Deciding between Star BM or Firestar

9rz45 · April 17, 2018, 11:17 AM

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 · April 17, 2018, 11:30 AM

What is the intended purpose of this pistol?

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

Bill DeShivs · April 17, 2018, 11:59 AM

The BM is much lighter than the Firestar.

JJ45 · April 17, 2018, 01:00 PM

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 · April 17, 2018, 02:42 PM

Quote:

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 · April 17, 2018, 03:16 PM

Your 938 is basically a Star copy.

turkeestalker · April 17, 2018, 04:08 PM

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 · April 17, 2018, 07:04 PM

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

9rz45 · April 17, 2018, 08:30 PM

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 · April 17, 2018, 11:32 PM

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 · April 18, 2018, 12:09 AM

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 · April 18, 2018, 01:39 AM

Quote:

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 · April 18, 2018, 10:52 PM

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

glockman55 · April 19, 2018, 05:42 AM

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.

April 17, 2018, 11:17 AM	#1
9rz45 Junior Member Join Date: April 17, 2018 Posts: 4	Deciding between Star BM or Firestar 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.

April 17, 2018, 11:30 AM	#2
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,508	What is the intended purpose of this pistol? I consider this question vital to any "Should I buy ____?" thread. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

April 17, 2018, 11:59 AM	#3
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 9,360	The BM is much lighter than the Firestar. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

April 17, 2018, 03:16 PM	#6
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 9,360	Your 938 is basically a Star copy. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

April 17, 2018, 04:08 PM	#7
turkeestalker Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2015 Location: Cottleville, Missouri Posts: 1,006	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. __________________ Vegetarian... primitive word for lousy hunter!

April 17, 2018, 01:00 PM	#4
JJ45 Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2015 Posts: 409	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.

April 17, 2018, 07:04 PM	#8
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 9,360	Starvel is simply electroless nickel plating. It is relatively easy to strip and re plate. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

April 17, 2018, 08:30 PM	#9
9rz45 Junior Member Join Date: April 17, 2018 Posts: 4	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.

April 17, 2018, 11:32 PM	#10
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,020	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.

April 18, 2018, 12:09 AM	#11
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: North Eastern Washington State Posts: 2,591	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.

April 18, 2018, 10:52 PM	#13
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: North Eastern Washington State Posts: 2,591	9RZ45, Unfortunately I follow what I preach and have close to a hundred Star and Llama pistols

April 19, 2018, 05:42 AM	#14
glockman55 Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2009 Location: Mich Posts: 138	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.

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