of thing. I'd actually prefer old blued or parkerized over new and shiny.

Has anyone else got one, or other experience with Sarco (or Ballesters, I've read they are solid if not quite the same)? Or a lead on a similar deal? Thanks,
Dave

 

[Mr_Willson]

ive had a pair a couple years ago that I purchased at two different gun stores that were originally from sarco. although by their condition I would have to guess they were some of their earlier offerings.

 

[sc00by]

ive had a pair a couple years ago that I purchased at two different gun stores that were originally from sarco. although by their condition I would have to guess they were some of their earlier offerings.

Thanks, they look nice, and about what I'm looking for (a rugged, 1911-styled 45). You ok with the mechanics and function of the design? If the gun in question functions, but simply looks "old" (as I'm certain it will look), does $300-ish sound good in your opinion? I've read the steel and everything is good on these, the biggest drawbacks were always "they aren't TRUE 1911s".

 

[Mr_Willson]

grips, slide serrations and lack of grip safety.

still looks classy though.

wish I never sold them...

I paid 300 for each of mine so yes, it's the appropriate price

 

[pulpsmack]

I have no personal experience with either, but I remember people buying 1911 kits from Sarco and discovering they were the absolute bottom of the barrel. Also the BM (even one that isn't beat up) is more or less on par with a Llama... a 1911-ish pistol that relies on proprietary parts you may not be able to find and sells for the same price as a used RIA.

 

[gunner_lee]

Ballesters are good solid pistols. Barrels and mags will interchange with 1911s but nothing else. I can't guess what the condition of the ones they have now would be but if you have to replace a worn barrel with a contract overrun GI barrel it wouldn't be too much more into the pistol. Great truck guns. Mine digested anything from ball to CCI flying ashtrays I ran through it.

 

[wildmanleblanc]

had one of the older ones about 20 years ago. found it to be a good solid weapon, wish I still had it.

 

[Leadfoot]

Look for a Sistema Colt 1927 model. These were Argentine made, true copies of the 1911 and can be had for roughly a little more than a Ballista-Molina.