Star Model B

[dsf]

I'm of the "Spanish pistols are ****" generation and have shied away from them. Working in a general store that sold Llamas in the 1970's didn't help. However a visit to my (in 8 months) retirement home in OR gave me a chance to exercise my C&R FFL.

A 1951 made Star B in 9mm Luger with matching magazines.





The "V" indicates year of manufacture, similar to how H&R does their revolvers and Remington does their rifles.

The "LPN" stamp indicates it was sent to Germany post WWII



The straight front grip frame is the same as Star late WWII manufacture but non-delivery to Germany. From what I've learned, in 1952 or 1953 the lower front of the grip frame was changed to include a slight hump. I guess if we use S&W provenance this might be a "transition" model.

Figuring out magazines is a bit of a challenge. The mags that came with it (serial number matching) are quite a bit longer than needed.





The 9mm Luger leaves plenty of room up front so I suspect this is for the 9mm Largo. Just guesswork, but the Model A and Model BM may fit. If anyone knows for sure the info would be appreciated.

 

[sigp220.45]

I bought one of the Star BMs (the middle-schooler in me will always laugh at that name) that flooded in a couple of years ago. It has been a very reliable chunky boy.

Most of the 1911s in movies are Star Model Bs, if they are going to be fired. They function well with blanks, but that external extractor is a dead giveaway.

 

[2152hq]

The Model A (9mm Largo) and Model B (9mmLuger) Magazines are exactly the same size as far as width and back to front length.
They will interchange from an A to B,,,and B to an A.
The only spec difference is the feed lip at the top. The Model B (9mm Luger magazine has feed lips that were a bit longer than the Model A .


The longer feed lips controll the shorter 9mm Luger cartridge a bit longer before escaping the magazine and feeding up the ramp and the rim under the extractor at the same time.

Converting Model A to 9mmLuger usually brings no problems when using the 9mm Largo Model A magazine though.

Nice pistol. The Star Model A and B are decent reliable handguns.
Lot's of the them were imported into the US in the 60's and then again in the 90's.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

LPN=Landes Polizei Niedersachsen. State Police Lower Saxony. When the Allies allowed the German police to rearm they required them to use non-German firearms-? I have one, good shooter.

 

[4T5GUY]

The Star Model B’s are actually fine pistols.

I got mine in the late ‘80’s early’90’s when there was a flood of inexpensive surplus coming in and I had a FFL. It was $89.00 w/two magazines. The cool thing is it was made in 1944, not Nazi marked and although arsenal refinished it still has matching numbers not forced.

It’s proved to be reliable and as accurate as it was meant to be. Although also Spanish, Astra’s, (well most,) are also decent pistols. I’ve got a couple “Colt” JR’s made by Astra and are far and above the FIE examples I have seen.

Jim

 

[ISCS Yoda]

The Star Model S .380 is a fine handgun as well. Especially with Ajax custom rosewood grips.

 

[LVSteve]

Star made some interesting guns from a technical perspective. I have a Model SI, a locked breech .32, and the Megastar in .45, a semi-auto for Yosemite Sam.

 

[jrm53]

I got a Star BM a couple of years ago and I think its a fine pistol, all steel. Jeff

 

[DB404]

Most don’t seem to know it, but the Star DK .380 was the forerunner of things like the Colt Government Model .380, who’s magazine fits and functions in the DK, tho is one rounder longer and sticks out from the butt a bit. It was likely the inspiration for the SIG P238 and Kimber .380. In the mid 1960s, Colt and Star got together and were set to introduce Colt marked DKs as the Colt Pony. The deal fell through, but a number (10 or 20) of Colt marked DKs exist as they were sold to Colt employees. The project shifted to having them made in the States (sort of like “made in Belgium, assembled in Portugal “) by FI, Firearms International, out of Washington DC. They did make a number of the guns with steel rather than alloy frames, stamping them FI Model D. Iver Johnson then acquired the machinery and parts after FI went under, marking their pistols Iver Johnson Pony. Early serial numbers started with CPA, which many speculate stands for Colt Pony Auto. Iver Johnson stretched the frame and made an inhouse version in 9x19. The Star pistols are well made and have many features that are not found on Colts for another 30 years. I have the DK and a Model A Super, and have had a BKS, a 9x19 alloy frame with a bit longer barrel than the BM. Jeff Cooper was a fan.

 

[BB57]

The first few episodes that were filmed (not necessarily the first few in the order they were aired) of Magnum PI used a Star Model B. They eventually used a Colt 1911, but also in 9mm due to availability of blanks.

The greater availability of blanks is one reason the 1911 was often portrayed by a Star Model B in movies.

——-

I bought a total of three Star BMs a few years ago when they were available cheap. I bought two for concealed carry use - one as a truck gun and one at the apartment I maintained in northern VA to avoid the hassle of carrying on a plane. Owning two also upped the magazine supply and provided a hedge for spare parts.

I picked up a third in trade for a S&W m&p shield that I absolutely hated.

All three are accurate, reliable and enjoyable to shoot. They also incorporate a rounded heel that is very convenient for concealed carry as is the slightly smaller form factor. It’s a near ideal 9mm “1911”.

I’ve shot the bejeesus out of a couple of them and they are quite durable.

 

[Andyd]

Does anybody know a good current source for Star model B factory magazines?

 

[2152hq]

Does anybody know a good current source for Star model B factory magazines?

Kind of a find them where you can type of thing.
The surplus Model A and B flood from the 90's has dried up pretty much.

When looking for a magazine for a B, A or any STAR model that spans the pre WW2 to 50's/60's mfg time..there are 2 different styles .
The earlier, like the OP's Model B uses the narrow floor plate mag that sits flush with the bottom of the frame when locked in position.
The later style uses the detachable wider floor plate that sits on the bottom face of the frame,,instead of being inlet down flush into it.