Range Report 9mm Star (Spanish discontinued) BKM

[graycrait]

I just wanted to mention my latest experience with one of my 4 Star "B" Series "compact" pistols. First off the Star BKM that I have has a slide width of .84 inches and a width at the widest point of the grip and grip safety area of 1.25". It weighs with unloaded magazine 25.2oz. Barrel length is 3.75" making this a true JMB single stack 9mm pistol. This makes the Star BKM a candidate for the ultimate size, width and length of a CCW pistol in an caliber that matters.

Today I shot 3 different types of ball ammo and 4 different types of modern JHP through my Star BKM without FTF or FTE.

These aluminum framed Star compact 9mms are hard to find. The more common BM (all steel - I have 3) are much more common. However, I find the lighter by 10ozs or so, BKM actually easier to shoot well. I especially liked the Hornady 115grn Critical Defense rounds through the light weight Star. This was the first time I had shot modern JHPs through the aluminum framed BKM for fear of damaging the feed ramp as this, like all true JMB designs, has a rampless barrel operatating on more or less the 1911 design, but with an alumimum frame "ramp." As a departure from the 1911 there is no grip safety but you can safely carry this pistol "cocked and locked."

Additionally the trigger geometry is not one that interfers with proper trigger squeeze regardless of index finger handicap or surgical repair. (OK, if you don't have an index finger I get that, but I have had some surgery on mine and the Star falls within a narrow spectrum of acceptable trigger types).

I have said and often hear bemoaning that Glock won't make a single stack (narrow) 9mm. I have also tried the usual suspects in narrow 9mm: Kahr, Keltec, Walther PPS. I like the Star BM and especially lighter BKM better than any of these. I wish someone would tool up and make this pistol again.

Here is a little history: Star Firearms : B-Series Pistols

Another link: A Critical Look at the Star Model BM

Here is my Star BKM, an elegant CCW sufficiency:

[Magiccarpetrides]

Star made some really great guns. That's a nice one. I have a firestar compact 45 that is heavy for its size but a great shooter. I used to have one like yours in chrome but foolishly sold it :-(