The Sistema Colt is indeed a .45 but is marked 11.25mm being the metric equivalent. They were supposedly made to be fully interchangeable with the Hartford Colt 1911s that Argentina had been importing from the US between the wars.

Not really suitable for the range matches I normally shoot, but in the Northern Territory it can be discharged any time on a Collectors Licence with the right authorisation.

I have thought about shooting the Australia Day, Anzac Day, and Rememberence Day Service Pistol matches with it, but have been doing quite well with my Mk.VI Webley revolver (often win the precision, but not the rapid-fire! Managed an overall 2nd last year though).

ducmarc: I'd love a Gold Cup, will keep an eye out for an affordable example but probably can't hold my breath for that long! Was your dad's pistol roll-marked MARINA DE GUERRA, MARINA ARGENTINA, OR ARMADA ARGENTINA on the slide? Judging by the build quality of the Sistema Colt in my custody, I would say your dad kicked a goal!