STAR Model B Super 9MM dated 1973

Just received my STAR Model B Super that I ordered from AIM Surplus. Paid the $10 extra for "Best of 5" - for a total of $265 shipped I think I did OK.

It is in a STAR Model A Box; original Model A SN on the side of the box, the Model B Serial Number written in a European Style on the top of the box. It came in the box with a cleaning rod/screwdriver tip, Owner's Manual (in Spanish with a 1947 print date) and spare magazine. Dated 73 on the left front of the trigger guard. Any guesses on the "OAPO" sticker on the dust cover?

Here are a few photos for you:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_6-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_5-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_4-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_3-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_2-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_1-1.jpg

Thanks for this. Looks like an absolutely great gun for the price.

I am thinking of this same gun as it is essentially a 1911 clone in 9mm, and far less expensive than a Browning HiPower. Curious to hear what others think and how it performs. One question that seems to be unclear -- the gun was actually designed for the 9mm Largo cartridge, not the Luger, IIRC. Does it perform well with standard 9mm.

Classic http://"https://www.classicfirearms....to-pistol?p=2"also sells the same thing. Any difference between the two retailers?

I had one years ago and was told it was 9mm, which it was but 9mm long. I procured 38 super and got to work. I broke a firing pin and had to make one...too much dry firing. Nice solid guns...

The slide on this one appears to be stamped "9mm P" which I would suggest is 9mm Parabellum (ie what everyone outside the US calls the standard 9mm cartridge :p)

Looks like a really nice gun and in great shape, too!

Mine was just stamped 9mm not L or Largo or anything else...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Colonel Enfield

The slide on this one appears to be stamped "9mm P"

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Thanks Colonel. Upon inspection of the photo of the instruction manual, it also states Parabellum. That makes the ammo more available. Apparently the earlier Star models used Largo (Large).

There you go - cheap and plentiful ammo ahoy! :)

Mine would use 9mm from the mag as well...they're a very solid gun. Very...

Here's some information about the STAR "Supers" - I have one chambered in 9MM Largo; and I have this B Super in 9MM Para.

Quote:

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A brief history of the Star Modelos Super.

First a brief note on reference material for Star Pistols. The Star factory had a habit of changing characteristics on it's firearms without changing model names. Therefore you may find conflicting information than given here, and your Star may exhibit characteristics not mentioned here.

The Star Modelos Super were produced by the firm of Star Bonifacio Echeverria S.A. in Eibar, Spain.

After World War II the engineers at Star dusted off the plans for the Modelo M (9mm Largo/38 ACP) and decided some improvements were in order. The Modelo M continued to be produced, but the Modelos Super made improvements on its design and were produced from 1946 until 1983 when it was discontinued. Over its life, the Supers were offered in seven chamberings. In 1946 the Super M was debuted in 9mm Largo and 38 Super, soon the Modelo A (9mm Largo) underwent 'Superization' to become the Super A. Later that year the Modelo C (9mm Browning Long) was 'Superized as well, but was only produced in limited trial quantities. The Modelo B (9mm Luger) was also modified in this year to become the Super B. The year 1948 saw the addition of the Modelos SI (.32 ACP), and S (.380 ACP, 22 ozs.). In 1950 the Modelo D (.380 ACP, smaller than a Super S) was modified, in 1958 the Modelo P (.45 ACP) and finally in 1971 the Modelo SM (.380 ACP with adjustable rear sight) was modified. Production of all Super Models continued until 1983, except for the Super C (1946 only), Super D (1950 only) and Super P (1958 only).

The Super A and Super M were produced concurrently in 9mm Largo and .38 ACP. The two differences in these models is an enlarged breech face on the Super M that will allow the semi-rimmed .38 ACP cartridge to fully chamber and the Super A weighing 2ozs. less than the Super M. These pistols have their barrels marked 9mm/38.

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For Reference here is my Modelo Super, 9MM (Largo):

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_4-2.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_7-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/Star_1-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...0/star_3-2.jpg

On the butt of the 9MM Para. it says B Super instead of what is shown in the last photo.

A note of caution about the STAR "9MM" Models. The slide on this "Modelo Super" says 9mm; the gun is chambered for 9mm Largo; although either .38 Super or 9mm Para. might fit, the gun is chambered in 9mm Largo. The first gun I posted is 9mm Para. - and what I will shoot in it.

There are "experts" (ok, internet access, and an opinion - instant internet subject matter expert) who claim that the Modelo Super, chambered for 9mm Largo can safely shoot .38 Super and 9mm Para. - that is folly and an accident waiting to blow up a gun. I firmly believe in shooting the correct caliber in a gun.

On my B Super (9mm Para) the serial number on the frame and slide is on the right side while on the Modelo Super (9mm Largo) it is on the left.

So that solves the mystery. Mine wasn't specially marked that I can remember...unless the butt as shown. Something caused me to try 38 super and found it fit. I then procured several hundred rds of 38 super and had a ball. Found the firing pin was one that wasn't a floater, it rested against the primer when the hammer was down so dry firing beat it more and it fractured. I made one from another firing pin as they were completely unavailable at the time. It sure felt solid by comparison to many others available at that time. That would have been in about 1990...