It also has a lanyard loop.

The trigger mechanism is unlike the 1911, and actually pivots, rather than slides like the trigger on the 1911.

Even though it looks a lot like a 1911, the only parts that are easily interchangeable are the barrel, operating spring, and the magazine. All controls are very similar, except for the absence of a grip safety. Disassembly for cleaning is the same.

Mine is marked "Gendarmeria Nacional" on the right side of the slide, and my friend Deimos tells me that is means the pistol was issued to the Argentine equivalent of the "Border Patrol".

It has the very poor sights of 1911 style pistols of that time period, but I can usually shoot these well.

The pistol is, overall, a very fine pistol with a great reputation for quality and for dependability.

Many that were imported were "well worn" on the exterior, but internally, almost like new.

I was going to do my regular "throat polish" job on the piece before shooting it, but the ramp and throat looked so nice I doubted that it really needed it.

So, I decided to just give it a try to see how it ran.

These pistols have a reputation for being very reliable.

Well, how does it shoot?

You will notice from the clothes that it is getting cold in Texas.

And here's a typical group.

It ran semi-wadcutters and ball ammo without a single hiccup.

There is no need for a throat polishing, as it ran like a Singer Sewing machine.