Argentine 1911

[Bobby K. L.]

I purchased a 45 auto from Century Arms about ten years ago and enjoy shooting it as much as any service pistol I shot in the Army. (probably a lot more... because I'm not shooting it in the Army!)

It is the Argentine military's model 1927 which was manufactured under the supervision of the Colt people. With all the 1911 followers and owners out there, I wonder what others think about this quality of the Argentine vs. any Springfield or U.S. manufactured pistol.

Bobby K L

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

I got an ARMARDA (Argentinian Marines/Navy) marked one from a burned out Argentinian unimog lorry on the Falklands during the immediate clear-up period. It had cooked-off during the fire including one in the chamber and several in the magazine. After a bit of a job getting the bulged/damaged magazine out and cleaning it up, getting the melted grips off etc etc it was perfect. The only thing that was wrong was that the frame side had bulged slightly where it'd cooked-off but I squeezed it back, fitted some new grips. Sent it through the workshop phosphating plant and it looked like new. Even the springs hadn't reached tempering temps so they all worked OK too. Really tough old pistol and I liked it.

[Salt Flat]

I have one I bought about 10 years ago. It was a bargain compared to U.S. makers. I have had Colt's, Norwegians and others and like it just as much. Salt Flat

[Peter Laidler]

I always wondered why they opted for this pistol instead of the presumably cheaper and readily available off the shelf M1911 Anyoneknow the answer? Also, did anyone else have/use this pistol?

[Mikesm44]

I have several Sistema Colt Modelo 1927's and I think they are in every way at least as good as a "real" 1911. I remember reading that in fact the steel purchased by the Argentine government was actually of better quality than war time 1911's, steel making techniques had advanced, and a war wasn't going on. I pick one up whenever I see it, if it's at the right price. Here's a few of mine, http://yeoldegunporn.tumblr.com/post...side-arms-left

I am not sure of the answer to your question, Peter, but I can hazard a guess. Part of the deal with Colt between the Argentines was that Colt trained the factory staff and sold off their old machinery to the Argentines. I believe they chose this pistol because they would gain full control of production. There were private corporations, like the one that made the Ballester Molina pistol, that were made for much cheaper, but the government controlled the factory that produced 1927s.