I've got the hankering for a compact semi-auto pistol and I have a chance to pick up a Star Firestar 9mm with the Starvel finish. I've heard a bit about these pistols, but have no first-hand experience. Does anyone here have any experience with them? From what I've read in the last few hours they seem reliable but heavy. Since I can't carry in Canada the weight is not an issue but I would still prefer to buy a good-quality pistol. Due to Canada's restrictive gun laws there have been no new handguns with barrels less than 4.1" imported since 1995, so any of the newer small pistols like the sub-compact Glocks are only available with after-market barrels longer than 4.1". So, if I want a true small pistol I'm stuck with older models. Any thoughts on the Firestar would be greatly appreciated!

My wife's boss has one, I have held it but not shot it. Appeared to be well balanced and well made. I have owned a Star BM 9mm in the past, gun was well made and ran perfectly, was also quite accurate. I've kicked myself on several occasions for selling it. I also have a little .380 Star Starfire waiting for me at the gunstore, looking forward to getting it. In my opinion I think you will like the Firestar very much. Hopefully someone can chime in with their experiences, but I'm guessing most will be very positive, good luck, Shoo

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"Get Hammered By a Shooboy!!"

I have one and it's very accurate for a small pistol. The frame rails are reversed like the CZ pistols and run the full length of the gun. The weight keeps the recoil way down.

I have a Starfire M45 that is a great handgun and it has been shot extensively. The only problem with Star products is that the company is out of business, so you are on your own for service and replacement parts. At this point, I would probably look for something else because of that alone.

They were okay, not great, but okay. I remember when they were the big thing for compact guns, pushed by the gun mags along with the smaller Astras. Jan Libourel over at (then) Perterson's Handguns was a fan. But then he also shilled for Taurus Model 85 revolvers (snub) and the one that I had around that time lasted less than a 100rds...

The KelTecs and Mini Glocks cut into the Star/Astra Minis.

If you can't carry it, why do you want to mess around with it? Just curious. Their reason for existing was to be easier to carry and conceal.

Thanks very much for the responses so far!
Good question! I do compete in handgun and rifle matches so I've got my "competition" guns but I also have "fun" guns that I just enjoy shooting, and there's something about a small gun I find appealing -- I've got a 10.5" AR15, a 12.5" 12 gauge pump, and a couple of short-barrelled S&Ws but no small semi-auto pistol. Besides, it doesn't hurt to have another gun around the house in the event of a zombie outbreak/robot uprising/bear infestation (and I have to do my bit to raise the average guns owned per Canadian, too!).

I've had two since they first came out. One 9mm and 1 in .40. They are excellent little pistols. Very accurate , very reliable. A bit heavy (all steel) , but that helps soak up recoil. My .40 got sold , but my 9 still gets carried in the colder months.

I have a .40 and love it, I used to carry it off duty sometimes. Another officer I worked with had a .45 which he really liked, and it could even outshoot him with no problem.

However, the out of business thing is a concern, and even before that there were no US importers so parts haven't been available for quite some time.

I also had both the 9 and .40 cal models. Went bang every time, but the ambi safety got loose on the 9. Had to re crimp the dovetail to tighten it up and the steel was really soft. Other than that, no problems

A friend has one in 9mm. I've shot it quite a bit. Heavy for it's size as already pointed out (what you'd expect with a hefty design all steel construction) but handles nicely and his has had no issues.

I was tempted to buy one back when but never did. Stuck with the Model B and B Super and more Spanish handguns than I knew what to do with anyway.

I guess I'd search a couple of the Spanish handgun forums and see if there are any reoccuring problems with them.

The parts issue keeps coming up.
Someone somewhere seems to be able to come up with a part when needed for most anything out there,,,but at what price would be the question.

FWIW -

There is a gentleman on the attached board who goes by the name of "STAR." (Real name is 'Jorge.')

He is in Spain and has new parts for various Star pistols. (I recently purchased a few for a PD .45)






The Spanish Pistol Board

I had a Firestar 9MM Starvel finish like yours. It was OK but not that good. I sold it & bought a S&W 686. Star is out of business now.