Fire Starfire 9mm

militant · January 2, 2013, 07:49 PM

I am getting one of these friday for a deal. I can't find much info on them. Any real life experience with them anyone?

dahermit · January 2, 2013, 07:56 PM

I had one at one time (9mm Star Firestar). I also added a couple of more factory magazines for it when I had it. It was a solid little gun. A little heavy for its small size due to the all-steel, no alloy or plastic construction. It was typical of miniaturized single action auto. I really liked mine. It never caused a bit of problems. Was 100% reliable. The only problem with them is that you may not be able to find any spare parts should you need them inasmuch as Star went out of business. They were a well-made little gun. Made in Spain.

lockedcj7 · January 2, 2013, 07:57 PM

I had a .40 and it was a great gun. Heavy for its size but very well made. If the price was right, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.

hodaka · January 2, 2013, 08:01 PM

I had a Starvel .45. I gave it to a friend. I really liked it and will buy another one day. The only complaint I had was that the safety slipped off very easily.

Walt Sherrill · January 2, 2013, 08:14 PM

Fine guns, with some parts availability becoming a problem. (There are sources in Spain, where small shops make a living by supplying hard-to-find parts.)

I've had several, but the Firestar Plus remains my favorite -- it was a compact double-stack alloy-framed version of the heavier steel single-stack guns.

The steel models are heavy: the joke at the range where I shot was, "...if you run out of ammo, just drop the gun on the bad guy's foot, and you'll put him out of action."

Unlike with some Spanish-made guns, I've never heard bad things about Star quality control -- they are well made from good materials.

Here are two good links. The first is a wonderful source of general information.

http://star-firearms.com/firearms/gu...ar/index.shtml

http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdis...&s=&daysprune=

armoredman · January 2, 2013, 08:20 PM

I had two Firestars over the years, damn fine guns. I hope you enjoy yours!

militant · January 2, 2013, 08:26 PM

Mine is a double stack 13 round I believe.

Bill DeShivs · January 2, 2013, 08:34 PM

Star Starfire? .380
Star Firestar? Small framed all steel single action autos.

Walt Sherrill · January 2, 2013, 08:54 PM

In addition to .380 and 9mms, Star also made .40s, and .45s. (They had some polymer-framed guns, too. Almost picked up one of them, called a Megastar.)

Militant: if yours is double-stack, it may be a Firestar Plus. Check the first link, above, and look at the various models. CDNN had some magazines for the Firestar Plus. (There are .40 mags, but I never actually saw a Firestar Plus in .40 -- don't think they imported many to the U.S. The mags will work in the 9mm, I think.)

militant · January 2, 2013, 09:15 PM

I can't wait to shoot it.

Hogeman · January 2, 2013, 09:16 PM

I have one and use it as a second back up in my house. Really like this gun and find it to be guite accurate.

militant · January 2, 2013, 09:21 PM

Is it plus p rated?

Officer's Match · January 2, 2013, 09:59 PM

My brother has had one for years, in Starvel finish. Nice gun.

carguychris · January 2, 2013, 11:02 PM

Perhaps we should repeat Bill DeShivs' question. Is the gun a Firestar or a Starfire?

As previously mentioned, the Firestar moniker was used on two Star pistols: the all-steel single-stack Model 43 Firestar and the alloy-frame double-stack Model 243 Firestar Plus.

The Starfire name was primarily used on some versions of the Star Model DK, a subcompact alloy-frame .380 single-stack pistol that served as the template for the Colt Mustang and, by extension, the SIG P238. However, some variants of the Star Model 30- a large double-stack DA/SA 9mm- were supposedly also marked "Starfire".

I would not use .380ACP+P in a Star DK. This is over-pressure extra-hot "boutique" ammo that is loaded in excess of industry standards. A hard-to-find vintage alloy-frame pistol is exactly the type of gun in which I would NEVER use this type of ammo!

If it's a Model 30, I don't know if it's officially +P rated, but I would consider the pistol to be unofficially +P rated as it is arguably the most overbuilt and ridiculously tough all-metal 9mm pistol this side of a SIG P226 or a S&W Model 5906. The pistol is likely to wear YOU out before you wear IT out.

