Tim LaFrance has a long and storied history in the firearms industry, much of it revolving around his ability to make compact and subcompact versions of weapons systems, he was also quite active in NFA builds, and eventually sold LaFrance Specialties to Surefire, who built his suppressor designs for some years. Tim grew up surrounded by skilled tradesmen, and guns, from a whole family of machinists and tool & die makers. His passion for building custom guns and suppressors started early, From Tim: “In 1973, when I was in Baltimore, I opened La France Specialties because I was manufacturing handguns on my own. I had a little hole in the wall, underground shop. It was in an old Safeway warehouse, and the basement of it had been converted to a range during World War II. We had a permit to train the security guards for their concealed weapons permit. It was one of the most dangerous jobs I’ve ever had because of all the accidental discharges bouncing off the concrete walls.”

This pistol was built by extreme chopping, welding, reconfiguring of an Argentine Ballester-Molina, chambered in 45 ACP, and wearing what look like a custom set of Jean St Henri trapezoidal grips. Tim spent many years making these custom chop-jobs, largely on Star Model B’s, this is the only Ballester I have seen converted this way! Tim got in and noticed with several high level Federal Agents for his small carry guns for non-permitting environments where they often operated, and was involved with a couple 3-letter agencies. This gun is really well done, and in great shape, small chip on the left hand grip panel, the mil-spec parkerized finish and hi viz front sight look great. Comes as shown with one mag. If you are into supremely unique custom guns, and spy-level guns, this is a great piece to have. A good read referencing Tim’s association with one of many overseas ‘engagements’ https://www.ocweekly.com/our-man-in-san-salvador-6385495/

Email questions: kgbcustoms@gmail.com

$1945 Shipped