Which one? CZ83 vs. Star BM?

[Shane333]

I currently have a CZ83. I really like it for several reasons. Only problem is that it's a .380, and this gun is meant to be a self defense weapon as well as a plinker.

Today I found a Star BM in excellent condition. The hammer and extractor look new, the bluing is so good that it could well be a re-bluing job, and the slide works real smoothly. Somebody put a lot of effort into babying this gun.

So here's the deal. I know Star BM's come and go, but chances are that this one won't last the month before it's sold, and it's in incredible condition. They're asking $185 for it.

Naturally, the 9mm vs. .380 debate comes to mind.

So, for a self defense and plinking gun, do I stick with my CZ83, or go with the Star BM?

As much as I'd like to "get both", I just don't have the money to do that. I considered selling or trading in the High Standard my dad gave me, but the concensus seems to be, "don't do it!"

 

[Penman]

You might want to check on the availability of BM magazines before you make a decision. If you're going to practice enough to carry confidently, you should get about 6.

 

[sgtb]

Keep the CZ....They still make them and it will not fail you when you need it.

 

[armoredman]

Star BM from J&G for $139. Keep the CZ, get a Star on layaway.

 

[Majic]

One way to look at it is that you already have the CZ (which is a very fine pistol), but don't have the $185. Now really that is not a lot of money and if you do sell something just to be able to purchase the Star will you then have any funds for ammo?
No need to be in any kind of hurry. The Stars have been on the surplus market for more than 20 years that I personally know of.

 

[albanian]

Get the Star. It is a fine gun and the price is good. If it is in as good of shape as you say, it should be a good shooter as well. 9mm is more powerful and cheaper than .380acp. I wouldn't get rid of the CZ-83 at the deal because he is going to give you less than what it is worth. Sell the CZ on your own for twice what the dealer offers and you can buy the Star and have money left over. I would talk him down on the Star though. Show him all the ads that have the Star BM for sale for $129-139 and maybe he will come down a few bucks.

 

[Shane333]

I love this forum. You're all such a great sounding board for testing my ideas. Fortunately, you've also helped me avoid making bad choices.

You're right about the CZ. If I sold it, I know I'd miss it within a few months, if not days. It's such a good shooter and so well made.

As for the Star BM, I think I can get it too. I've got a little disposable money now and an allowance that I can count on. Yes, it's sad, but the wife and I give ourselves an allowance to help us stay within our budget while still having a little money for toys/ammunition/crafts(for her)/etc.. I'll put it on layaway. I should have it payed for before the snow melts in spring, if not sooner.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I would never get rid of my CZ-83. The Star is priced low enough to have both.

ZM

 

[Grunt]

You break a firing pin on your CZ-83, you call CZ-USA and get a replacement. Where do you get a replacement firing pin for a broken one with the Star BM?

 

[mtnbkr]

Where do you get a replacement firing pin for a broken one with the Star BM?

Numrich Gunparts Corp.

I ordered a spare extractor and firing pin from them back when I had a Star BM.

Chris

 

[Shane333]

Well, I went back to have a second look at the Star. Turns out it isn't a BM. It's a Model B! Seemed small enough that i was sure fooled.

Are the Model B's as good as the BM's? It looks easily slim and small enough for CCW.


Edited to add: Ok, now I'm confused. Both the gun shop manager and I looked at the slide, and it distinctly said B (not BM) for the model. However, whenever I look at pictures of Model B's, they look longer than what I saw. What I saw had the proportions of a BM, and the extractor is positioned like the BM. Is it possible the company stamped the wrong marking on the slide by mistake?

 

[Black Snowman]

Markings on Stars can be a bit strange. My Dad's Firestar M-43 isn't marked M-43 anywhere. You just have to know that the 9mm is a M-43.

Here's a good website for info: http://www.donttouchme.com/star/firearms/guns/b/index.shtml

 

[Dave Sample]

I have two BM's and one Super Modelo B. The BM is a Commander size 9mm and the "B" in 9mm or the "AS" in 38 Largo (38 Super) My B started out in life as a 9mm but I changed it to a super. The Spanish Steel makes for nice inexpensive carry guns. The "B" is about 7/8th the size of a Colt style 1911. The BM won't convert because the magazines are too short for 38 Super, but I carry mine with Hydra-Shock ammo and with two extra mags I feel somewhat secure. It takes about 25 rounds of 9mm to do what 2 rounds of 45 ACP will do.