Star BM or BKM

[SingleStack]

Do any of you guys have a Star BM or BKM? I did a search and found one member say he has a model B. Whats your opinions on these guns?

In the past ive seen them at gun shows for around 200. I know prices have gone up since then but im thinking of picking one up next time i come

across one.

[Mykltn]

I don't know about the BM or BKM but I owned a star m40 for several years and it was a very reliable carry gun. Never had an issue with it at all.

[graycrait]

I have had 3 Star BMs and 1 Star BKM.  If you get one you must contact http://www.gun-parts.com/star/  and get an extra firing pin.  These guys may also have newly made (better steel and temper) firing pins:  http://www.jackfirstgun.com/   I believe Jack First had contracted with somone to make a run of modern firing pins.  For some reason my lighter alloy framed BKM was easier to shoot well than the all steel BM.  The other thing to watch for is the safety.  This part was not Star's strong suit in both the BKM or BM.  If carry locked and cocked make darn sure you have a good holster that covers the trigger as these guns do not have a grip safety like a 1911 and the way the safety is made, it may bump off when wearing the gun.When I went to the range and if I shot a Glock first I always shot the Stars low, but if I started with the Star's it was fine. Kind of strange.  They are easy to take a apart and really easy to remove the mag safety for a better trigger.  I gave my last one away to a young fella who needed a decent self defense gun.  Unless it is mint I would never pay more than 300.00 for a Star BM or BKM and would prefer to stay south of 250.  They are a decent novelty pistol that works pretty well, but it ain't a Glock or can't compare with any of the more modern 9mm pistols. 

Edited March 10, 2013 by graycrait

[1gewehr]

As stated above, get an extra firing pin and do not dry fire it without a snap-cap.  I have not had problems with the safety, but your CCW holster should cover that area anyway.

The real sleeper in the line-up was the BKM.  It has the alloy frame and a short barrel, so it's an excellent CCW pistol.  The marketing name for this model was 'Starlight'.  It's appropriate as the pistol feels very thin and light.  Mine has been very reliable and is accurate. 

the earlier model BKS also had an alloy frame, but the barrel is slightly longer than the BKM.

The biggest drawback in my eyes is the lack of magazines.  Aftermarket ones are not reliable, and factory ones are expensive.  If you pocket-carry a spare magazine, be aware that lint loves to get in the magazine through the slots in the side.

[SingleStack]

good info. Thanks guys.