I just picked up a Star PD at the local gunshop for $335. I didn't feel the price was too out of line as this model is not common in Maryland. It came with two mags, one original and the other appearing to be a Pro-Mag with a finger rest. After feeling the guns light weight and trigger pull I had to have it. By the way, the trigger actually feels better than my Springfield Loaded. My questions are, where can you find recoil buffers for this model and should only standard pressure ammo be used? Also, are there any non-custom holsters being made for this model? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Star PD
- Thread starter thor745
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I have one of the first ones, and over the years it hasn't given me any problems. It seem to feed any ammunition I put in it, and at 50 feet you can shoot 2 to 3 inch groups with most of the shots interlocking.
Holsters might be a problem, but I think that most that are made for a Colt Officers Model ACP can be modified to work if they don't do so right off.
Finding recoil buffers can be a problem. You might have to make your own.
Given the gun's aluminum/steel construction I would stick to standard rather then +P loads. I've never worried about a .45 - When the bullets leave the muzzle they are expanded already when compared to a 9mm or smaller.
Holsters might be a problem, but I think that most that are made for a Colt Officers Model ACP can be modified to work if they don't do so right off.
Finding recoil buffers can be a problem. You might have to make your own.
Given the gun's aluminum/steel construction I would stick to standard rather then +P loads. I've never worried about a .45 - When the bullets leave the muzzle they are expanded already when compared to a 9mm or smaller.
>> Will shock buffs for a 1911 work if they are trimmed down a bit? <<
That's something I haven't looked into, and I don't have my gun where I can check.
I think the hole in a 1911 size buffer may be too big for the PD's recoil spring rod. But if it isn't I see no reason it wouldn't work. Another problem (I think) is taking the guide-rod assembly apart to replace the buffer. Possibly a whole assembly from another gun of this type might be modified to work.
That's something I haven't looked into, and I don't have my gun where I can check.
I think the hole in a 1911 size buffer may be too big for the PD's recoil spring rod. But if it isn't I see no reason it wouldn't work. Another problem (I think) is taking the guide-rod assembly apart to replace the buffer. Possibly a whole assembly from another gun of this type might be modified to work.
Gordon
Member
Yes shock buffs(trimmed) fit. The PD is the BEST smaller than 5" 1911 style .45 in IMHO and experience. Just won't stand up to over maybe 5000 rounds so shoot a few hundred then carry it the shoot 50 now and again for familarization. The real weak point being feed ramp , watch sharp HPs like Golden sabre's ect. . Repeat-BEST CARRY single action .45 around!!!!!!
PS: Put a good Wolfe recoil spring(at least) in gun, Spanish springs don't last forever!
PS: Put a good Wolfe recoil spring(at least) in gun, Spanish springs don't last forever!moxie
Member
I've got over 10,000 rounds, actually around 20,000 or so on mine. No problems. Accuracy has gone down a skosh over the years but is still way good enough, better than many stock 1911s brand new. Wilson shok buffs do fit without modification and do work. The difference is they don't have the little "keeper" that fits under the spring coils and keeps the orientation correct, but they still work. There is an outfit out there that makes the replica buffs, but they cost $15 or so for a bag of 5 which is ridiculous.
The PD will shoot virtually any .45 ACP round without a problem, much more reliably than most other 1911s, even after customization. It shoots Glasers, Blazers, shotshells from CCI, Golden Sabre, flying ashtrtays, and many of my own semiwadcutter and ball reloads, stout and tame. Yes, replace the springs with Wolff, including the mag springs, once in a blue moon. If you have the old, original style adjustable sight, don't change the firing pin spring unless you really need to and unless you really know what you are doing. Easy to mess up the sight permanently.
The PD shoots +P rounds just fine thanks, no problems. Thousands through mine. I use a heavier main spring from Wolff if planning a range session with more than a few +Ps. Wolff has a main spring kit with a nice selection. As a house gun, I keep mine loaded with Glaser Blues. I have Rem. 185 +P Rem. Golden Sabers in spare mags. Perfect. One or the other for carry depending on the situation. For self defense, you want the extra velocity of a +P to ensure reliable expansion with a short 3" barrel.
Many Officers Model holsters will work. Try before you buy.
Good luck. This is a fine gun. Shame it's an orphan now. I have checked at length but never found out who bought up or what became of Interarms' spares inventory. Alas.
The PD will shoot virtually any .45 ACP round without a problem, much more reliably than most other 1911s, even after customization. It shoots Glasers, Blazers, shotshells from CCI, Golden Sabre, flying ashtrtays, and many of my own semiwadcutter and ball reloads, stout and tame. Yes, replace the springs with Wolff, including the mag springs, once in a blue moon. If you have the old, original style adjustable sight, don't change the firing pin spring unless you really need to and unless you really know what you are doing. Easy to mess up the sight permanently.
The PD shoots +P rounds just fine thanks, no problems. Thousands through mine. I use a heavier main spring from Wolff if planning a range session with more than a few +Ps. Wolff has a main spring kit with a nice selection. As a house gun, I keep mine loaded with Glaser Blues. I have Rem. 185 +P Rem. Golden Sabers in spare mags. Perfect. One or the other for carry depending on the situation. For self defense, you want the extra velocity of a +P to ensure reliable expansion with a short 3" barrel.
Many Officers Model holsters will work. Try before you buy.
Good luck. This is a fine gun. Shame it's an orphan now. I have checked at length but never found out who bought up or what became of Interarms' spares inventory. Alas.
Mannlicher
Member
I am still shooting my PD. I hate to think how many rounds so far, but you can forget that silliness of a 5000 round life span. I have never used shock buffers. I replaced the springs back about 5 years ago. Zero malfunctions that I can recall in almost 20 years of shooting this old Garcia import.
Gordon
Member
Being a conservative, and being the gun is NOT REPLACEABLE, I'll not blast away .
obiwan1
Member
It used to be that you could get replacement buffer assemblys at Interarms. I think Interarms is defunct. Anyway, because of the (relative) unavailibility of them, I reluctantly (VERY reluctantly) sold my PD a few years ago.
I loved that little gun. Accurate and not hard kicking considering its weight. It was 100% reliable. I considered it the ideal IWB gun.
I loved that little gun. Accurate and not hard kicking considering its weight. It was 100% reliable. I considered it the ideal IWB gun.
edw794
Member
hello,
contact: jack first at 605 343-9544. they list the star pd as gun# 414. their part number for the buffers is: stt-10049.
i bought replacement buffers from them several years ago.
ed
contact: jack first at 605 343-9544. they list the star pd as gun# 414. their part number for the buffers is: stt-10049.
i bought replacement buffers from them several years ago.
ed
I've got a Star PD. It has about 300 rounds through it. Just left the range. I put 20 rounds of speer gd 185 gr jhp through it. 2 inch group at 15 yards. All went bang and no jams. I have three extra buffers, I went to several gunshops years ago when I learned they occasionally need replaced.
evan price
Member
Wow, a z o m b i e thread from 2003!
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