Star Firestar M43

pcoutu17 · March 3, 2016, 09:56 PM

I don't even know how I first found these guns, but as soon as I started researching them, I wanted one. From what I've seen, they tend to be accurate and reliable, barring early models with firing pin issues, and have great ergonomics. Apparently they were the handgun of the year for Guns and Ammo magazine in 1991 (according to wiki).

Anyhow, I just found this (see attached pics) gem, and I could only hold out on buying it for about a day

. It appears to be NOS and in fantastic shape. I can't wait for this to arrive at the LGS for pickup!

Any of you other folks had any experiences with these?

turkeestalker · March 3, 2016, 10:36 PM

Congratulations! I doubt you'll be disappointed, in fact I bet you'll love it. A bit heavy, but solid and typically known for exceptional accuracy.

My first semi-auto pistol purchase was a Firestar M40 back around '92 I think. That particular pistol I purchased new through my father's FFL that he held at the time. I loved it, but unfortunately couldn't achieve very good consistency with it. Eventually I learned that particular pistol had a problem beyond just me being the 'jerk' on the trigger and had it replaced, it's replacement proving very accurate. Ultimately the extractor failed on the replacement which they were known to do with the M40, but I was fortunate enough to secure a replacement and an extra for possible future issues.

Since those, I've obtained a half dozen of Star's later model offerings and have not experienced any further issues with countless rounds through most of them. Well that is except for an Ultrastar in .40 that I purchased last year that came with some serious cosmetic problems that I'm in the process of correcting, but it has functioned flawlessly.

Despite the few problems I've had, Star built some outstanding pistols through the many years that they were in business, and I am very fond of their pistols that I own. I won't hesitate to acquire more as the deals come along and tend to seek them out.

I wish that they were still in business as I'd love to see what they would be putting out now.

P.S> I would suggest that you stay away from the +P gimmick ammo, and use snap caps if you intend to dry fire it.

pcoutu17 · March 3, 2016, 11:23 PM

Awesome information! I'm glad to hear that you've had mostly good experiences with your Stars and I hope to have the same with mine. I'm really interested in finding an excellent Super B now as well.

While I can't comment on personal experience with Star yet, everything I've seen points to solidly built firearms with designs that I love. I'd be interested to see what they'd put out now as well.

I'll certainly stick to standard ammo and avoid any dry firing. Thank you for the advice! It'll most likely be mostly a safe queen/interest piece, but I'll definitely take her out now and then.

Mosin44az · March 3, 2016, 11:41 PM

I had an M45, and found it fun to shoot and easy to shoot accurately.

I found it somewhat compromised by very soft metal, which led to the harder barrel peening the softer frame when I foolishly ran +P .45s through it. So I second the advice not to use +P or NATO ammo. You may have less of this issue in 9mm, but I would still stick with standard pressure, and maybe 115 grains.

Mine also broke its firing pin safety and had its slide release start slipping, again I think because of weak metallurgy, supposedly typical of Spanish guns.

Have fun, but I would rely on your other guns for defense. You might want to see who has parts or provides service, if anyone, just in case. It's been awhile since Star has existed, let alone imported to the US.

pcoutu17 · March 4, 2016, 12:02 AM

It seems to me that the .40 and .45 versions of their guns had more issues than the 9mm. Not to say that some of the problems aren't inherent of the design/manufacture, but they seem to manifest in the higher calibers.

A fun, interesting shooter is really all this will probably be, so I'll stick to cheap, light ammo to help with longevity.

I'll definitely be devoting some time to locating extra parts and services!

tallball · March 4, 2016, 01:25 AM

Very nice! Good luck on the Super B. I love mine!

peggysue · March 4, 2016, 05:46 AM

Got my starval finish M455 45acp in 1992. They are heavy to now day standards however great guns. I got the M43 9mm in 2008 because a good friend said I needed to to go along with my other Star and the it was only $250. Never had any problems with the 45 what so ever. I have the optional extended magazine in them.

gyvel · March 4, 2016, 05:50 AM

I loved my Firestar 9mm EXCEPT:

I never could get the "catch" smoothed out in the firing pin block mechanism. It ruined what was otherwise a very smooth and very crisp excellent trigger pull. No matter how much I polished the parts, the "catch" never went away.