As for the Firestar, I'm not so sure; anyone else care to chime in?

blackamos · January 2, 2013, 11:10 PM

I had the all steal .45 Star. A small package that always shot great. The only reason I don't have it any more is my younger brother like it so we made a trade. He still has it and I get to shoot it a few times a year. I think you will love yours.

Brian48 · January 3, 2013, 12:07 AM

Really wanted one of these back in the day. Despite the weight, they were the smallest guns that fired a full power cartridge like the 9mm at the time. Was just about to get one when the Kahr K9 came out and I wounded up going for that. Of course, these heavy little guns pretty much went out of vogue when the really compact and light weight guns like the Glock 26 came out.

Still wouldn't mind getting one today.

blackamos · January 3, 2013, 01:06 AM

My old Star .45 was no pocket gun but road great on the hip. Size is great weight is high but the way it shot made up for it. A gun smaller than the Glock 36 I carry now buy weight is the same as the 30. My brother still likes the one he got from me. Not the best looking gun around but when it matters and your shooting the Star holds it's own.

Mosin44az · January 3, 2013, 01:56 AM

Had a .45 Firestar. Fun to shoot, accurate, wish they were still available, except with better metal.

The metal in mine was soft. DON'T SHOOT +P OUT OF IT or you will damage it quickly. This was certainly true for my .45. Peened the slide and frame quickly with +P. Maybe in smaller calibers it doesn't matter so much, but why risk it?

Walt Sherrill · January 3, 2013, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Perhaps we should repeat Bill DeShivs' question. Is the gun a Firestar or a Starfire?

The original caption/title that opened the discussion said Star Firestarm 9mm...

militant · January 3, 2013, 12:08 PM

^^this is your answer.

Mystro · January 3, 2013, 12:09 PM

I have had a Firestar 9mm for a long long time. I keep it around because it is very accurate, heavy, and designed for 1911 fans. Its heavy to carry for its size and doesnt hold a lot of rounds but it is very accurate. Its my car gun.

Dashunde · January 3, 2013, 12:28 PM

Quote:

^^this is your answer.

Ah.. is this the gun your talking about?
If so, mine developed a crack in the frame running only range/fmj ammo... Its safe to say I'm no fan of that heavy little pile.

Skans · January 3, 2013, 01:00 PM

I have a Star Megastar 45 with Starvel finish. It is a double-stack .45ACP, but essentially just a bigger version of the Firestar.

It is a heavy, robust, over-engineered pistol. I doubt that it would ever suffer a catastrophic failure. The Starvel finish is a very durable hard chrome.

I've heard the guns are made from forgings, but I've never been able to verify this - they look like they are cast to me, since I can see casting marks. In any event, the gun is rock solid, but finishing is not the finest. My Megastar is accurate and reliable. It is also a bit too big for my hands. It weighs about 1.5 times more than it should, and isn't that much smaller than my Desert Eagle 44 magnum.

militant · January 3, 2013, 01:58 PM

Mine is the Starfire Plus. I have read around more on the gun now and parts rarity and your claim of a cracked frame seem to be the only negatives. I still look forward to getting mine.

Walt Sherrill · January 3, 2013, 02:02 PM

Re part shortages: all I've heard about are no more extractors for the .40 single stacks Starfires. They're pretty durable weapons, and I've never heard of a frame problem.

I think parts, even rare ones, can be found -- but you may have to go to Spain (via the internet) to find them.

Skans...

I think you'll find that the Starvel finish is Star's proprietary Electroless Nickel finish-- a chemically-applied plating that is a thinner, harder, more durable finish than the standard electrically-applied nickel finish, but arguably NOT as durable as hard chrome (which often has a copper or nickel base, too.) Hard chrome, I'm told, will chip more easily than electroless nickel, however.

.

January 2, 2013, 07:49 PM	#1
militant Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 519	Fire Starfire 9mm I am getting one of these friday for a deal. I can't find much info on them. Any real life experience with them anyone? __________________ A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44

January 2, 2013, 07:57 PM	#3
lockedcj7 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2007 Posts: 1,215	I had a .40 and it was a great gun. Heavy for its size but very well made. If the price was right, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat. __________________ To a much greater extent than most mechanical devices, firearms are terribly unforgiving of any overconfidence, complacency or negligence.

