Deciding between Star BM or Firestar

[9rz45]

I need some help choosing between a 1979 Star Model BM with 4 mags and a later Star Firestar M45 with 2 mags. I own other guns in both calibers. The finish is B-/C- on both. The starvel finish on the Firestar is nicked and abused, the blue is almost entirely worn off the BM. My thinking is that parts may be more available for the BM because of the recent influx. Just wanted to see what y'all weigh in.

[carguychris]

What is the intended purpose of this pistol?

I consider this question vital to any "Should I buy ____?" thread.

[Bill DeShivs]

The BM is much lighter than the Firestar.

[JJ45]

An auto pistol is only as good as it's mags...I would get TWO BMs if possible, that way you will have the same pistol that's a spare parts source and also 9mm is cheaper to shoot.

[9rz45]

Originally Posted by carguychris

What is the intended purpose of this pistol?

I consider this question vital to any "Should I buy ____?" thread.

I have a P938 as my daily carry, a 45 1911 as my outdoors gun/open carry. I carried a shield before I bought the 938, and will be trading it for one of these two. Its going to be mostly a range use, backup, start of the star collection.

[Bill DeShivs]

Your 938 is basically a Star copy.

[turkeestalker]

I know that not everyone will agree, but my M45 Firestar is one of the best shooting compact 45s that I've ever owned, scarily accurate with this jerk on the trigger.
That said, you can't really fix the Starvel finish, but the BM can be blued.

[Bill DeShivs]

Starvel is simply electroless nickel plating. It is relatively easy to strip and re plate.

[9rz45]

My thought is to go with the BM and just keep an eye out for a better cared for firestar. That's probably what I'll do unless someone talks me out of it? I wish there were more comparison photos out there to be able to see the size difference between these Star models.

[tallball]

I've never shot a Firestar. I like my BM very, very much and thought it was an outstanding value for the small amount of money I paid.

[Ibmikey]

Both pistols are dynamite shooters, the BM lighter and sleeker the Firestar heavy, melts into the hand with a fine grip and light recoil. Heck buy them both and you will have a bigger start to your Star collection.

[9rz45]

Originally Posted by Ibmikey

Both pistols are dynamite shooters, the BM lighter and sleeker the Firestar heavy, melts into the hand with a fine grip and light recoil. Heck buy them both and you will have a bigger start to your Star collection.

I like how you think!

[Ibmikey]

9RZ45, Unfortunately I follow what I preach and have close to a hundred Star and Llama pistols

[glockman55]

I have two Fire star's M40 and M45.. Heavy guns but very nice shooters, I always hear, you can't get parts, as well built as these are that's not a concern for me..Never handled a BM, but you can find the M45 online Gunbroker for $300 or less in very nice condition. Good Luck.

[JDBerg]

IMHO, the two best “bang for the buck” Milsurps (pun partially intended) are the Star BM and the CZ 82

[HisSoldier]

I've never owned a BM but am a fan of almost anything made by Star, I love the firestar in my safe, far more accurate than I once thought. The BM seems to be a pretty common model so parts should be available for both into the future.

Based on caliber alone my choice would be the Starfire, also, I like the electroless finish. What is the intention? Carry? Car gun? I'd feel less stress carrying the BM but more confidence driving with a Starfire handy but out of sight.

[Walt Sherrill]

A BM is arguably a more practical choice than the Firestar, particularly if you plan to CARRY the weapon. I'd go for a Firestar Plus rather than either of those: same top-end as the Firestar, but with an alloy frame and a double-stack magazine. (I think I've owned three Firestar Plus models [only available in 9mm] over the years, and never had a problem with any of them. Good concealed carry weapons, too.)

[Big Shrek]

I'm more in the M45 camp...I've also spent $75 to have one cerakote'd in two colors...it's worth it
Often carry them both in Thunderwear holster (Cerkote'd & Starvel) with
three mags spare in my left back pocket in a handmade mag carrier.

S&W 3rd gen .45acp mags work in 'em if you add the Star Magwell Hole.

But the BM is also a GREAT pistol...downside is that a lot of 'em coming in have two milled marks that
were made on them to cover the Spanish PD rollstamps.

SARCO's selling the bleep outta those BM's at $180 each.

They also have Firestar Plus 9mm's for $220, and those use S&W 5900 mags, again, you must drill out the magwell hole.


At those prices...BUY 'EM BOTH!! And then get a Firestar Plus when you can afford a spare $220

[9rz45]

I'd love to see a photo of your cerakoted M45! I'm leaning towards that one, but the BM is from an older CAI import without the ugly circles.

[Big Shrek]

Tried to upload it...it is frakkin ugly tho....but since it's the EDC...meh....
was supposed to be Kelly Green with Gold Controls...I got OD Green with Gold...
sorry about the size...can't fix that.


Paid $200 for it, and $75 for the cerakote job. Still worth it.
Cerakote NOTICEABLY tightened up the action, and the groups.
It was a decent shooter before, now it's even better

Oh, note those milling chatter marks on the front of the slide??
If you wanna cerakote one, smooth those out first...pretty much every M45 has 'em. Didn't notice before...sure do now.
Lazy bleeper who did the Cerakote job didn't even bother to call me & tell me they were there,
and didn't do anything to make 'em go away (filler)...dang sure ain't using him again.
Would have been happy to pay extra for him to clean 'em up...had I known about them,
or done it myself...