I had my doubts, but I decided to take a chance. Classic Firearms had been advertising Star BM 9mm pistols for $200.00 and I was interested. These are surplus duty guns from Spain previously issued to their Guardia Civil, imported by CAI, and graded "Good". Then I saw the video offering "Fair" condition guns for $150.00 and decided to gamble. I ordered one figuring it would be a project if it was in bad shape. I didn't pay extra for hand select, I just got whatever they pulled from the crate. My pistol arrived today, so I went down to pick it up at the FFL dealer. Upon opening the factory plastic box (containing pistol, magazine, cleaning rod, and manual) I wasn't overly impressed. Speckles of surface rust covered much of the gun, but I knew to expect it on the grade I bought. Bringing it home and stripping it down made me feel much better. The internals were great and the bore bright. About an hour and a half with Hoppes#9, gun oil, patches, and fine steel wool revealed a fine pistol. All I've done is clean it so far. I may do a little more polishing with steel wool and then use some cold blue where the finish is thin. I'm very happy to get an all steel 1911 style (no grip safety, pivoting trigger, captive spring assembly, and magazine disconnect are main differences) 9mm for that price. The gun is solid, well made, has a good trigger, and 8+1 capacity in a commander sized package. I already have a couple of holster options onhand so that's a bonus. The Star was $150 plus $25 shipping. My LGS charged me $10 for the transfer. I have a grand total of $185.00 invested and think I got a heck of a deal!
Thanks! Buying surplus guns online is a roll of the dice. Classic Firearms said they were under-graded due to cosmetic issues, and I'm happy to say it's true.
No Hi-Point pistols for me! This thing is locked breach, swinging link, John Browning all the way. It has an external extractor like later Hi Powers, but any 1911 shooter will feel right at home with it. I'm hoping to shoot it tomorrow. I Have Blazer Brass FMJ and Winchester PDX1 Bonded HP ammo to try. The Star is said to feed many types of hollow points, so we'll see.
I sure hope so Aqualung. The reviews I've seen online have all reported both accuracy and reliability. Some people complain of hammer bite, and I do have meaty paws. Range time will answer all my questions.
The Star BMs are great guns. I bought one from J and G sales. My only complaint with them is the hammer bites the crap out of me, so I have to wear a glove or remember to not ride the grip so high.
I saw one online done in two tone Ceracoat that looked fabulous. My goal is a low budget "truck pistol ", and the degreaser, cold blue, and steel wool are already on my bench.
Cousin owns a Star BM 9mm pistol and it shoots and goes bang when you pull trigger. That same model in pic. This gun is shot a lot at range with no issues. Good project! Enjoy!
I got a Star Super B a few years ago. It needed a little work to get it right but it is now an excellent shooter. It functions perfectly and is surprisingly accurate.
The quality of the Star pistols is better than their price would lead one to believe.
My first Star BM is the chrome with pearl grips, came with manual, two chrome magazines and plastic box with accessories. No nasty import marks on it. The second blue one I got many years ago at J&G for under $150 out the door with factory cardboard box and manual. This was before all the police markings were milled off and new serial numbers were added. Mags can be found for $19 and the mag safety is easily removed by taking off the right hand grip panel. Very easy to shoot and manageable because of the steel frame. I had thought about buying a new 1911 9mm but these are much cheaper, dependable and accurate.
Fun pistols, enjoy!
Nice pistols! Not having the milling marks, import mark, and new serial number makes them collector grade. I love the chrome /pearl look. I'm a sucker for a "pimp gun". I'd like to find a set of pearl grips for mine. Thanks for sharing the picture.
Thanks! I did some touch up on the finish this afternoon. I plan to shoot it tomorrow morning if it doesn't rain. I'll post results if I can get out to shoot.
I'll post some pictures with a range report showing the pistol after one coat of cold blue and a little more work with 0000 steel wool. It has come a long way!
Surplus guns are almost always a great deal, and there's almost always some sort of surplus guns available, which are a much higher value than say a Jennings or Hi-Point for around the same price, if only the folks looking for a cheap defensive firearm knew to look for them.
To this day, I regret passing up an opportunity to buy an FEG PA-63 (which is essentially a clone of the Walther PP) for $150 in excellent condition.
Enjoyed a good range trip. The BM shot great. I'm glad to report that hammer bite was not an issue. The only problems encountered were one failure to feed with a Winchester PDX1 124gr +P hollow point, and a rear sight that is a little loose in its dovetail when the slide heats up. I'm very happy with my bargain 9mm!
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ruger Forum
2.8M posts
107K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to Ruger firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!