Star Model 1941-S

Star Bonifacio Echeverria · Pistol · Discontinued · 1940

Also known as: Star Model S, Star Modelo S, Star S

Overview

The Star Model 1941-S is a Spanish compact single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, produced by Star Bonifacio Echeverria from 1940 to 1983. Unusually for a pocket-class .380, it retained a scaled-down Colt-Browning locked-breech action modeled on the larger Star Model A, giving it the layout of a miniature 1911 with an exposed hammer and a single-action trigger. It served as an official sidearm of the Spanish Foreign Legion and was widely exported.

Specifications

Weight (empty)620 g (21.9 oz)
Overall Length164 mm (6.46")
Barrel Length99 mm (3.90")
Height114 mm (4.49")
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity8 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity280 m/s (919 fps)
Muzzle Energy250 J (184 ft·lbf)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1940-1983

Long production run; exact totals not published

Origin

Country of origin: Spain

Discontinued: 1983

Notes

Often referred to simply as the Star Model S. The companion Model SI is the same pistol chambered in .32 ACP.

Background

Where nearly every rival .380 pocket pistol used a simple blowback action, Star kept the swinging-link locked breech of the full-size 1911-style Model A, making the little Model S essentially a shrunken service automatic.