Star Model B

The Star Model B is a single-actionsemi-automatic pistol that fires the 9 mm Parabellum pistol cartridge. It was produced by Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A. in Spain as a derivative of the Star Model A in 9x23mm Largo. It is visually similar to and inspired by the M1911 series of pistols, however it is mechanically different in several ways. The Model B was chambered in 9mm Luger and was intended for export outside of Spain, being produced for 52 years from 1931 to 1983 when replaced by the similar "Super" series.

History

In 1920, Star produced their first locked breech design, the Model 1920 (heavily inspired by the 1911). After three years of adjusting the design, they eventually produced the Model A in 9mm Largo. While the Army eventually adopted the Astra Model 400, the Guardia Civil would adopt the Model A instead.

In 1922, Star began producing the first Model B, which was essentially a first Model A in 9mm Parabellum, with a similar layout and a distinct "T" shaped extractor. A relatively small number of these were produced, most of which were intended for export. In 1931, production shifted to the second model (shown above), which is much more similar in look to the 1911A1.

During WWII, both Nazi Germany and Bulgaria purchased large numbers of Model Bs for military use. Bulgarian purchased three lots of 5000 each between late 1943 and early1944-these do not have special markings, and thus are identified by their serial numbers (Bulgarian purchases fall within a set of specific serial ranges). German Stars were intended for rearline or police units are marked with their corresponding Waffenamt stamp.

Beginning in the mid-1960s, many film armorers used Star Model Bs as stand-ins for proper M1911s, due to 9mm blanks being more reliable than .45 blanks early on. As blank ammo improved, original 1911s saw more use in film, but Stars can still be seen on screen. Notable examples of being Pulp Fiction, District 9, M*A*S*H, and the A-Team television show.

Design

Like the M1911, the Model B is a short-recoil, single-action handgun. It utilizes the same pivoting link system-the barrel is locked via lugs meeting with cuts in the slide. When the weapon is discharged, the gases produced from the cartridge cause enough force for the link to cam the barrel down and push the slide back. The claw extractor pushes the empty casing into the fixed ejector, expelling it through the ejection port. When the slide has expended all its momentum, the spring forces the slide back forward, stripping a round from the magazine into the chamber. When fully in battery, the barrel cams upwards, locking the action. On the final round, the slide will lock back, signaling the need to reload.

The Model B has several key differences in function: it lacks the grip-mounted safety present on the 1911, instead featuring a solid arched backstrap (which is non-removable and does not feature the mainspring housing like the Colt does). The Star also features a hinged trigger and an external extractor, as opposed to the Colt's straight trigger and internal extractor. There is also no slide stop plunger tube on the frame, which on the 1911 results in an opening hidden behind the grips.

Notably, the trigger group of the 1911 is more akin to the earlier Ruby pistols (of which Star was a manufacturer during WW1), and the safety works differently-the 1911 safety blocks the sear, while the Star safety instead impinges on the hammer, preventing it from falling and striking the firing pin. Many of these changes were due to simplification by Star for easier manufacture, and combined with the changes in dimension, this also means Star parts are generally not interchangeable with 1911 parts.

On Star 1911s that were refurbished by the Soviets postwar, the extractor usually has a deep reddish color due to the method of dip bluing used (the same type that results in the plum-colored finish found on refurbed Soviet or German weapons). Note that refurbished Model Bs may also be unable to properly engage the safety when the hammer is down, due to the hammers being switched around during refurbishment (Soviet refurbishment relied on the interchangeability of parts and resulted in stripped parts being switched, which causes issues due to Spanish weapons being more handfit).

The Model BS is identical to the second Model B, with the sole exception of a magazine safety. The later Model B Super carries many of the same external features and dimensions, but utilizes different mechanical features, the biggest being a linkless camming barrel similar to the Browning Hi-Power. The Model B and Model B Super generally do not share interchangeable parts or magazines.

Users

• Guatemala
• Israel: Used by police forces.
• Kingdom of Bulgaria: Purchases in three lots of 5000 throughout 1943 and 1944. Bulgarian examples fall within specific serial ranges:
  • 11/43: 225007-225775, 226101-230331
  • 12/43: 230332-230375, 231-235782
  • 3/44: 235901-240900
• Nazi Germany: Adopted as the Pistole Star Modell B (.08) and used by police and rear echelon units.
• Peru: Used by the Peruvian Air Force.
• Rhodesia
• South Africa: Both the Model B and Model B Super were used. Replaced by the Vektor Z88 in 1989.
  • South African National Defence Force.
  • South African Defence Force
• Soviet Union: Captured WWII firearms stockpiled. Many Model Bs were refinished for block service.
• Spain: Used the similar Star Model A in 9mm Largo.
  • Guardia Civil
  • Superior Police Corps
  • Spanish Army
• West Germany: Leftover German stocks from WWII used by the Landespolizei. Replaced by the Walther P1 in 1963.

Gallery

• Star Model 1922 in 9mm Largo

  Star Model 1922 in 9mm Largo

• Star Model A "Super", the Model B Super looks very similar

  Star Model A "Super", the Model B Super looks very similar