I eventually sold the gun after a couple years.

turkeestalker · March 4, 2016, 06:07 AM

Your friend was right peggysue, but left out the part where you need the M40 with the Starvel finish to complete the set!!

I had a bit of a 'catch' in the safety of the second M40 I got as well gyvel.
If you would put a little pressure further back on the hammer from it's full cock position, it operated smoothly. With the hammer resting at full cock it would take considerable effort to apply the safety, yet would come off safe easily.
It has been so long ago that I don't really remember exactly how I corrected it, but I know that I did a little more than just polishing to get past it.
Probably shouldn't have attempted it but I got dumb lucky in the end, though being older now I'd probably enlist a qualified smith to do it for me if I were to do it again.

Ibmikey · March 4, 2016, 07:12 AM

Congrats you picked a pistol that is known for reliability and accuracy, however, they are heavy as hell to pack around all day. I carried my 43 as a plain clothes weapon for a short time but the weight and no butt caused my pants to require constant hoisting into position. A better belt would have helped but i went back to my Commander LW. My pistol has shot well and without malfunctioniing for many years.

Skans · March 4, 2016, 10:47 AM

I have a Megastar 45. Accurate. Durable. It's almost the size of my Desert Eagle 44! Cool looking gun; but definitely not my EDC.

mcb66 · March 4, 2016, 12:44 PM

I have a Firestar Plus in 9mm. Great mid sized weapon. I use it for CCW a good bit. It is a brick; but a fun high quality brick nevertheless. You will start looking for litter mates now. I think between me and my Dad we have 3 or 4 Stars now.

lee n. field · March 4, 2016, 02:42 PM

Quote:

I have a Firestar Plus in 9mm.

Different gun.

I have a M-43. Looks pretty much just like the ones pictured.

All steel, 2 pounds empty. And it's got a magazine disconnect. (<scowl>).

mcb66 · March 4, 2016, 03:27 PM

Yeah, the Plus is called the M243 it has a double stack mag and an alloy frame. Controls and function are basically the same though. I think pretty much any of the Stars are underrated. For the right price it's hard to go wrong with one.

pcoutu17 · March 4, 2016, 03:41 PM

Wow, I knew these used to be relatively popular, but that was pushing 20 years ago. I'm pretty shocked to see how many folks still have one, or have had experiences with them. I'm assuming part of it may also be that the influx of the Model Super B from surplus sources has enhanced the search for Star firearms a bit.

Seriously though, why don't many manufacturers still make all steel, or at least alloy, truly compact firearms anymore? I know that carrying around a block of steel or metal isn't always the most comfortable or practical thing, but there are plenty of people out there, myself included, who prefer the heft and feel of metal when it comes to a gun. I have nothing against polymer, at least as far as it being a proven material, but there's just something that pushes me towards the more robust feeling guns out there.

Some of the only ones I can really think of would be the CZ 2075 RAMI and a couple of the SIG P-series. I'm sure there are a few more out there, but not anywhere near the diversity of options as there are for polymer

lee n. field · March 4, 2016, 04:58 PM

Quote:

why don't many manufacturers still make all steel, or at least alloy, truly compact firearms anymore?

The Sig 938 fits exactly the same niche now, that the Firestar did in its day.

turkeestalker · March 4, 2016, 05:47 PM

Star built a decent quality firearms at a reasonable price and have some very devoted fans and followers, myself being one.
Just an FYI, the slide's will interchange from the M43 and M243. Not saying that I would try firing it that way, but for curiosities sake I tried it and they do interchange. I was curious having read of an elusive Firestar Plus in .40, and tried it with both the M40 and M43 slides on the M243 frame if memory serves.
The M243 is a pretty cool pistol with the factory 13 round double stack magazines on a frame not that much larger through the grip than the M43. With the alloy frame I don't trust shooting mine that much though since they're not making any more. That is my youngest son's favorite pistol on range day and he's pretty proficient with it.

