Star Model BKS Starlight
Star Bonifacio Echeverria · Pistol · Discontinued · 1970
Also known as: Star Starlight, Star Starlite, Star BKS
Overview
The Star Model BKS Starlight is a Spanish single-action, short-recoil semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. Built by Star Bonifacio Echeverria of Eibar, it was the first of the firm's compact B-series pistols and the precursor to the later BM and BKM. Visually resembling the Colt M1911 but mechanically distinct, it uses a lightweight aluminum-alloy frame that gave rise to its US marketing name 'Starlight' (also styled 'Starlite'). The pistol lacks the 1911's grip safety, adds a magazine safety, and feeds from an 8-round detachable box magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 709 g (25.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 193 mm (7.60") |
| Barrel Length | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 350 m/s (1148 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 456 J (336 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| 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 Thumb Safety, Magazine Safety
- Features: Single Action Only, External Extractor, Hinged Trigger, Lightweight Alloy Frame, Fixed Sights
Production
Production years: 1970-1975
Alloy-frame BKS produced circa 1970-1975; US importation continued into the early 1980s.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1981
Notes
Sold in the United States as the 'Starlight' (or 'Starlite') in reference to its then-novel alloy frame. Imported by the Garcia Corporation and later Interarms. The alloy frame BKS was produced only briefly; its firing pins are prone to breakage and surviving shootable examples are comparatively scarce.
Background
The 'Starlight' name played on the pistol's aluminum-alloy frame, a relative novelty in the early 1970s that made it markedly lighter than the all-steel Star BM. The novelty proved double-edged: period alloy technology and fragile firing pins mean few BKS pistols survive in shootable condition today.