January 2, 2013, 08:26 PM	#7
militant Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 519	Mine is a double stack 13 round I believe. __________________ A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44

January 2, 2013, 08:34 PM	#8
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Star Starfire? .380 Star Firestar? Small framed all steel single action autos. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 2, 2013, 08:54 PM	#9
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	In addition to .380 and 9mms, Star also made .40s, and .45s. (They had some polymer-framed guns, too. Almost picked up one of them, called a Megastar.) Militant: if yours is double-stack, it may be a Firestar Plus. Check the first link, above, and look at the various models. CDNN had some magazines for the Firestar Plus. (There are .40 mags, but I never actually saw a Firestar Plus in .40 -- don't think they imported many to the U.S. The mags will work in the 9mm, I think.) Last edited by Walt Sherrill; January 2, 2013 at 09:00 PM.

January 2, 2013, 07:56 PM	#2
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	I had one at one time (9mm Star Firestar). I also added a couple of more factory magazines for it when I had it. It was a solid little gun. A little heavy for its small size due to the all-steel, no alloy or plastic construction. It was typical of miniaturized single action auto. I really liked mine. It never caused a bit of problems. Was 100% reliable. The only problem with them is that you may not be able to find any spare parts should you need them inasmuch as Star went out of business. They were a well-made little gun. Made in Spain.

January 2, 2013, 08:01 PM	#4
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	I had a Starvel .45. I gave it to a friend. I really liked it and will buy another one day. The only complaint I had was that the safety slipped off very easily.

January 2, 2013, 08:14 PM	#5
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	Fine guns, with some parts availability becoming a problem. (There are sources in Spain, where small shops make a living by supplying hard-to-find parts.) I've had several, but the Firestar Plus remains my favorite -- it was a compact double-stack alloy-framed version of the heavier steel single-stack guns. The steel models are heavy: the joke at the range where I shot was, "...if you run out of ammo, just drop the gun on the bad guy's foot, and you'll put him out of action." Unlike with some Spanish-made guns, I've never heard bad things about Star quality control -- they are well made from good materials. Here are two good links. The first is a wonderful source of general information. http://star-firearms.com/firearms/gu...ar/index.shtml http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdis...&s=&daysprune=

January 2, 2013, 08:20 PM	#6
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,297	I had two Firestars over the years, damn fine guns. I hope you enjoy yours!

January 2, 2013, 09:15 PM	#10
militant Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 519	I can't wait to shoot it. __________________ A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44

January 2, 2013, 09:16 PM	#11
Hogeman Member Join Date: December 1, 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 27	I have one and use it as a second back up in my house. Really like this gun and find it to be guite accurate.

January 2, 2013, 09:21 PM	#12
militant Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 519	Is it plus p rated? __________________ A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44

January 2, 2013, 09:59 PM	#13
Officer's Match Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2007 Location: LANCASTER,OHIO Posts: 3,944	My brother has had one for years, in Starvel finish. Nice gun. __________________ REAL EYES REALIZE REAL LIES

January 2, 2013, 11:02 PM	#14
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	Perhaps we should repeat Bill DeShivs' question. Is the gun a Firestar or a Starfire? As previously mentioned, the Firestar moniker was used on two Star pistols: the all-steel single-stack Model 43 Firestar and the alloy-frame double-stack Model 243 Firestar Plus. The Starfire name was primarily used on some versions of the Star Model DK, a subcompact alloy-frame .380 single-stack pistol that served as the template for the Colt Mustang and, by extension, the SIG P238. However, some variants of the Star Model 30- a large double-stack DA/SA 9mm- were supposedly also marked "Starfire". I would not use .380ACP+P in a Star DK. This is over-pressure extra-hot "boutique" ammo that is loaded in excess of industry standards. A hard-to-find vintage alloy-frame pistol is exactly the type of gun in which I would NEVER use this type of ammo! If it's a Model 30, I don't know if it's officially +P rated, but I would consider the pistol to be unofficially +P rated as it is arguably the most overbuilt and ridiculously tough all-metal 9mm pistol this side of a SIG P226 or a S&W Model 5906. The pistol is likely to wear YOU out before you wear IT out. As for the Firestar, I'm not so sure; anyone else care to chime in? __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

