Starr revolvers?

[Panzerschwein]

Hello everyone, I am wondering about the Starr 1858 and Starr 1863 replica revolvers made by Pietta. The Starr revolver of 1858 was double action, and a number were sold to the army. However, the Army wanted a simpler single action affair and the 1863 single action Starr was the result.



Pietta makes both these guns, both in .44 caliber (percussion). I am wondering if anyone out there has any experience with these firearms, both positive and/or negative. I am having trouble deciding which model to pick as well. I think it's neat how the 1858 Starr is double action, but I love single actions as well and the 1863 Starr is tempting too!

What do you all have to say about these guns? I don't hear much about them and am just looking for some guidance before I buy one, if I do.

Thanks!

 

[Jim K]

I have seen two of the "DA" type; neither worked properly.

Here is some info on the Starr, though it concerns originals, not the Pietta repros.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=773322&highlight=starr

Jim

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

Seems like I've only heard bad things about them, but they are neat.

PM sent with info on one I'm aware of for sale

 

[Jim K]

FWIW, the "DA" Starr was not liked by its users "back in the day". Generally, the troops believed in the KISS principal and much preferred Colts or Remingtons rather than odd-wad guns like the Savage or Starr, no matter how good a presentation their makers might have given some general. (They didn't have Power Point in those days, but there were plenty of fast-talking salesmen!)

Jim

 

[Panzerschwein]

After hearing some negative things on the double action Starr, I believe I would buy the single action version if I do end up getting one.

 

[wf4933]

Hope I do this right ,haven't wrote a thread before.
duelist 1954 on you tube, go under starr model 1863. He has some good information.

WFH

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks wf4933 And yes, you did it right. !

I am a huge fan of Duelist 1954 and watch all his vids, I watched his on the Starr single action and he gave a favorable impression.

 

[ExMachina]

Another good Starr video is from Forgotten Weapons

And here's a shooting video of the DA Starr from capandball

 

[washbuster]

Starr revolvers

I have both single and d/a.They both work great ,I really like the D/A Starr.The single action works also .I like the way they feel in your hand .The easy pin removale is Cool.

 

[wf4933]

Are starr revolvers (new) readily available ?
WFH

 

[Panzerschwein]

WFH, yes they are! One company makes both the single action version and the double action one, Pietta is the company and the revolvers can be purchased from Dixie Gun Works:

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=3465

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=3539

 

[ExMachina]

Pietta discontinued the Starr a while ago. Dixie keeps catalog pages active even for discontinued models.

 

[Ephraim Kibbey]

There are a bunch of both original Starr's and Pietta Starr's in tomorrow's RIA but they are grouped in multi-item sets. Even if you get a double action, I believe they can be fired single action.

 

[ExMachina]

There are a bunch of both original Starr's and Pietta Starr's in tomorrow's RIA but they are grouped in multi-item sets. Even if you get a double action, I believe they can be fired single action.

They even have a lot of Starr repros with a Pietta among them: http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/1024/lid/2079

 

[Panzerschwein]

Oh! I didn't know Pietta discontinued the Starr.

They need to discontinued their Spiller and Burr considering how inauthentic it is, but that's a subject for another day!

I'd still like to get a Starr if I can find one, though.

 

[wf4933]

Thanks to all for input.
WFH

 

[Panzerschwein]

No problem

I love this place because I can learn all about my favorite guns. I'm hoping a Starr revolver becomes one of them some day.

 

[mykeal]

Two points:

1) I own a PIetta Starr SA. In a word, it's a POS. Well, ok, that's 3 words.

The gun is unwieldy at best - the bore centerline is high relative to the grip making follow through difficult. It's difficult to point if you're used to the Colt grips. The gun is a top break design, secured by a large screw at the joint; the joint does not fit well and the screw if very difficult to start and secure. This is without a doubt my least favorite gun; it rarely gets taken to the range.

2) Percussion Revolvers, A Guide To Their History, Performance and Use, by Mike Cumpston and Johnny Bates. The best book about c&b revolvers I've ever read. (Mike is a member here and might chime in on this later). Chapter 15: Treason With A Hair Trigger - The Starr Revolver will tell you all you need to know. His review is accurate and not favorable.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks guys, well I have been unable to locate a Pietta SA Starr and they are apparently discontinued... bummer! Oh well, I've heard really mixed reviews so far. Maybe someday...