Star Super B
Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1946
Also known as: Star Modelo Super B, Star Model B Super, Star Super Model B
Overview
The Star Super B is a single-action, recoil-operated semi-automatic pistol produced in Eibar, Spain by Star Bonifacio Echeverria. Introduced in 1946 as a refinement of the earlier Star Model B, it adopted a linkless locked-breech system similar to the Browning Hi-Power, a frame-mounted takedown lever, an external extractor doubling as a loaded-chamber indicator, and a magazine disconnect safety. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, it was the first 9mm Parabellum pistol taken into service with the Spanish armed forces and served as a standard sidearm of the Spanish Army and Guardia Civil.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1085 g (38.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 215 mm (8.46") |
| Barrel Length | 122 mm (4.80") |
| Height | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Magazine Disconnect, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Linkless Locked Breech, External Extractor, Frame Mounted Takedown Lever, Browning Inspired Design
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Army · adopted 1946
- Guardia Civil
Production
Production years: 1946-1983
Core Super B production ran from 1946 to roughly 1965, with the wider Super series remaining in service and production into the 1980s before being superseded by the compact BM/BKM models.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Star Bonifacio Echeverria
Discontinued: 1983
Notes
Star also offered 9mm Largo replacement barrels for the Super B, allowing a barrel swap to the 9x23mm Largo cartridge. The external safety blocks the hammer rather than the sear, and the design omits the M1911-style grip safety.
Background
Adopted just after the Spanish Civil War, the Super B gave Spain its first domestically produced 9mm Parabellum service pistol and remained a familiar sidearm of the Army and Guardia Civil for decades. Large numbers later reached the international surplus market, where it earned a reputation as an affordable, well-made Browning-pattern milsurp pistol.