[MGMike]

These necro-threads can be useful;. I missed this one the first time around. To which I will add a comment regarding one statement presented above:

Also, to repeat what has been posted numerous times, Ballester serial numbers are located in two places only; underneath the slide and on the lower portion of the left side of the mainspring housing. Any other digits are rack or issue numbers.

I do not believe the statement is accurate. All of the many Ballester-Molinas that I have examined that still have their original barrels also have the serial number stamped on the barrel over the chamber, and many (though not all) have it stamped also on the floor plates of their magazines. The number is clearly factory-applied, in exactly the same distinctive font, and (unless parts have been replaced) matches the s/n on the mainspring housing. It strains credulity to conclude that these are "rack or issue" numbers. On some of these guns, other numbers can be found that have other explanations --in particular the B-prefix British contract numbers, which ascend generally with the factory s/ns, but do not match the s/n, and do not correspond in sequence with the s/ns. This suggests that the British contract guns were produced concurrently with guns for the Argentine military, and to some extent were drawn at random to fill the British order.

M

 

[MGMike]

And here is the classic example of what causes confusion: a Navy Ballester Molina, with the serial number used also as 'rack'. But again, the factory serial is only found in the frame and under the slide. The other numbers are always rack and may or may not have been done at the factory.

Do you have any authority for this?

M