New, err, old steel... [Star 30m 9mm]

[MattTheHat]

Swapped for a nice Star 30M this AM. Very nice shape, but it's obviously been carried and used. I had a Star SA Super .380ACP a few years ago and was impressed with it, but this pistol appears to be a bit more rugged yet. Very nice design.

The slide is nicely fitted with just a smidge of slop. Got a feeling the pistol will be a very nice shooter based on the design and fit of the important parts.

Left my camera at home this morning, so I'll post a couple of pics when I get home, for those who might care.

Any gems of knowledge I should know about?


-Matt

 

[Storm]

I have one and love it. Very accurate and reliable. It's heavy, but as it isn't a CCW I really don't care. I got a great deal on it as it had sat in the shop for a good long time. No one really knew much about it, and, mags can be an issue being fairly hard to find. The good news is that ProMags can be made to work with a very simple fix. As they are, out of the box, they have a super tight fit. It's not just that they don't drop free, they are almost stuck once inserted. The problem with the Promag is that there is a dimple on the top side of the mag (same as with the factory mags) that deactivates the magazine safety. That simple sticks out just a hair too far. All you need to do is take a punch and tap it in just a bit. Tap a little, then check, and tap again if necessary, until the mag will drop. After I did that the mags have worked flawlessly. Kinda makes me wonder whether ProMag ever inserted one of the mags in an actual 30M. Such a simple fix.

With that fully enclosed rail the gun has excellent potential for accuracy. Even the looks of the gun have grown on me. When a pistol performs like the 30M looks don't mean doodly-squat.

Enjoy your pistol, you have done well.

 

[armoredman]

Good solid guns, used by as few militaries. passed on one about 25 years ago - wish I hadn't.

 

[MattTheHat]

Yep, I thought the same about the full length rail. If at all possible, I'll be removing the mag disconnector. Hate those things.

Good info on the mags, thanks for that. I can certainly dress down that little nubby.

As far as the looks go, that's actually what first grabbed my attention. I don't care much for a slide-mounted safety lever, much less an ambi version, but the lever is so thin it's just not an issue.

Have you seen anyone offering some decent grips for it? The rubber ones are actually pretty nice, but some nice checkered rosewood would be even better.


-Matt

 

[rattletrap1970]

I bought one of those at a pawn show many years ago for $230. It is a tank. Unkillable. Comfortable to shoot and quite accurate.

 

[potmetal]

They're fine old guns. I got one with lots of blue wear a few years ago for $199. It was ugly, but shot like a new gun. I foolishly traded it off:banghead:
When I had mine, I couldn't find any other grips for it.

 

[candr44]

The 30M is one of the best pistols Star made. Some have gone 100,000 rounds without a failure.

I have a 30M and like it a lot. I also have its successor the 31P in 40 caliber and the 31PK alloy frame in 9mm. I also like the modular design and no screws in the pistol. It was designed to be repaired in the field and can be taken apart using the slide stop and firing pin as tools.

If you buy a Pro Mag magazine you might have to sand the sides of the follower. Mine would insert with a stripped mag body but would seize up with the follower in place. Sanding the follower a little narrower fixed it.