Star BM 9mm review

Anyone else look at the video of the "fair condition" guns at Classic?

A couple don't seem to have the same milling. I remember reading on gunboards that there was another agency besides the Guardia Civil that had these, and those might have a different appearance.
 
Well, I just took a look...and I can't tell. I'm on my iPad, and most of them look like they have the milled circles where the police markings were removed, but on a couple, I couldn't tell. Sure looks like a deal at $149.99!!, though. I'm still waiting on my $199.99 version, and will let everyone know what shape its in when it gets here.

Best Regards, Les
 
les.b said:
Well, I just took a look...and I can't tell. I'm on my iPad, and most of them look like they have the milled circles where the police markings were removed, but on a couple, I couldn't tell. Sure looks like a deal at $149.99!!, though. I'm still waiting on my $199.99 version, and will let everyone know what shape its in when it gets here.

Best Regards, Les
Click to expand...
If you look over the last 2 or so, the slides look untouched.

Looks like a football divot milled into the frame, though.

Les, is this your first BM? If so, let me tell you, you're in for a surprise when you pick it up. They are smaller, but very solid. It might be heavier than my CZ 75... it's certainly more massive considering the size. It's not the modern perception of what a carry compact is, for sure. But mine, at least, seems to ooze "quality"; solid and heavy, nice bright steel followers in the mags, everything seems slick and smooth.

I do have to press in the mag release to insert one, otherwise it seems to hang up on the catch.

The magazine safety is easy to remove (mine already was), it's under the right hand grip. I'm certain there are videos.

Like I said, it isn't light to carry, but that weight does a great deal in controlling the firing. You barely notice the recoil, considering it's got a short barrel.

I look forward to hearing about yours, hope you get a nice one.
 
scoobysnacker said:
Anyone else look at the video of the "fair condition" guns at Classic?

A couple don't seem to have the same milling. I remember reading on gunboards that there was another agency besides the Guardia Civil that had these, and those might have a different appearance.
Click to expand...

I will let you know. Even though I had one I bought 6 years ago, when I saw the ad at $149, I couldn't resist any longer. I'll post some pics when it arrives in a few days. I did not do a hand select for $20.
 
gwpercle said:
Nice !
I always liked Star pistols. My first 45 acp was a Star model PS, loved it...accurate, no pesky grip safety, good extractor and trigger.
Stolen in 1995 and I still miss it...never came across another Star PS so I replaced it with an AMT Hardballer....the first stainless steel 1911.
Gary
Click to expand...


I thought the Randall was the first stainless M-1911 type. ?? :confused: But both preceded Colt in doing stainless.
 
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jmace57 said:
I will let you know. Even though I had one I bought 6 years ago, when I saw the ad at $149, I couldn't resist any longer. I'll post some pics when it arrives in a few days. I did not do a hand select for $20.
Click to expand...

The Spanish Navy used them, and I think the Cuerpo General de Policia did, too.

Believe some of these agencies now use H-K USP pistols.
 
Everyone says their Star BM serial number ends in XXXX. I thought they all ended with 4 oughts like mine.
 

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My Star BM came in today. My only other Star was a PD that I owned back in the 70s. I took some photos before I cleaned the gun, just to show what they are looking like. Here it is in the Star box...I also ordered a couple of extra mags, so I have three:

MJSLf5a.jpg


I couldn't wait to get it home and take it for a spin!! It sure wasn't the "pick of the litter", but pretty is as pretty does!!

I test fired it at 10 yards...right out of the box, after running a swab through the barrel to make sure that it was clear. Two of the magazines only held 7 rounds, and one held 8. Looking at one of the posts above, the springs may be in backwards. I'll vpcheck later. Overall, I was pretty pleased with the performance. Here's my target at 10 yards, all FMJ ammo, one called "flyer", when I jerked the trigger. No malfunctions of any kind. Flawless feeding, and the weight of the little gun negates recoil.

1cThWjA.jpg


I've got the gun broken down (super easy takedown and assembly) and soaking in some Hoppes #9. I'll be back with some more reflections on my new "Truck Gun" shortly.

Best Regards, Les
 
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Texas Star said:
I thought the Randall was the first stainless M-1911 type. ?? :confused: But both preceded Colt in doing stainless.
Click to expand...

Randall's marketing slogan was "The only stainless steel fit for duty."

I bought a Randall Combat Model in late 1983 for $289. I sold it about 5 years later for a profit. In retrospect it was a stupid move as Randall only made 1,067 in total and mine was one of the early and even rarer variants that were only marked "Service Model" without the "Combat" roll mark under the ejection port.

You do stupid stuff when you are young.

AMT also sold a stainless 1911 at the time, but it was notorious for soft metal that galled.
 
les.b said:
BB57....would you mind telling us where you obtained those handsome walnut grips??

Best Regards, Les
Click to expand...
I've got some grips like that for my Star Modelo Super B, think I picked them up from Robertson's Trading Post. They used to have an independent website, but now they seem to focus on listing on gunsamerica.

I did a search, didn't see the BM listed among their offerings. I think they are Triple K.
 
After reading this post on the Star BM, a few days later
I got an e-mail from JG Sales in AZ. with Star BM pistols for sale.
I bought a "hand select" for $229.95 + an extra mag for $19.95.
I received it today. Picked it up from the dealer, went directedly to the range.
It looks great. Has a little holster wear at the muzzle and some handling ware in the grip area.
I'm satisfied on the overall condition but it shoots 5" left and about 4-5" low.
I fired new Fed.124, American Eagle 115, Federal Independence 115, and 115 Fiocchi.

I'm not new to hand guns by any stretch of the imagination. I even tested from a rest with little improvement.

I know how to fix the windage, but I'm not sure how to approach the shooting low condition with this particular fire arm.
Any advice will be appreciated.
 
palmetto99 said:
For the love of Pete, stop post reviews about these things!! I'm having enough trouble convincing myself not to pick one up.
Click to expand...

I have 2 Star BMs and they are worth the $225 I paid each...:cool: No peer pressure, but you must pick one up. If you don't, then you are a girly-man and you like cats and wear pink panties driving your VW bug to romantic movies. Resist that!
 
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