STAR 30 MI STARFIRE 9mm
Thanks to all who responded to my request for information on this pistol in an earlier topic. I bought the pistol referred to last week and am extremely pleased with its performance so far. I shot a Walmart box of 100 Winchester ball ammo with zero malfunctions. This pistol really groups well too. In reference to an earlier post, it is clearly marked STARFIRE as well as STAR, SA, Interarms, and Model 30 MI. The only problem I've had is that I haven't figured out how to remove the grips yet. I would appreciate any help with that.
"Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away." Thoreau
"Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away." Thoreau
0
-
I am going to blame the Blue Book AND Interarms. Yeh, that's the ticket!
I did not associate the name "Starfire" with the M30 Star pistols as used by onepopper in the original post on the Star M30. I recalled "Starfire" as an older name. Since I had a 1992 Handguns Annual near at hand, I looked at its Star listings. The M30 was not identified by the name "Starfire." I then noticed a 1990 Interarms catalog on a stack of old catalogs, and checked its listing of the M30. Again, NO reference to the term "Starfire." I recalled the name from the dark ages and found the Blue Book showing the .380 Model DK as the "Starfire," but not showing it in reference to the Model 30M. All of this confirmed in my weak mind that onepopper was confusing the term "Starfire" with "Firestar," or some such. I then went over the edge and stated that the term "Starfire" was not applicable to the Model 30M.
After reading TWalker's statement that his pistol has "Starfire" on it, I had the sinking feeling that I was wrong in my statement that the M30 was not also called the "Starfire." I then did the most ingenious thing I could think of. I actually looked at my M30! Sure enough, it is marked "STARFIRE" on the side. It is a good thing I did not bet anything. I would have lost. Ah, the mind dims with age.
Boy, was I wrong on this issue! I should stick to Colts! I apologize for my error to onepopper and all others who read the previous post. I stand corrected on the "Starfire" name. I will now have to check the Models 28 and 31 to see if they also have "Starfire" on them. They probably do.
Again, SORRY!
As part of my penance for my error, let me tell you how to remove the grip panels. To remove the grip panels, first remove the modular hammer/main spring/backstrap assembly. That will free up the grip panels. If it is not obvious on how to remove the modular assembly, first remove the slide. Then push in the button at the bottom rear of the modular assembly with a suitable punch and slide the modular assembly up. It may be sticky and may require a little force to move it. Once the modular assembly is out, the grip panels can be slid out to the rear.0 -
FYI, www.gunclip.com has Star 30M magazines for sale for $18@. These are aftermarket postban 10-round magazines, but they have functioned perfectly for me and I've found the vendor very easy to deal with (and they process returns in a timely fashion!). They are out of preban hicap mags.
I saw a number of Star 30Ms being carried by Guatemalan federal cops when I was there last year, so the 30M appears to have been adopted by someone other than the Spanish military. I prefer single-action Star autos, but if you like DAs, the 30M is a very good deal.0 -
BTW, in case you don't know, the SA on Stars simply is the Spanish for "incorporated" NOT a model number.
And if you ever get a Spanish Army surplus 30M or any other ex-military Star, watch out that you don't confuse the military inventory number with the real serial number. It is usually stamped directly above the real serial number, and is USUALLY the lower number of the two. That can be a real pain in the butt in a state like NY which registers handguns by serial number. Much paperwork to "unscrew"....
Does anyone know what the "I" on a Star Model 30MI stands for? Is it Inox (stainless), Internacional (International) or Import? or something else, maybe a Roman numeral 1 for the first modification?0 -
I am far from being knowledgable about Star firearms, however I do know that Star has named many of it's products with Starfire and Firestar, and other fires and etc. But let's get back to the Starfire Mod 30MI. I have not seen any of the military Mod 30, or Mod 30M with the stamped "Starfire" on them. Also the military 30 and 30M that I have examined in the past do not exhibit the workmanship and finish of the 30MI. Could it be that the 30MI was produced for the general public? Sincerely, onepopper
one popper0 -
Hey Onepopper, maybe I'm reaching too far for the "I" designation on the Star 30MI, but maybe it refers to a special run for Interarms, Inc.? Since both organizations are defunct,we'll probably never know....
You're right, the military ones are finished with a kind of matte bluing or perhaps phosphating. The "Starfire" marked ones have a more "commercial" type of bluing. I haven't seen any M30MIs in "Starvel" finish, but suspect they might exist. I kind of like the "military finish" on mine; it's tough and oil REALLY sticks to it. I'm not much for 9mms in general and "wondernines" in particular, but the 30s are some of the best of that bunch. Built like a tank.0 -
TWalker, glad to hear you like the Star. I know a couple guys that collect them. As far as the grips go, I took mine off once and spent a day and a half getting them back on. Don't do it unless you have to. I looked on this site and other auctions when I had mine for replacement grips and couldn't find any. I thought it would look really cool with wood.
Anyway, enjoy the gun.
Is it true that cannibals won't eat clowns cause they taste funny?0 -
Thanks for all the replies. I'm really learning a lot. Tonight I bought some Georgia Arms 115 grain HP ammo @ 1150 fps to try in mine. I think that should be a good defensive load. I heard that S&W 59XX series mags will work in the Star 30M. Anyone ever try that successfully? I shot another 100 rounds of FMJ ammo today. Still waiting for the first misfire or jam. This is one smooth running pistol. 0 -
In regard to my "Starfire" name mistake, I checked my Model 31PK and it does not have anything on it but the model number. No "Starfire" notation anywhere.
When I can find my Model 28, I will check it and report also.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
8 comments