Quote:

Seriously though, why don't many manufacturers still make all steel, or at least alloy, truly compact firearms anymore?

Many manufacturers still do, but you are correct that there are seemingly many more that are made of plastic. A lot of reasons get pointed to like weight considerations and such, but I tend to think that the biggest consideration is cost in manufacturing and profit margin in the end. It's just the world we live in.

I'm envious Skans, I've yet to obtain the Megastars in 45 or 10mm and they're both on my list.

Walt Sherrill · March 4, 2016, 08:05 PM

I've had several M243 -- the firestar Plus -- great little guns. Double stack with alloy frames, and a bit more compact.

I'd pick up another, if I happened across one. Parts may be a problem, but they don't generally need any. The mags must not be made of unobtainium -- you simple don't see them, anymore. The trigger on any of these guns can be easily tuned.

When had a M43, the joke at the range where I shot was that IF I missed the bad guy, all I had to do was drop the gun on his foot, and he'd be out of action. It was a heavy gun.

Auto5 · March 4, 2016, 11:20 PM

Great gun, reliable, comfortable to shoot (because of its weight). I finally gave mine up when I started to carry on a daily basis, (because of its weight). The only issue that I recall was a run of brittle firing pins that didn't effect the serial number range of my gun. It's a good thing they're sturdy, because parts are nearly impossible to find anymore.

Hal · March 5, 2016, 07:48 AM

I have one I bought years ago.

Very good trigger that improves a lot when used.
Very accurate.

Way too many tool marks and indications of cutting corners to get to a price point though.
Mine has a bent piece of metal that's supposed to be the front sight.

That's the way it came when NIB.

Magazines are insanely overpriced for the M43.

One real positive thing I can say though is - - - they don't get much better looking than the M43.
One great looking little gun...

Big Shrek · March 5, 2016, 11:08 AM

I've got 3 of the "number" Stars now...
M43
M45
M205 (.40S&W)

need an M40, and the M205 9mm version next

Here's some helpful info that I only recently found out...
the M40 & M43 mags interchange, you can put 9mm in the .40 mags
and they'll still load & fire, even rapid-fire.
Did it just for giggles, was shocked when it actually worked!!
Then ran across an article from the 90's that said Star did that on purpose.
Also holds true for the M205's.

S&W CS45 mags fit the M45, BUT you have to add the mag catch holes.
I'd bet that the same holds true for the CS40/M40 & CS9,/M43
but I don't own the CS9 or CS40 yet...
S&W mags are SO much easier to find

This also means that you can add holes to other 45xx mags to use as well...
so I went from having one mag to 7 mags after a wee bit of milling

This is particularly helpful as BOTH are my EDC, due to the ability to switch mags!!
Thunderwear & SmartCarry double pistol holsters,
with extra mags in IWB mag holders resolve any low-ammo issues

I've got REALLY big hands...long fingers, so the M43 was difficult to hold,
so added a Hogue slip-on with the little finger grooves,
which made it MUCH easier to get a good solid grip on for me

forget which Hogue model it was, so go to a shop that doesn't mind you
trying a few out for proper fit

lee n. field · March 5, 2016, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Here's some helpful info that I only recently found out...
the M40 & M43 mags interchange, you can put 9mm in the .40 mags
and they'll still load & fire, even rapid-fire.

Yes they do. One of the magazines that came with mine was for a .40.

Quote:

Magazines are insanely overpriced for the M43.

Yep, that they are, if you're used to buying 1911 or Glock magazines. A sort of local place (40 miles away in another city) had a box of assorted Star magazines. $45 each for the M43.

Quote:

Mine has a bent piece of metal that's supposed to be the front sight.

Interesting. Mine just looks like a sight.

