The majority spent their time in holsters and armories, so their historical value is basically nil. As for historical value, the vast majority of Star pistols are being imported from Spain. My example was professionally refinished with a blue Cerakote finish, and the grips replaced with a pair of walnut laser-engraved grip panels. However for those looking for a project, this pistol is an inexpensive choice to turn into something nice. (Photo: Francis Borek)įor many this doesn’t matter as they simply want a shooter, or an inexpensive handgun for self defense. They will show use and that means the finish is often worn and/or pitted.ĭisassembly is easy and straightforward. While the original finish was doubtless attractive when the pistols rolled off of the factory floor, one must remember these are surplus handguns.
![star pistol factory grips star pistol factory grips](https://img1.etsystatic.com/044/0/6573200/il_570xN.533280551_98ex.jpg)
Though durable, they’re generally not very attractive. Grip panels are a rather ugly checkered orange-brown plastic. These old pieces generally have a blued finish, though some may have been refinished at one point with black enamel paint.
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These pistols would remain in service into the 1980’s when they were replaced by the Star Model 28 and 30.Īnd with armories full of old handguns, the Spanish have begun to sell off the venerable old Stars for bargain basement prices. Disassembly was further simplified as well, with a large takedown lever on the frame. Gone was the swinging barrel link in it’s place was a linkless barrel reminiscent of the Browning Hi-Power.
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Finding nothing especially wrong with the Star Model B, they decided to simply update the basic design. Further developmentsįollowing that conflict, Spain eventually joined NATO and once again their armed forces found themselves in the market for a new pistol to go with the new CETME rifle.
![star pistol factory grips star pistol factory grips](https://www.alloutdoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IMG_8894.jpg)
This included the sale of Star Model B pistols to Germany. Spain declared itself neutral once again during the Second World War, though they would give some support to the German cause until 1944. A second generation of the Model B started production in 1931 and would not stop until 1983 with a large number of variants in between including the Model B-Super, Model BS, Model BG, and the compact BKS/Starlite, BKM and BM.ĭespite being the same size, the Star Super B weighs considerably less than this Remington 1911. Initially the family of pistols was chambered in 9mm Largo, but it eventually included the 9x19mm cartridge. Soon after the Star Model A was marketed to civilians and in 1924 the Model B began its first generation of production.Ĭhanges to both models A and B continued concurrently, including the removal of a grip safety and the addition of an arched backstrap, with each variant modifying and simplifying the design further. An updated version, rechristened the Model 1921, appeared the following year. produced a pistol, designated the Star Modelo 1920, for Spain’s Guardia Civil. (Photo: Francis Borek)Īfter this evaluation the decision was reached to adopt a clone of John Browning’s Colt M1911 handgun for both practical and commercial reasons. Accordingly, Spain re-evaluated what their native handgun companies, like Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A., were producing alongside the designs that had seen action during the Great War.Ī five round group with Federal JHP’s. “Complex” made for a gun that cost more in both money and time, two factors armies could not spare in war. Soon after the First World War (in which they were officially neutral) the Spanish Army realised that their standard issue handgun was too complex for the modern battlefield. Luckily for many, Spain adopted a near-clone of the 1911 and kept it in service for decades. Then there is the price of ammunition to factor in as well.
![star pistol factory grips star pistol factory grips](https://i.imgur.com/AHjVkpcl.jpg)
To complicate matters, long time shooters of this platform often won’t even touch a 1911 under $800 and will advise others to do the same. New US-made 1911s can start at around $650 and work their way up from there (unless of course you catch a store having a sale). One criticism that dogs the 1911 these days however are the prices. There are plenty of reasons why modern shooters enjoy 1911 handguns and, despite valid criticisms, John Browning’s famed design still endures to this day.
![star pistol factory grips star pistol factory grips](https://dygtyjqp7pi0m.cloudfront.net/i/29162/25605191_1.jpg)
The STAR Super B’s lineage from the 1911 is quite evident on the outside.