lsudave said: ↑
Best value, for sure, would be the Star BM. Not that long ago, you could get any of the other 3 listed, for at or under $200. During that same period, the cost of a surplus in 9x19 was going $250 and up.
The prices on the BM are as low as they will be, while the other guns have already begun to climb.
this looks conflicting, you say the star BM has the best value, but you say the prices on it will remain the same while the others are going up in price
No, that's not what I'm saying.
OTHER 9mm guns were going around $250-$300; the Star Model B and the B Super; the FEG 9HP, the Kareen Hi Power clone, things like that.
Around that same time, you could get a Bulgarian Mak for under $200, a P-83 for around $150, and a CZ 70 for $100.
Surplus runs in waves. If you get in early, you get a good deal. I bought my first BM from GunProDeals, it was in legit Very Good condition with 2 mags for $222, +$14.99 shipping. With cardboard box, cleaning rod and manual. That gun has an excellent matte blue finish with minimal wear.
The one I got from Classic, was listed as "Fair" condition for $150. I added an extra magazine for $20. Shipping was $20. So total (minus FFL) was $190. The first one I received was worn, probably less than 25% of the blue was still there. It was nowhere near as nice looking as the first one; we found a crack on the slide rail and sent it back for exchange. I got a very nice one in exchange, but I think that might have been due to having to RMA it. The one I did receive finally had some slight evidence of pitting, had been polished and reblued (at the Star factory after turn in, I suspect)... I'd say the blue is close to 100%, but the actual condition of the gun might be a little less than the other one.
Here they are,
VG condition ('79)
and
Fair condition ('76)
And just to be clear, the other sides match in condition.
Once this wave of Stars starts to dry up, the prices will go back up. I've heard people say the BM's were going for around $300 or more a few years ago. They are nicely made and reliable, and they fill a niche you can't find in new manufacture guns.
The size is in between a 1911 Commander, and a Kimber Micro 9 or Sig 938.
The closest thing I can find in size is a RIA Baby Rock, and that's in .380. And even then, if you go by MSRP, you can get 2 of these for the price of 1 RIA.