Star Model B 9mm pros & cons?

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I've got one. It's a great shooter. No, it's not a 1911, but it's close and a good little range gun. As wally said, though, magazines can be hard to find. With a couple of spare mags, a Model B can be a nice addition to a collection.
Mauserguy
 
Why not just buy a Rock Island 9mm 1911. I got mine for $300 6 months ago after $50 rebate.
 
If you are buying it to shoot a lot, I'll +1 to the RIA 9mm 1911. Great bang/buck, I'm over 10,000 rounds through mine now. But I'd suggest the "Tactical" model for the better sights, beavertail and ambi safety.
Although the RIA is not C&R.
 
Stars have a good reputation. But...

Parts are RARE and when you find them they are expensive!

Same with mags.

I bought a Star stainless model not long ago for a sweet low price of $200. It was missing the slide release lever (it had been stored disassembled for safety :confused:) and I think it only had 1 magazine.

Anyway, after DAYS of scouring the internet and making several inquires/phone calls, I found a non-matching blued slide stop and it was quite expensive for a small piece of metal, and magazines were also a bit pricey. Ended putting another $150 in the gun, and lost days, to get a working firearm with five mags.

As to this particular pistol, seems big and heavy for an 8 round 9mm pistol. But it's a $300 C&R so if I were in the market I'd pick one up.
 
Great guns but as others have noted it can be hard to find spare magazines and parts for them.
 
I used to have a Modelo Super in 9mm Largo.

It was ok. Had the looks of a 1911 but not really the "feel". The lack of grip safety, plunger tube, and the hinged trigger just made it feel like a different gun. It was fairly reliable for what I shot through it though.
 
leadcounsel said:
I bought a Star stainless model not long ago for a sweet low price of $200.
Click to expand...

I've never encountered a stainless steel Star -- but have owned a number of nickel Stars. What model is yours?

The Star Firestar Plus I owned, with polished flats. looked like stainless, but was reallyElectroless Nickel (a chemically applied nickel surface, rather than an electrically-applied nickel plating).

Parts of the newer models may be harder to find than for some of the older ones. Exctractors for .40 versions were like hen's teeth...

I had a Star Model B, back when, with Nazi waffenamt. There were later questions about their authenticity. It was, however, like new and a nice shooting gun. I've since decided I like more modern guns.
 
Walt Sherrill said:
I've never encountered a stainless steel Star -- but have owned a number of nickel Stars. What model is yours?

The Star Firestar Plus I owned, with polished flats. looked like stainless, but was reallyElectroless Nickel (a chemically applied nickel surface, rather than an electrically-applied nickel plating).

Parts of the newer models may be harder to find than for some of the older ones. Exctractors for .40 versions were like hen's teeth...

I had a Star Model B, back when, with Nazi waffenamt. There were later questions about their authenticity. It was, however, like new and a nice shooting gun. I've since decided I like more modern guns.
Click to expand...
Well I misspoke. It's technically their "wonder finish" or whatever it's called. It's more of a electro nickel plating of sorts. It's a Star 31P.
 
If its what I think it is, it was called STARVEL and it's a very durable electroless nickel finish. The Wtiness "Wonder Finish" isn't really a finish, but a surface hardening treatment that they often coat with a silver coating of some type. (EAA on their website talk about the Wonder Finish.)
 
If you get one, don't dry fire it. The Model Bs are known for snapping the firing pin when dry fired. This gun is the next one on my list. I just bought a 1945 Astra 600 so I have to buy the same era Star Model B too.
 
I got a Star-B. It's not a bad gun. But when you can get a RIA 9mm for $350, don't hesitate. These old-clunkers (Star) get expensive real quick. Then you go thru 500 rounds before you can trust them.

Get a new RIA
 
Owl, I had a Star Model B, and two B Super models. The regular B was the most nicely made and finished of the three. I liked them. They are good looking, IMHO, reliable guns that fit my hand well, etc. The design of the rear of the frame, almost like a beavertail grip safety, prevents the hammer from from biting me. That being said, I have to agree with reports that star metallurgy was not consistent in quality. My first B Super broke and the dealer replaced it. I think if you get a good one, you've got a decent pistol. If you don't happen to get one with decent metallurgy, not so good. As has been mentioned, the fact they are out of production does not help with supportability of these pistols.

For a bit more money, I have to +1 the RIA suggestion.....ymmv
 
I have 2 Bs, and a B Super
Love the Bs, among my favorite guns. Slim, accurate, reliable, excellent triggers
Haven't quite warmed up to the Super
Almost a 1911, but with their own unique character and history.

Have 8 Star pistols. Haven't needed any parts except a slide stop that was bent by a prior owner
 
Only owned one Star pistol; the BKS "Starlight" 9mm. It was a fine shooting pistol and I regret letting it go (same for a S&W M39 9mm). Yes the firing pin is problematic.
 
I had a BKM, the only Star I ever had that was problematic. But I bought it knowing that, and never got it running. Sold it on to the next contestant the same way.

Never broke a firing pin on a Star, but have made a couple for friends. Easy FP to make on any lathe, or even a drill press (not recommended). Larry on Gunboards has a CNC guy making spares for various Star pistols.
 
Rex B,

could you provide me a link to the gunboards forum and Larry? I own a STAR 30M and i am always looking for parts.

thanks,

LeftyTSGC
 
I have a collection of about eighty Star pistols of many models and calibers, of these the model B is one of my favorites. The B feels great in the hand and points naturally, I have found mine to be very accurate and reliable.
 
I have a Model A Super in 9mm Largo. I have extra strength Wolff springs in it and I occasionally shoot Remington 38 Supers in it, which it seems to like. The big factories are loading 38 Supers at 9mm pressures these days and I have some military Largo ammo which chrono's faster with the same bullet weight; so I doubt I am straining the gun.

The gun itself in, terms of fit and finish, almost has no equal. The polish and finish of the metal is excellent. The blueing is flawless. The linkless design with the takedown lever on the right side of the frame is a brilliant evolutionary advance of the basic 1911 design. The loaded chamber indicator on the gun it another.

And don't ever break a part or damage a magazine!! Like everyone says, chances of finding them are slim and none, and if you do they are expensive.
 
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