Star Firearms

[pbwalker]

I can't seem to find much on these guys (review-wise). What I do find seems to be mixed (much like Taurus is).

Does anyone have any experience with this manufacturer? Decent low-end pistol? They look to be solid, all metal, pistols (Firestar at least).

[RECIT]

Star pistols are actually pretty well-made. The Star model B, a single-stack 9mm loosely based on the 1911, was the official sidearm of the South African Defence Force (I was issued one) until it was replaced by the then-new Beretta 92 in the late 80s. The Star PD, a compact 45 (again, vaguely 1911-ish), was *the* desired CHL pistol for the IPSC crowd from the 70s onward.

The Star model 28 was their first double-action, high-capacity 9mm during the Wondernine hysteria, was quickly upgraded to the model 30 (2 friends of mine owned the 30) and was a very solid pistol indeed - it just had a weird slide-mounted safety which looked like a hammer-drop but wasn't.

Then they came out with the single-stack Firestar series (tiny subcompact 9mm, .40s&w and .45acp - but in single action). I had one in 9mm and loved it - but unlike the 1911, there's no grip-safety so be careful carrying cocked and locked.

Then the double-stack Firestar Plus came out followed by the the plastic-framed Ultrastar (never handled one myself) and the large Megastar (12 +1 in .45 and 14+1 in 10mm) before the company went wheels-up :(

Nice history lesson thanks always.

[CC Italian]

I handled one the other day at the Houston gun show in .40 S&W. It wasn't a very big gun but as soon as I picked it up I immediately took note of the weight. They are very heavy for their size. I assume it weighed 30-40oz unloaded.