DGFM-FMAP Argentine 1911 Sistema Colt 1927 #s Match .45 ACP Pistol 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1850
LSB#: 210802BB02
Make: DGFM-FMAP (Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles) Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Model: 1927 Sistema Colt
Serial Number: 42376
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “D.G.F.M. – (F.M.A.P.). The right side of the slide is marked the Argentine crest, “EJERCITO ARGENTINO / SIST. COLT CAL. 11.25 mm. MOD. 1927” and “42376”. The top of the slide, the right side of the frame above the trigger, and the barrel at the port are also marked “42376”. The floorplate of each magazine is marked “42376”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black synthetic. The inside of each panel is marked “1751”, “(2)”, “INDUSTRIA / ARGENTINA” and with a stylized logo which appears to be “FORNAUT” or “TORNAUT”. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks and faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has both a manual and grip safety and the trigger is crisp. The slide has barely perceptible play to the frame. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with three 7-round magazines.
Our Assessment: In 1914, the Argentine military adopted the Colt M1911 as their standard military sidearm and contracted with Colt to supply these guns. Argentina took shipment of 2,151 of these weapons between 1914 and 1919. In 1923, Argentina adopted an armaments bill that would eliminate Argentine dependency on foreign arms. Under this bill, the Argentine Congress authorized appropriations for a military modernization program and prepared the infrastructure for a domestic arms industry. In accordance with the new law, an aircraft factory was established in 1927, a munitions factory in 1933, a small steel mill in 1934, and a small arms factory in 1936, all of which were managed by Argentine army officers. In 1927, the Argentine Commission for Foreign Acquisitions secured a licensing agreement giving the Argentine government the right to manufacture these pistols using drawings, material specifications, instructions, etc. supplied by Colt. Production of the Sistema Colts began in 1927, and 14,000 were produced by 1942. In 1945, a new factory (FMAP) was brought on-line and produced another 88,494 pistols through 1966. The Sistema Colts continued to be used in Argentina until the 1990’s, when they were replaced by Browning High Powers. The Sistema Colts were identical to 1911A1 pistols produced by Colt, and the parts were interchangeable. Top quality steel was used in the construction, and they are known to be as tough and reliable as those made by Colt. This pistol was made at the FMAP factory in 1948 and was issued to the Argentine Army. The pistol is one of the nicest examples we have seen, not only showing little sign of use but also making it to the United States without acquiring an import mark. The high condition of the gun is only enhanced by including three serial-matching magazines. The high quality of the Sistema Colts and the relatively few produced make them very collectable, especially ones like this with original finish and matching numbers. Please see our photos and good luck!