Star .380 Model S Super??

[Redcoat3340]

In my search for a locked breech .380 I came across the Star Model S, both in "regular" and "Super."

Wondering if anyone has any experience with these guns? And what prices might be. (and yes, I've looked at gunbroker....but sometimes the sellers get a bit out of hand so I always like to check in a few places I trust.)

I've had six Stars over the years and never had a problem with them. (When I started focusing on Sigs they were gradually sold off.)

If I do get another .380 it's down between a Walther PK380 and a Star. I don't need it for carry so micro-mini guns are off the list....and I want a locked breech so Beretta, Bursa, etc. are out as well. I'm picking up my Sig 230 tomorrow to go with a .380 Sig 250, but I want another as long as I'm buying ammo for the Sigs.

(I'm sorta aware of the mixed reviews, even on the Walther Board, the PK380 gets....and I know buying a Star means replacement parts are a challenge. Common sense says to buy the Walther and hope its not a lemon (and if it is, Walther CS and I are gonna get to be good friends). But I had good luck with my other Stars, the .380 ain't a magnum round, and I like it's looks. )

thanks in advance.

 

[bannockburn]

Redcoat3340

I have always been a big fan of Star pistols, more so with their Model B pistols. Well designed and built they have been very reliable and durable over the years. I see no reason but for the lack of available spare parts, not to go looking for a Model S. You might also want to consider the Colt Government .380. Best of luck with your endeavor!

 

[Tallball]

I love my Super B! I was thinking of buying one of the Star locked-breech 380's, but I ended buying a Colt Government Model 380 instead. My understanding is that they are very similar pistols - some people say that the Star "inspired" the Government Model. I figured that the Colt would be much easier to find parts for, if it were ever necessary. I like it very much. The recoil is very mild. My daughter dislikes recoil, but she has been shooting it since she was nine and doesn't mind it at all. It's one of my very favorite handguns.

 

[Ibmikey]

I have a large collection of Star pistols including many examples of the S, SS, Super and SI. Although they are great pistols and known for reliability a more modern release such as a Sig P 938 (9mm) or P 238 (380) which is in essence a clone of the Star DK--S series pistols would be my choice for carry purposes.
The super is a slightly jazzed up S series pistol and has innovations that would not be incorporated by others for many years, however, the designs today incorporate new spring technology, safety issues and metalurgy ( or plastic for a lot of them) that would make me desirous of the best i can get for CC.
If you do in fact go for the Star shoot a large amount of the carry ammunition to insure it's reliability with that ammo.

 

[lincen]

I've had two Walther PK380's and have two Star model S's. Both Walthers were very accurate, with lighter than expected recoil, and the slide is probably the easiest to rack of any 380. That said, I wanted a steel framed larger 380 and picked the Star model S. The Stars are very slim and I do enjoy shooting them. If it were for carry, Ibmikey is right, go with the Sig P238, it is a great shooter.

 

[kokapelli]

Glock G42. Locked breach, eats everything and has the least felt recoil of any 380 I have shot.

 

[zaitcev]

Glock G42. Locked breach, eats everything and has the least felt recoil of any 380 I have shot.

I've already suggested G42 to Mr. Redcoat back when he asked for opinions and alternatives for PK380. With the Strike Industries +2, it's the same grip as any 8-rounder out there, be it PK380, 1911-380, or P290RS with factory +2. He was unconvinced. I even told him to look at Llama Especiale. But nope, he wants a Star now.

P.S. If only Glock made a long-slide version. You know kinda like Glock 34, but in .380 version Another thing I regret about G42 is that the slide is so narrow that any modern sight is completely out place on it, even a See-All. An RMR would look positively grotesque.

CORRECTION: It was a different member posting about PK380 and locked breech 380s: Mr_Flintstone.

 

[kBob]

I carried a Star Modelo S with the wide base magazines for a bit. Thanks to a previous owner storing it in a hobby leather holster it was rather ugly in that the front of the slide had the nickel plating spalding off and black stains. I rather liked the gun anyway, but folks seeing it at the range sneared at it for its looks. It shot pretty well and was comfortable to shoot. For a bit I shot the old Super Vel 88 grain JHP from it as it was my carry gun at the time. Admittedly most shooting was with whatever FMJ-RN was cheapest. The only ammo it ever had issues with was that horrific old Blue box S&W branded 90 grain SJSP stuff. That stuff also gave me issues in a Beretta 1934, an Astra Constable, and that FI branded D model of the time period.

For a range gun I highly recommend the Various S models, though repeat the parts replacement problems warning. I had to make a firing pin for mine at one point, but it still works.

-kBob

 

[Ibmikey]

KBob, Yes parts are a problem with the old Star and Llama pistols, however i not only have quite a few parts for the D and S series but the small frame Llamas also. Since i have close to fifty of the smaller frame guns it is a good thing to have parts, the other day my "beater" FI Model D gave me feeding problems while shooting ( I love this old pistol) that night i rebuilt the entire upper ..slide, barrel, extractor, firing pin and spring....it now is back to it's expected reliability.
The Star pistols are really fun shooters and i wish they were still available for new purchase.