Model 40 FireStar
Star Bonifacio Echeverria S.A.
Cal.  .40 S & W
 

The first semiautomatic handgun I ever seriously used was a Star FireStar M-40 in caliber .40.

The caliber needs little introduction, as it is the short version of the 10 mm round chosen at one time by the FBI as their primary cartridge of choice.  The ammunition manufacturers realized early on that a short 10 mm case could provide the same ballistics as the lighter loaded (and more preferred) loading of the original 10 mm as chosen by the FBI during their extensive testing: a 10 mm 180 grain bullet at ~950 fps.  The shorter case also allowed the firearms manufacturers to use existing frames built around the popular 9mm handguns for the short 10 mm.

One of the better examples, in my opinion, was the FireStar.  Perhaps I am in the minority, because after going through several importers, the Star line of pistols is no longer available except on the used market and the occasional gun show specimen.  As a result, these pistols are now bargained priced and offer an exceptional value for the money.

The model 40, a Spanish import from Star, is an all steel, scaled down pistol resembling  Colt's model 1911.  The FireStar is a traditional single action semi-automatic pistol. Available in either blue or Star's own Starvel finish, an electrolysis nickel plating, the pistol comes with a six round magazine, or an optional seven round magazine with a finger pad.  Weighing in at 30 ounces, the FireStar is concealable yet hefty enough to handle the recoil from the .40 S & W cartridge.  With a barrel length of 3.39" and a 5.12" sight radius between the windage adjustable, 3-dot sight system, the small pistol is capable of accurate, controlled fire.

I have a very nice belt holster styled after the Askins Avenger.  Made by Minuteman, the slotted leather holster snugs the little pistol to the body providing for easy concealment and quick access.

The FireStar sports an ambidextrous safety, a firing pin safety, a half cock safety, and a magazine safety. It has the Acculine bushingless cone barrel and the reversed rail slide/receiver design, ala SIG's P210.  The FireStar is factory equipped with sticky rubber grip panels for a secure grasp.  Featuring checkering on both the front and rear of the grip frame and the front of the trigger guard, the pistol feels secure in the hand.  Shooters with small hands will find the controls easy to reach, while those with large hands will appreciate the available extended magazine for a slightly longer grip.

Safe to carry cocked and locked, the FireStar points well, recoil is quite manageable, and it conceals easily.  Range accuracy is detailed below with several common and suitable loads.  This particular pistol seems to prefer the less costly, 180 grain factory ammo of CCI Blazer and UMC.  At the time of my initial use and testing of this firearm, the now more popular 135 and 155 grain loadings were not available.  One final note: I have a spare magazine meant for the 9 mm version of this pistol.  It feeds fine with all the listed ammo except the 3-D lead reloads.  For awhile I blamed the ammo, but eventually isolated the problem to the one odd magazine.  If you choose to supplement your magazine supply with the available 9 mm mags, function test them thoroughly to insure there are no problems.

25 yard  Bench Rest / avg. of two 5 shot groups

CCI Blazer 180 grain PHP                  3.75"
UMC 180 grain FMJ                           3.50"
Federal Hydra-Shok 180 grain           4.25"
Winchester Black Talon 180 grain     4.75"
Pro Load 165 grain FMJ                     3.25"
Pro Load 165 grain Gold Dot JHP      3.50"
3-D Reloads 180 grain LSWC            4.75"

The Pro Load 165 grain Gold Dot JHP has performed well on several occasions, dispatching armadillos ('possum on the half shell!) and one feral dog that thought HE owned my backyard and was willing to fight for it.  It is amazing how a real threat will make you focus on that front sight!

Jeff Loveless