FI Model D 380; any experiences?

Bill Jordan

January 06, 2012 13:49

Bought one last week, and it remindes me of a mini Govt. Model in operation.
I remember them from Garcia in the '70's, but no personal experience with the gun. Seems well enough made; any things I should be aware of for shooting or depending on?

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  rufe-snow

  January 06, 2012 14:30

  It was the U.S. version of the Star Model "D". After the passage of the 1968 gun law, the small Star handguns could no longer be imported from Spain.
  
  Firearms International cut a deal with Star and Colt to make a version with enough U.S. made parts to make it legally a U.S. made handgun. It was going to be sold as the Colt "Pony". Colt backed out of the deal after only a few guns were manufactured.
  
  FI continued production until 1971, when they went out of business.
  
  After 40+ plus years, IMHO it would be more a collectors item, as it's a orphan if you break a part or need a replacement magazine.

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  Bill Jordan

  January 06, 2012 14:51

  Well, it's not more than 80 %, and I did not pay a ton for it, so I think I'll just shoot it.
  Thanks for refreshing my memory.
  Bill

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  dcs shooters

  January 06, 2012 15:54

  I got one about 35yrs. ago. Carried it for about six yrs. Had it hard chromed as the Florida air and sweat was causing some rust.
  After tweaking it shot very good.

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  Bill DeShivs

  January 07, 2012 10:18

  Magazines from the later Colt .380 series, or the SIG p238 Should work or be easily modified to work. Both are Star copies.

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  richarda

  January 07, 2012 10:23

  I have used Star magazines in mine.
  
  After FI, they were made/marketed by Iver Johnson.

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  abcguns2

  January 08, 2012 11:46

  OK ,
  I have one of these in one of the safes , have had it for years . Well made and shoots great , but a little heavy by todays poly .380 standards ? I have kept it because it is what it is ? a sort of a 'collectors' type thought ! and yes magazine from 'others' will work !
  as triple k as well as others are selling them .
  By the way , mine is 99% plus in the box w-2 mags !
  Thanks !!!
  d.a.stearns ............... a.k.a. ........... SKEZZIX ..............
  Gunsmith / LEO
  Athens , Tn
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  www.allamericangunshop.com

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