Difference between Star B and Star "Super" B in 9x19mm?

[leadcounsel]

J&G has two pistols around the same price point. I'm wondering what if any material difference is, quality, usability, etc. there may be between these two guns, and which is a better value. One is a C&R, and the other requires going through an FFL (fees + "taxes" of about 10% out here).

Star B in good to very good condition @ $300 (add $20 shipping) for $320 total.
Star "Super" B in good to very good condition at $250 (add $20 shipping, $20 FFL fee, plus about $30 in use tax), for about $320 total.

This would be a range toy, curio/collector piece that sees occasional use, not for serious duty. I already own a couple Star BM compacts, which I generally like. Are either of these a good deal given that new high quality guns are 50% more expensive?

Which would be a better deal?

 

[Onmilo]

Bs were chambered in either 9mm Largo or 9mm Parabellum.
Super Bs were all chambered in 9mm Parabellum and came with a quick takedown lever.Functional reliability and quality of materials and assembly were on par with each other.

 

[Monac]

To me, the Star Super B is a more interesting pistol than the non-Super B because of the unusual take-down system and the way it is integrated with the magazine safety. I have one but I have not shot it yet. It handles very well, but the trigger doesn't seem to be anything to rave about. I imagine that varies from gun to gun.

Per a different thread here, mine has no very distinctive markings on it. I could not say what entity used to own it. Mine may have been refinished, but not to the extent where it would have lost any stamped marks.

 

[Furncliff]

I bought a Star B 9mm parabellum here in the classifieds about 8-9 years ago for $300. The B model would be totally familiar to you since the B and BM are so much alike, I believe except for the length they are identical.

I have tried to like the Star, but it's not very reliable and the trigger is poor. I shoot it occasionally and it's quite accurate. The price seems to be about right, mine has a very nice finish but I'm sure I paid too much back then. If you are happy with the BM's you own, I'd say you wouldn't be missing much in passing up the model B.

 

[bannockburn]

leadconsul

Had a Star B many years ago. Great range gun, very reliable and more than acceptable accuracy. Only drawback was that the sights were a bit on the small side and no replacement high visibility sights were available. Used it also to introduce new shooters to shooting a centerfire pistol after starting them out with a .22.

 

[Mayvik]

Bs are WWII vintage surplus, Supers are not. I have one of the J&G Bs because I have an 03...and no Super because they are not eligible. Be aware that the rear sights on this batch of Bs seem to generally be jacked..smushed, dinged, gouged etc. So expect you may want to do some filing or replace the sight.

 

[Mayvik]

Also you have a chance of wood stocks (boon or curse depending on condition..) with a B but I think the super is all plastic.

 

[tark]

I have a Super in 9mm largo which eats the weak loaded factory supers like candy. If you get either pistol, GET NEW SPRINGS!! Chances the old ones are worn out. At the very least get a new recoil spring. My Largo has an extra strength spring from Wolff, and the Supers just dribble out of the gun, landing about three feet away.

If you go for the Super, make sure the numbers on the right side of the slide and frame match. These are NOT the serial number, they are assembly numbers and they should match. The actual serial number is stamped on the bottom of the mainspring housing. Of course, on the Stars, this is part of the frame and not detachable.

Stars are among the very best of the Spanish pistols. The quality and workmanship is first rate. The quick takedown feature was very innovative, just control the spring with your hand as you ease the slide off the gun. Sometimes it wants to take off on its own.

Good shooting

 

[leadcounsel]

Found a Star B locally for $210 with the FFL transfer. Really cool.

Check the thread here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9909024#post9909024

 

[Confederate]

I love the STAR pistols. I preferred the Star BM (all steel) version and they were far more reliable than out-of-the-box Colt .45s. Some people had to polish the ramps a bit to get them to shoot hollow-point ammo, but the ones I used fed and ejected without incident. Buying one now, though, I'd be concerned about parts. If you can still get them, I wouldn't hesitate either one.

 

[joem1945]

Like the Super B. I have 2.