Did they make Firestars right up to the end, when the company went bust?

Big Shrek · March 5, 2016, 11:46 AM

Oh, the reason S&W mags fit so dang well in Stars...
back in the old days, Star made the M28, which became the M30/31,
specifically to fit the 5900 series mags, as their double-stack mags didn't work!!
Star was having issues figuring it out, and decided it would be easier to subvert
a popular pistol mag instead of figuring out what was wrong with their double-stack design

This is why, when I got a S&W CS45, (w/ 3 extra mags)
decided to try out the mags in the Star M45...
and was rather shocked when it fit perfectly, but would not lock...
so I looped my pinky underneath and test-fired...with great results

Afterwards, brought it home and got to work milling the holes for the mag catch!

As I said above, its my hope that the .40 & 9mm S&W mags will also fit,
but haven't gotten either yet...altho I found a likely .40 candidate yesterday...

turkeestalker · March 5, 2016, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Mine has a bent piece of metal that's supposed to be the front sight.

Are you sure that you're not confusing an M43 Firestar with another pistol that Star produced or one produced by another manufacturer? I ask because I have a few extra parts for my Firestars, including one front sight, here is a photo of it.

Mind you the photo is kind of crappy with using my phone, but I'm not sure how it could be mistaken for a bent piece of metal or even made to look like one.
I've also not noticed any excess of tool marks over what are commonly found on most other brands, or any indicators of Star attempting to cut corners to keep costs down on any of their pistols that I own, ever.
Are you sure that you're not thinking of another pistol or manufacturer?

Hal · March 6, 2016, 07:31 AM

Nope - it's the Firestar. I'm 99% sure.
I'm too lazy to dig through the safe and get it out for a picture.

While it's crude as all get out, it doesn't seem to affect the shootability of the gun any.

March 3, 2016, 10:36 PM	#2
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,115	Congratulations! I doubt you'll be disappointed, in fact I bet you'll love it. A bit heavy, but solid and typically known for exceptional accuracy. My first semi-auto pistol purchase was a Firestar M40 back around '92 I think. That particular pistol I purchased new through my father's FFL that he held at the time. I loved it, but unfortunately couldn't achieve very good consistency with it. Eventually I learned that particular pistol had a problem beyond just me being the 'jerk' on the trigger and had it replaced, it's replacement proving very accurate. Ultimately the extractor failed on the replacement which they were known to do with the M40, but I was fortunate enough to secure a replacement and an extra for possible future issues. Since those, I've obtained a half dozen of Star's later model offerings and have not experienced any further issues with countless rounds through most of them. Well that is except for an Ultrastar in .40 that I purchased last year that came with some serious cosmetic problems that I'm in the process of correcting, but it has functioned flawlessly. Despite the few problems I've had, Star built some outstanding pistols through the many years that they were in business, and I am very fond of their pistols that I own. I won't hesitate to acquire more as the deals come along and tend to seek them out. I wish that they were still in business as I'd love to see what they would be putting out now. P.S> I would suggest that you stay away from the +P gimmick ammo, and use snap caps if you intend to dry fire it. __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!

March 4, 2016, 01:25 AM	#6
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	Very nice! Good luck on the Super B. I love mine! Last edited by tallball; March 4, 2016 at 07:39 AM.

March 4, 2016, 05:50 AM	#8
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	I loved my Firestar 9mm EXCEPT: I never could get the "catch" smoothed out in the firing pin block mechanism. It ruined what was otherwise a very smooth and very crisp excellent trigger pull. No matter how much I polished the parts, the "catch" never went away. I eventually sold the gun after a couple years. __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

March 4, 2016, 06:07 AM	#9
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,115	Your friend was right peggysue, but left out the part where you need the M40 with the Starvel finish to complete the set!! I had a bit of a 'catch' in the safety of the second M40 I got as well gyvel. If you would put a little pressure further back on the hammer from it's full cock position, it operated smoothly. With the hammer resting at full cock it would take considerable effort to apply the safety, yet would come off safe easily. It has been so long ago that I don't really remember exactly how I corrected it, but I know that I did a little more than just polishing to get past it. Probably shouldn't have attempted it but I got dumb lucky in the end, though being older now I'd probably enlist a qualified smith to do it for me if I were to do it again. __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!

