The US imported the Star Model B in large quantities after the fall of the Iron Curtain. The Star Model BM shares more than a passing resemblance to the Colt 1911 (Photo by Francis Borek)Īfter the First World War the French backed out of a contract for more 1914 pistols and Bonifacio decided that instead of cloning European designs, he would concentrate on cloning the Colt M1911. Not only was Star one of the companies that Gabilondo farmed out component production to, but the French wound up buying an improved version of Star’s Model 1908 in. Due to the large order for handguns and the demands of 5,000 handguns to be delivered every month to the French, Gabilondo began to farm out production of both the components and whole handguns. This was for the Ruby pistol produced by Gabilondo y Urresti, better known to American shooters by their later names of Gabilondo y Unceta and Llama. With the outbreak of the First World War, the French military contracted, to a Spanish company, a large order for a. The Eibar region had a long history of weapons production, producing coveted Spanish steel swords and ornately engraved blades. First making gun components and then a clone of a Mannlicher pistol in. 45 ACP cartridge.īonifacio Echeverria, better known as Star Firearms, got its start in the Eibar region of Spain in 1905.
While it’s more of a pistol that is heavily inspired by the M1911 rather than a clone, it’s still a reliable, durable handgun that feels like an M1911 – even if it’s not chambered in the venerable. If this sounds like you, then feast your eyes on an old Spanish pistol chambered in 9mm, the Star Model BM. 45 ACP, because it needs to pull triple duty as a fun gun, home defense pistol and daily carry gun. Even if you could afford an M1911, you would need it in. The used case has nothing in your budget and you really want an M1911, but they’re too expensive. This Century-imported Spanish pistol is your ticket to owning a 1911, sorta.