From: mikey@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu (Strider)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: STAR Pistols
Date: 4 Sep 92 23:44:49 GMT
Organization: The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX


In article <9209021912.AA28255@stortek.com> vojak@icebucket.stortek.com (Bill Vojak) writes:
# I noticed that a store near me has just got a STAR (M30?) 9mm
# in Starvell finish.  It actually is a nice looking gun.  The
# Starvell looks alot like stainless steel. (less shiny than
# chrome).  For $270 it seems like a nice little 9mm for some
# fun shooting.  I think it's also availible in .40. I know that
# some people out there have mentioned that they have STAR pistols,
# so I have a couple of questions.

Sounds like the M31, the successor to the M30 (the M30 was chambered only for 
9mm, and was not available in Starvel, only blued finish).  In addition, the
M31 replaces the manual safety of the M30 with a decocking lever, which
I believe has a "safe" position as well.  The M31 *is* chambered for .40S&W,
though the dealers I have spoken to have not found it to be available yet
(at least around here).

# 1) How reliable are they. Can they handle +p ammo?

Extremely reliable.  Steel frame construction (although the M31PK is an alloy-
frame option; the steel is probably more rugged, but heavier).  These things 
should handle +P ammo easily (my M30 lists a chamber pressure rating of about
42,000 psi; netters, isn't that within SAAMI +P ratings?).  Good question for 
the net:  what pressures correspond to SAAMI standards for various handgun
calibers (.38 Sp, .357 Mag, 9mm, .45 ACP, .44 Mag, .40 S&W, etc.) in the
various load ratings (standard, +P, +P+)?

# 2) How accurate are they?

Very.  About as accurate as any other 9mm pistol on the market, possibly
excepting the SIG P226.  Could just be my shooting, though... :)

# 3) Are spare parts & magazines easily available?

Nope.  This is the one negative I have found.  Usually have to special order
through a dealer; spare mags cost $25-$35 dollars, depending.  You might be
able to find some (rarely) at gun shows.

# 4) Any other comments + or - ?

My M30 is a wonderful gun.  Wouldn't give it up for almost anything (sorry,
Kevin! :).

# Also, what about the .40S&W.  I understand that the .40 runs at
# fairly high pressures. Is it higher than 9mm?

Yes.  How much, I don't know.  If somebody posts the info I requested above, 
we can find out.

# The reason I'm asking is:
#
# A) There is a gunshow near Denver the weekend of the 12th&13th, (I-70 & 
#    Chambers road). 
#
# B) I just got an unexpected $550 (after tax) bonus check this week :-)  
#
# So. . A+B = 9  (mm that is. Or maybe .40)

Sounds like my situation.  Just got more money, so logically I need another
gun (I posted about this a couple of weeks ago).  For net.info, I got
the Star Megastar .45 (because Star has made an extremely good impression
on me, and I have heard nothing but good comments about their products).
I will post a performance review (amateur-style) when I get the chance to
test it out....

# I don't know if I will get a STAR, but I thought it was worth asking
# about.  Then again, a nice .357, or maybe a rifle in .223, or. . . 
# I know Mr. Moderator, "Buy them All!"

I highly recommend the Stars, but be sure and get something you'll be 
happy with.


Mike Ruff
U.T. Austin