Make: DGFM-FMAP
Model: 1927 Sistema Colt
Serial Number: 100041
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic fed by Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide, the rear face painted white. The rear sight is a white-outlined square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The sights are not original to the gun.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece pebble-textured black rubber Hogue wraparound with finger grooves. The grip has even handling wear with some scuffing in the smooth areas. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished. Slide and frame match, barrel is not marked. Replacement parts include, but may not be limited to, sights, grip safety, guide rod assembly, recoil spring assembly, bushing.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is evenly scattered minor erosion under the finish. There are some nicks and scratches under the finish with only a few through the finish. There is some handling wear in the slide serrations. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished and not parts-original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 a total of two 7-round magazines, one flush-fit and one with a J&J baseplate, and a zipper case.
Our Assessment: In 1914, the Argentine military adopted the Colt M1911 as their standard military sidearm and contracted with Colt to supply these guns. In 1923, Argentina adopted an armaments bill that would eliminate Argentine dependency on foreign arms. Under this bill, the Argentine Congress authorized a military modernization program and prepared a domestic arms industry. In accordance with the new law, an aircraft factory was established in 1927, a munitions factory in 1933, a steel mill in 1934, and a small arms factory in 1936. In 1927, the Argentine Commission for Foreign Acquisitions negotiated a contract with Colt for the manufacture of M1911A1 pistols and secured a licensing agreement for the right to manufacture these pistols using drawings, material specifications, instructions, etc. supplied by Colt. Production of the Sistema Colts began in 1927.
In 1945, a new factory was brought on-line and produced another 88,494 pistols through 1966. The Sistema Colts continued to be used in Argentina until the 1990s when they were replaced by Browning High Powers. The Sistema Colts were not Colts, but except for finish and markings, they 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 1958 and does not bear any police or military markings, likely produced for export. The pistol has been customized with high-profile sights, a Hogue grip, full-length guide rod, and a beavertail grip safety, making for a much more comfortable shooter. While refinished, the slide and frame still match each other. The high quality of the Sistema Colts and the relatively few produced make them very collectable, and they're an interesting variant of the classic 1911 design. Please see our photos and good luck!
