STAR compact pistols

[NSP]

Yesterday I met a new brandname I've never seen before in a compact 9mm under a gunstore counter. A brand called STAR, as I understand it's a Mexican manufacture.

It's a good looking little gun and pretty slim to the feel. Overall a good looking gun for conceal carry means. Also they had a .45 in the same looking model.

Anybody have any experience with STAR? Any recommendations or jeers?

The price is right so if it's a good gun I may persue it.

Tanx

[BonoVox]

No experience with Star. But in general when it comes to firearms cheaper is usually not the answer. Especially in a carry piece.

From watching others make that mistake, it usually ends up costing you more in the long run. After you go out and buy the handgun you should have bought in the first place and try to sell for a lost the one that ended up being a piece of junk.

Just something to think about.

[BonoVox]

BTW that goes for hoslters too.

[1buba]

I believe that Star is actually mfg'd in Spain.

I'm wondering if they have any connection to the old "Firestar" handguns. I had a couple of those, i wouldn't call them junk, but what is the next step above? To be clear, they did feel good. I just saw them fail too many times in a couple of classes i attended. A local store had sold a boat load of them and 3 ended up in the classes (mine weren't there). All three failed. I know that 2 were extractor failures, but i can't remember the third.

Again, this is firestar, not star.

[X-ffdo]

STAR, these pistols were manufactured in Spain. Superb accuracy. There is a model made for the West German police. Most guns were Colt 1911 replica, no backstrap safety, mostly manufactured in 9 mm and some super eights. The Germans and spaniards had a close relationship, that is why the spaniards manufactured the first replica of the Sturmgewehr, the CETME.
The STAR factory closed, you may find that spare parts may be hard to come by.
If you find one in good condition you might want to get it. No guarantees. I have heard good about them, never owned one. They are virtually unknown in the US, most peple think they are made in Mexico but that is inaccurate.
If you are looking for a full size 1911 replica, there is a gun made in Argentina.
They built them for the British SOG, during the big war, were accurarized. Regularly well regarded, 1911 copy, no backstrap. Made by Ballester-Molina. Check proof marks for a British SOG version. That is what I know, some of it is hear say. I do not have one, but know of people who own them today.
As with anything, you are taking your chances. In reference to the STAR, my understanding is that after the war the standards fell and the quality suffered. so get an early model if you can assertain the date of manufacture. I suspect that the loss of quality caused their demise.

[K-dog.v3]

spend a few dollars more it will be well worth it.

[Sigman]

Originally Posted by 1buba

I believe that Star is actually mfg'd in Spain.

I'm wondering if they have any connection to the old "Firestar" handguns. I had a couple of those, i wouldn't call them junk, but what is the next step above? To be clear, they did feel good. I just saw them fail too many times in a couple of classes i attended. A local store had sold a boat load of them and 3 ended up in the classes (mine weren't there). All three failed. I know that 2 were extractor failures, but i can't remember the third.

Again, this is firestar, not star.

My Dad bought a firestar .40 years ago. I thought it was a good pistol. A little heavy but felt good and shot well. It's probably only had 100 rounds thru it though so I can't comment on the reliablity.

[NSP]

Originally Posted by 1buba

I believe that Star is actually mfg'd in Spain.

I'm wondering if they have any connection to the old "Firestar" handguns. I had a couple of those, i wouldn't call them junk, but what is the next step above? To be clear, they did feel good. I just saw them fail too many times in a couple of classes i attended. A local store had sold a boat load of them and 3 ended up in the classes (mine weren't there). All three failed. I know that 2 were extractor failures, but i can't remember the third.

Again, this is firestar, not star.

One of their handgun models is called a firestar, so yes we are speaking about the same gun.

Well for me it's either a Firestar or a Smith and Wesson compact. Those fall within my price range.

Not being able to get replacement parts is a major downfall to me though.

Thanks for the input guys.

[IAmASensFan]

Star-Firearms.com ::: Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A. - Armas - Firearms
Modern Firearms - Handguns - Star Firestar
Modern Firearms - Handguns - Star Megastar

[Hoser]

I can't find any Star handguns on the approved list...am I misreading?

[OCResident]

Spend the money and get something worthy of everyday carry. Glocks and S&W M&Ps are relatively affordable, and even the Glock-haters would have a hard time arguing the economics here.

If you can't afford a new quality handgun, buy a used one.

Also, in particular, some of the cheaper models, while they can be generally reliable, often don't do well with hollow point ammunition, which you would likely carry - and then you will spend another $30+ in HP ammunition while you're figuring out that it doesn't feed reliably.

[X-ffdo]

I do not know how to procede on this one. I hear, as far as price, the Bersa has quite a following, search the net. Some people think it is junk. If you check the net though, it has quite a big following.They come in all calibers.
I know this, if you want inexpensive and reliable, go with a EAA Witness, a CZ- 75 clone. I know people who have them, I had one. I would trust them with my life. I had one with the chrome finish. It was all steel so it was heavy, now they have the polimer frame. Not on DOJ list. Look for a used one. It is accurate as hell, it will "eat" anything you feed it. They have a model with a decocker.
The other choice is the CZ P01, 9mm. Nato side arm. I think it is on DOJ list, you'll pay more.
If I were you, I chase down a EAA witness. Mine was .40 Cal. mag. drop free.
If you go for a CZ, make sure it is drop free mags.

[Glock32]

There is a model made for the West German police.

This stament is incorrect. No German police force has ever carried a non-German made handgun. I exclude military during war time from this statement.
As to the quality of a Star, Astra or Bersa: you get what you pay for. Every time.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by NSP

One of their handgun models is called a firestar, so yes we are speaking about the same gun.

Well for me it's either a Firestar or a Smith and Wesson compact. Those fall within my price range.

Not being able to get replacement parts is a major downfall to me though.

Thanks for the input guys.

NSP,
I've had a couple of firestars (actually found a 9mm still in the safe) and a couple of S&W semi's... My preference would be a used glock over EITHER of these. Preference, as you know, can vary... lol

[X-ffdo]

Originally Posted by Glock32

There is a model made for the West German police.

This stament is incorrect. No German police force has ever carried a non-German made handgun. I exclude military during war time from this statement.
As to the quality of a Star, Astra or Bersa: you get what you pay for. Every time.

http://www.collectiblefirearms.com/PistolStar.html

German Police Post-WW II Contract Star Model B. Date of Manufacture 1954.

Enough said.