Star BM from 09-2017 batch of LEO imports J&G Sales

[Kevinofborg]

Picked this one up from my dealer today. A 1978 Star BM from 09-2017 C.A.I batch of LEO imports sold by J&G Sales.

I also picked up one extra magazine (the limit). My pistol came in a Green Box with unused tool and instruction book in Spanish that calls out Guardia Civil and the box matches what I believe is the S/N and Contract number (maybe Contract S/N). Nice bore (never figured out how to take good pictures of that) . Very happy with it. I did select the "hand select".

From the ad:
In stock now!

Star Model BM semi auto pistol in 9mm Luger (9x19). Commonly a Spanish police and military issue pistol, the Star Bonifacio Echeverria modelo BM features a 4" barrel, blued finish, dovetailed rear sight, fixed front sight, black plastic checkered grip panels, compact all steel 1911 Commander style slide and frame, manual safety lever, solid trigger, and checkered spur hammer. Includes one 8rd magazine, a box (cardboard or plastic), a manual (in Spanish, sometimes a copy of the original), and a cleaning rod. Blued finish may be arsenal refurbished with police marking removed. In overall Very Good condition, the bluing may show high edge holster wear and patina, and the bore shows service wear and may be frosted. Not C&R, but nice historical pistols!

Choose from menu above to Hand Select for nicer appearance (+$20) or to add one spare magazine (+$19.95)

[Kevinofborg]

More photos

[Kevinofborg]

Last set.

[vonalt]

One of my favorite pistols to shoot. Love how accurate the pistol is. I shoot best with it using 124 grain or heavier bullets. For being a commander sized pistol is darn accurate.

[Polock]

Never had a BM--always liked its smaller size compared to the Star Super--nice gun, and the Guardia connection/box add to the
cool factor.

[steamer]

Both J&G and Classic have been selling these for $229

and now AIM jumps in the ring at $259 and theirs don't appear to be any better.

[RWS]

Kevin:

You and I both experienced functioning problems with factory brass-cased 115 grain ammo in our old WW2 Star Model B's. How reliable has your BM been thus far?

Vonalt: Would like to hear your opinions on BM reliability as well.

-Bob

[Kevinofborg]

Kevin:

You and I both experienced functioning problems with factory brass-cased 115 grain ammo in our old WW2 Star Model B's. How reliable has your BM been thus far?

Vonalt: Would like to hear your opinions on BM reliability as well.

-Bob

Good news bad news.

Bad news is I have not had time to shoot it.
Good news is I am on my 2nd week of vacation. Boss said use em or lose em.

I will plan on getting to the range when I get back as I bought some 9mm before I left and I do not want that stuff to corrode or anything )

Kevin

[retread12345678]

NO EXPERT I took a ride up to Prescott last week and got 2. , I sold one and shot over 300 rds. of really mixed ammo. VERY CRISP functioning with either mag. Recoil is very tolerable . VERY well made and only holster wear. Very nice packable pistol Well worth the money

[Kevinofborg]

RWS/Vonalt,

I got a chance to go to the range with the BM and put maybe 250 rounds down range using both mags with no feed or cycle issues. I used mostly 115g from Herters and Monarch both Brass and Steel cased. Second set was 124g with some 147g and again all functioned fine.

Great Pistol.

Kevin

[RWS]

Good to know. Thanks, Kevin.

-Bob

[vonalt]

I bought my Star BM the first go around in 2006-7 from Aim Surplus. Back then prices were slightly less, Ok a lot less back then. Anyway I have shot many a reloads through mine with out the first hiccup. I certainly can't complain about accuracy. One of my favorite 9mms to shoot. If you can find one in as good as shape as these are reported to be I would strongly suggest getting one. Otherwise you will regret not getting one. Stay with standard loads I don't think the BM was made to handle hot loads. I have had the best luck with 124 grain 9mms. Anything lighter isn't as accurate. Majority of my rounds have been cast lead round nose from a regional bullet manufacturer. Also shot some semi wad 115 grain cast bullets not sure who made these as I picked them up at a gun show ridiculously cheap a while back. Again not as accurate as the 124 grain. Not tried any heavier 147 grain bullets. Lastly shot some Brown Bear thru it, steel cased Russian ammo. This round gave me fits with my Hi Power when the steel casing got stuck in the chamber and jammed the slide so it couldn't be moved. Having a gunsmith whacking on your "baby" with a rubber mallet while you watch would be enough of a lesson for anyone. Evidently the BM chamber is more forgiving than the Browning but I wouldn't suggest it. Lesson learned.