Star Firestar 9mm

Engine 21

US Veteran
Joined
May 3, 2011
Messages
955
Reaction score
951
Location
N. of 90.
Anyone have any info on the Star Firestar Model 43? I was talking to a guy at the range and he has a couple of them and would like to sell one - my choice. I do know the company was based in Spain and is no longer in business. any info would be appreciated.
Thanks..
 
Register to hide this ad
Google firestar, you can find manuals online. I had a firestar 40, nice gun shot well built like a tank. Parts are available, similar to a 1911; but small enough to fit in a pocket but too heavy for most pockets. I sold to a buddy who wanted a 40 cal. Since I had a Sig 229, I had 40 covered and my 642 Pro pocket carries much better. I sold mine for $250, with holster and extra magazine. I used the firestar for my CCW qualification.
 
I've had a couple in 9mm. They are strong, robust guns; single action with very little recoil! They are a bit heavy. Parts are still available; but will be scarcer in the future, especially mags. Would I own one again? Oh yes!!!
 
I'm not going to jump on the praise wagon. I have a relative who has one and a part broke ( I think it was the firing pin) and he has been unable to find one. So, he has had an expensive paperweight since last summer.
I need to call him and see what it was, but I think it was the firing pin.
 
The Firestars are quality, well built guns. The old image of cheap, poor quality associated with other Spanish made guns hurts the resale value of these guns. As a result they are a bargain on today's market.
 
I've got one in 9mm and a stainless one in .45acp. They are very compact single action pistols. Ambi safety. No grip safety. Solid steel frame and slide.

I like them, and the firepower versus size ratio is pretty good.

Marc
 
I had one in .40 caliber. Bought it because it was priced right and I didn't have a .40 at the time. It looked good,shot good,but as others have said,it was heavy. I wound up giving it to a good friend who REALLY liked it.
f.t.
 
I have one in .45 acp - a great little gun! Heavy compared to what is on the market today, but fun to shoot. I have put a couple of hundred rounds thru mine since I got it new 15 - 20 years ago. Was my carry gun for a while until I upgraded to a SIG P239 in .357 Sig.

John
 
I'll second the emotion about the Star's being well built guns, and yeah, parts are tough to come by, but I personally have never seen one that needed any. But, if you pay more than $250 or so, probably too much. They don't bring much in the U.S. Kinda like Astras.
 
My first handgun was a Firestar M-40 (4043). It had the Starvel finish and was a tank! I carried it for years and only recently sold it. I swtiched to a Kahr, when I got serious about daily carry. I found that the Firestar was so heavy that I wouldn't carry it. I also didn't have a good belt. Makes a big difference. I love my Kahr, but I wish that I hadn't sold the Firestar. One day I'll buy another. Never ever had a problem or anything break. I bought mine in 1994-5 and just sold it two years ago. to many rounds to count.
 
Thanks to all who offered insight. I think it's safe to day I'm going to get one of them. Both are the 9mm Firestars just have to pick one. Thanks again to all. Info is great!
 
I'm not going to jump on the praise wagon. I have a relative who has one and a part broke ( I think it was the firing pin) and he has been unable to find one. So, he has had an expensive paperweight since last summer.
I need to call him and see what it was, but I think it was the firing pin.

Tell your relative to go here: Star Gun Repair Parts from Bob's Gun Shop There is a good chance they have what is needed.

It took longer to type this than to find the parts site. Simply "Google" Star Parts and you will be amazed how many sources there are!
 
They are VERY under-rated handguns in ALL regards. Many will complain about the weight which also makes them so very easy to control as they are All Steel construction. I have 4 of them and enjoy the heck out of them.
As far as the parts issue....to me it is a non-issue as they seldom break. The only part I ever needed was an extractor for a Starvel finish .40 as they were apparently a bit on the brittle side. I replaced it with a blued one and have had no problems since.
Even here in Montana I find magazines readily available and holsters are no big deal.... holsters for a Makarov work quite well.

The same is true for the Astra A-70/75 line up of handguns as well. Outstanding handguns that are again under-rated in all aspects.

Get it and enjoy soon!!!

Randy
 
Back
Top