March 4, 2016, 11:20 PM	#19
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	Great gun, reliable, comfortable to shoot (because of its weight). I finally gave mine up when I started to carry on a daily basis, (because of its weight). The only issue that I recall was a run of brittle firing pins that didn't effect the serial number range of my gun. It's a good thing they're sturdy, because parts are nearly impossible to find anymore. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

March 3, 2016, 11:23 PM	#3
pcoutu17 Member Join Date: December 21, 2015 Posts: 43	Awesome information! I'm glad to hear that you've had mostly good experiences with your Stars and I hope to have the same with mine. I'm really interested in finding an excellent Super B now as well. While I can't comment on personal experience with Star yet, everything I've seen points to solidly built firearms with designs that I love. I'd be interested to see what they'd put out now as well. I'll certainly stick to standard ammo and avoid any dry firing. Thank you for the advice! It'll most likely be mostly a safe queen/interest piece, but I'll definitely take her out now and then.

March 3, 2016, 11:41 PM	#4
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	I had an M45, and found it fun to shoot and easy to shoot accurately. I found it somewhat compromised by very soft metal, which led to the harder barrel peening the softer frame when I foolishly ran +P .45s through it. So I second the advice not to use +P or NATO ammo. You may have less of this issue in 9mm, but I would still stick with standard pressure, and maybe 115 grains. Mine also broke its firing pin safety and had its slide release start slipping, again I think because of weak metallurgy, supposedly typical of Spanish guns. Have fun, but I would rely on your other guns for defense. You might want to see who has parts or provides service, if anyone, just in case. It's been awhile since Star has existed, let alone imported to the US.

March 4, 2016, 12:02 AM	#5
pcoutu17 Member Join Date: December 21, 2015 Posts: 43	It seems to me that the .40 and .45 versions of their guns had more issues than the 9mm. Not to say that some of the problems aren't inherent of the design/manufacture, but they seem to manifest in the higher calibers. A fun, interesting shooter is really all this will probably be, so I'll stick to cheap, light ammo to help with longevity. I'll definitely be devoting some time to locating extra parts and services!

March 4, 2016, 07:12 AM	#10
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	Congrats you picked a pistol that is known for reliability and accuracy, however, they are heavy as hell to pack around all day. I carried my 43 as a plain clothes weapon for a short time but the weight and no butt caused my pants to require constant hoisting into position. A better belt would have helped but i went back to my Commander LW. My pistol has shot well and without malfunctioniing for many years.

March 4, 2016, 10:47 AM	#11
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	I have a Megastar 45. Accurate. Durable. It's almost the size of my Desert Eagle 44! Cool looking gun; but definitely not my EDC.

March 4, 2016, 12:44 PM	#12
mcb66 Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2013 Posts: 117	I have a Firestar Plus in 9mm. Great mid sized weapon. I use it for CCW a good bit. It is a brick; but a fun high quality brick nevertheless. You will start looking for litter mates now. I think between me and my Dad we have 3 or 4 Stars now.

March 4, 2016, 03:27 PM	#14
mcb66 Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2013 Posts: 117	Yeah, the Plus is called the M243 it has a double stack mag and an alloy frame. Controls and function are basically the same though. I think pretty much any of the Stars are underrated. For the right price it's hard to go wrong with one.