January 2, 2013, 11:10 PM	#15
blackamos Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2000 Location: Michigan Posts: 580	I had the all steal .45 Star. A small package that always shot great. The only reason I don't have it any more is my younger brother like it so we made a trade. He still has it and I get to shoot it a few times a year. I think you will love yours. __________________ Know of that you speak, Amos

January 3, 2013, 12:07 AM	#16
Brian48 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2001 Location: Boston, People's Republic of MA Posts: 1,616	Really wanted one of these back in the day. Despite the weight, they were the smallest guns that fired a full power cartridge like the 9mm at the time. Was just about to get one when the Kahr K9 came out and I wounded up going for that. Of course, these heavy little guns pretty much went out of vogue when the really compact and light weight guns like the Glock 26 came out. Still wouldn't mind getting one today. __________________ Proud to have served.

January 3, 2013, 01:06 AM	#17
blackamos Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2000 Location: Michigan Posts: 580	My old Star .45 was no pocket gun but road great on the hip. Size is great weight is high but the way it shot made up for it. A gun smaller than the Glock 36 I carry now buy weight is the same as the 30. My brother still likes the one he got from me. Not the best looking gun around but when it matters and your shooting the Star holds it's own. __________________ Know of that you speak, Amos

January 3, 2013, 01:56 AM	#18
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	Had a .45 Firestar. Fun to shoot, accurate, wish they were still available, except with better metal. The metal in mine was soft. DON'T SHOOT +P OUT OF IT or you will damage it quickly. This was certainly true for my .45. Peened the slide and frame quickly with +P. Maybe in smaller calibers it doesn't matter so much, but why risk it?

January 3, 2013, 12:08 PM	#20
militant Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 519	^^this is your answer. __________________ A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44

January 3, 2013, 12:09 PM	#21
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	I have had a Firestar 9mm for a long long time. I keep it around because it is very accurate, heavy, and designed for 1911 fans. Its heavy to carry for its size and doesnt hold a lot of rounds but it is very accurate. Its my car gun. __________________ "I'm a good guy with a gun" What do I care if I give up some freedom or rights?....The Goverment will take care of me. This kind of thinking is now in the majority and it should concern you. "Ask not what you can do for your country, but what free entitlements you can bleed from your country"

January 3, 2013, 01:00 PM	#23
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	I have a Star Megastar 45 with Starvel finish. It is a double-stack .45ACP, but essentially just a bigger version of the Firestar. It is a heavy, robust, over-engineered pistol. I doubt that it would ever suffer a catastrophic failure. The Starvel finish is a very durable hard chrome. I've heard the guns are made from forgings, but I've never been able to verify this - they look like they are cast to me, since I can see casting marks. In any event, the gun is rock solid, but finishing is not the finest. My Megastar is accurate and reliable. It is also a bit too big for my hands. It weighs about 1.5 times more than it should, and isn't that much smaller than my Desert Eagle 44 magnum.

January 3, 2013, 01:58 PM	#24
militant Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 519	Mine is the Starfire Plus. I have read around more on the gun now and parts rarity and your claim of a cracked frame seem to be the only negatives. I still look forward to getting mine. __________________ A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44

January 3, 2013, 02:02 PM	#25
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	Re part shortages: all I've heard about are no more extractors for the .40 single stacks Starfires. They're pretty durable weapons, and I've never heard of a frame problem. I think parts, even rare ones, can be found -- but you may have to go to Spain (via the internet) to find them. Skans... I think you'll find that the Starvel finish is Star's proprietary Electroless Nickel finish-- a chemically-applied plating that is a thinner, harder, more durable finish than the standard electrically-applied nickel finish, but arguably NOT as durable as hard chrome (which often has a copper or nickel base, too.) Hard chrome, I'm told, will chip more easily than electroless nickel, however. . Last edited by Walt Sherrill; January 3, 2013 at 02:45 PM.