A few years back I realized I did not have a 9mm handgun and went looking to rectify the situation. I did not want a Tupperware gun preferring those made from steel. After looking around a bit I ran across the Star BM and liked the looks of it. Being partial to the Star PD probably influenced me some. AND the price was right. Since that time the price has gone up on them but you can still get them for around $300.

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"STAR" Modelo BM 9mm

Made from 1972 to 1992 by Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A. in Spain. A total of 217,682 Star BM pistols were made.
Serial Numbers range from 1,226,501 - 1.982.884
After #1,560,901 all were fitted with a ramped, serrated front sight. Shorter rollmark was used on the slide .. coarser polish than earlier models was limited to side of slide and frame. All small parts were bead blasted matte finish and the number of serrations on slide (for cocking) were reduced.
Spain's Civil Guard and other Police agencies used these pistols through 1990. Libya, Rhodesia and South Africa used these pistols in their Police and Defense Forces.

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The Star BM is close to the 1911 but is not a copy. (Neither is the PD) While the barrel is of the "swinging link" the gun is different in the safety, the trigger (it pivots instead of sliding), a magazine disconnect (which is easily removed .. I can testify to that), no grip safety and other internal differences in the hammer and trigger springs, the recoil spring, extractor, etc.

It feels good in the hand and it points well. Besides removing the magazine disconnect I installed some aftermarket wood grips, but that's all I have done to it. The trigger pull is very good on this gun.

The magazine holds 8 rounds and the magazine well is beveled.

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To take it down, unload it and shove the slide back until you can lock the safety into the middle slot in the slide.

Pop out the slide stop and slip the slide off the frame.

The recoil spring is a captive spring. Pick it out of the slide, turn the barrel bushing and slip it off the slide, then slip the barrel out the front of the slide.

Normally you don't have to pull them down further. I have changed firing pins in the BM and it is not hard. There are plenty of videos and online sites with instructions.

The cartridge is supported pretty well except for the extractor slot.

I like the way Star made their magazines. These will not have the binding problems that the flat plate models have.

I have not shot the gun enough to get really used to it. Playing with it on the range shows promise.

I am not a fan of the 9mm but I also realize that it will work if the operator is proficient and efficient. Stopping power with handguns is more dependent upon the user than what they are using .. at least up to point. I will admit that when it comes down to it, I will take the PD .45 ACP before I take the BM.

However it is a nice little gun .. easy to carry and operate ... and one could do a lot worse than one of these.

For anyone looking for a gunsmithing project, J&G Sales has Star BM's listed for $149.00 - they are missing parts and pieces ..