March 4, 2016, 03:41 PM	#15
pcoutu17 Member Join Date: December 21, 2015 Posts: 43	Wow, I knew these used to be relatively popular, but that was pushing 20 years ago. I'm pretty shocked to see how many folks still have one, or have had experiences with them. I'm assuming part of it may also be that the influx of the Model Super B from surplus sources has enhanced the search for Star firearms a bit. Seriously though, why don't many manufacturers still make all steel, or at least alloy, truly compact firearms anymore? I know that carrying around a block of steel or metal isn't always the most comfortable or practical thing, but there are plenty of people out there, myself included, who prefer the heft and feel of metal when it comes to a gun. I have nothing against polymer, at least as far as it being a proven material, but there's just something that pushes me towards the more robust feeling guns out there. Some of the only ones I can really think of would be the CZ 2075 RAMI and a couple of the SIG P-series. I'm sure there are a few more out there, but not anywhere near the diversity of options as there are for polymer

March 4, 2016, 08:05 PM	#18
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	I've had several M243 -- the firestar Plus -- great little guns. Double stack with alloy frames, and a bit more compact. I'd pick up another, if I happened across one. Parts may be a problem, but they don't generally need any. The mags must not be made of unobtainium -- you simple don't see them, anymore. The trigger on any of these guns can be easily tuned. When had a M43, the joke at the range where I shot was that IF I missed the bad guy, all I had to do was drop the gun on his foot, and he'd be out of action. It was a heavy gun.

March 5, 2016, 07:48 AM	#20
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,563	I have one I bought years ago. Very good trigger that improves a lot when used. Very accurate. Way too many tool marks and indications of cutting corners to get to a price point though. Mine has a bent piece of metal that's supposed to be the front sight. That's the way it came when NIB. Magazines are insanely overpriced for the M43. One real positive thing I can say though is - - - they don't get much better looking than the M43. One great looking little gun...

March 5, 2016, 11:08 AM	#21
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	I've got 3 of the "number" Stars now... M43 M45 M205 (.40S&W) need an M40, and the M205 9mm version next Here's some helpful info that I only recently found out... the M40 & M43 mags interchange, you can put 9mm in the .40 mags and they'll still load & fire, even rapid-fire. Did it just for giggles, was shocked when it actually worked!! Then ran across an article from the 90's that said Star did that on purpose. Also holds true for the M205's. S&W CS45 mags fit the M45, BUT *you have to add the mag catch holes.* I'd bet that the same holds true for the CS40/M40 & CS9,/M43 but I don't own the CS9 or CS40 yet... S&W mags are SO much easier to find This also means that you can add holes to other 45xx mags to use as well... so I went from having one mag to 7 mags after a wee bit of milling This is particularly helpful as BOTH are my EDC, due to the ability to switch mags!! Thunderwear & SmartCarry double pistol holsters, with extra mags in IWB mag holders resolve any low-ammo issues I've got REALLY big hands...long fingers, so the M43 was difficult to hold, so added a Hogue slip-on with the little finger grooves, which made it MUCH easier to get a good solid grip on for me forget which Hogue model it was, so go to a shop that doesn't mind you trying a few out for proper fit __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool. Last edited by Big Shrek; March 5, 2016 at 11:14 AM.

March 5, 2016, 11:46 AM	#23
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	Oh, the reason S&W mags fit so dang well in Stars... back in the old days, Star made the M28, which became the M30/31, specifically to fit the 5900 series mags, as their double-stack mags didn't work!! Star was having issues figuring it out, and decided it would be easier to subvert a popular pistol mag instead of figuring out what was wrong with their double-stack design This is why, when I got a S&W CS45, (w/ 3 extra mags) decided to try out the mags in the Star M45... and was rather shocked when it fit perfectly, but would not lock... so I looped my pinky underneath and test-fired...with great results Afterwards, brought it home and got to work milling the holes for the mag catch! As I said above, its my hope that the .40 & 9mm S&W mags will also fit, but haven't gotten either yet...altho I found a likely .40 candidate yesterday... __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool.

March 6, 2016, 07:31 AM	#25
Hal Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1998 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 8,563	Nope - it's the Firestar. I'm 99% sure. I'm too lazy to dig through the safe and get it out for a picture. While it's crude as all get out, it doesn't seem to affect the shootability of the gun any.