Problems with Star Firestar M-43 (9mm)

[AndyM]

Folks,

I know a few of you have experience with the Star Firestar. I am having an issue with mine and posted the following in the gunsmithing area.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53960

Since this area sees a lot more activity, I thought also ask here. The details can be found in the thread mentioned above.

Here's the summary.

On an empty gun (or after last round) my slide gets locked open, but NOT by the slide lock. It seems that the breech end of the barrel is getting wedged into one of the locking ridges in the slide. This happens before the slide lock even comes into play.

If I tilt the front end of the barrel up, the breech end moves down a hair and the slide moves forward and catches on the slide lock.

Any idea?

I bought this pistol used. I put about about 50 rounds in it myself before I encountered the strange slide lock issue. I have experienced no feed or extraction problems. Note that this slide locking issue isn't a problem so long as there are bullets still in the gun. It only happens when I fire the last round or if I rack the slide on an empty magazine.

thanks
andy

 

[CWatson]

Do this first to make sure. Go to a range then do this,put one round in the mag.Chamber the round then remove mag.Fire the round.If the slide does not lock back it means you mag follwer lip was engaging the slide stop.If it is doing this only after you fired the last round it is working correctly.If it is doing it with a round still in the mag the follower may be bent and needs to be straitened or replace said mag.

If it locks back with no mag and your thumb is not pushing the slide stop lever up you do have a mechanical problem with your gun.You said it was fine before you disasembled it right?Tack it down again and reassemble it.I have shot but don't own a Firestar(loved it though) so I do not remember if the barrel has a link hanging from it like a 1911.If it does,as you reassmble the gun make sur you are having the slide stop pass through the hole in the link hanging from barrel if equipped.If all goes well there and it still locks back minus the mag get a new recoil spring.



Hope that helps,CW

 

[November]

AndyM,

I notice you're from SE PA. Did you buy this pistol a month ot two ago at French Creek Outfitters? I saw one like you describe for sale with the "Starvel" (nickel) finish. I was going to buy it myself, but noticed that it was doing exactly what you describe...slide locking back without a mag inserted (and it wasn't the slide stop holding it back). I told the guy behind the counter who truly seemed concerned. Just curious if it's the same gun.

 

[AndyM]

Yes, I did buy it from Frech Creek Outfitters. I'm sure it's the same gun. I just bought it about a month ago.

The guy behind the counter was concerned huh? Aparently not concerned enough to remove it from sale though.

You don't remember which guy you spoke with do you? It might help when I go to return it.

I didn't notice the problem when I looked at it, but found it within 50 rounds at the range after buying it.

It doesn't happen every time when actually firing it. However, I can now replicate the problem manually almost all the time. I think I'll be going back there this weekend.

My first purchase and I got a bad one....

It's too bad too. Like most other people who've shot the Star Firestar, I really liked it. Just not in the shape it's in now though.

Thanks for your help.

andy

 

[November]

AndyM,
I'll reply in your other thread.

 

[jar]

Check the guide rod and return spring. If the spring is in backwards it can do that.

Also, the M series used entirely different parts for the 9mm, 40S&W and the 45acp and each model was optimized for the round. Parts from a 40 or 45 would also cause it to lock up.