Star Z-70B
Star Bonifacio Echeverria · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1971
Also known as: Star Z70B, Z-70, Subfusil Star Z-70B
Overview
The Star Z-70B is a Spanish blowback-operated, select-fire submachine gun developed by Star Bonifacio Echeverria and introduced in 1971 as a refinement of the earlier Z-62. Firing from an open bolt, it chambers the 9mm Largo (9x23mm) cartridge in Spanish service and 9x19mm Parabellum for export. The Z-70B replaced the Z-62's unusual two-finger trigger with a conventional trigger and a separate safety/fire-selector switch above the trigger guard, and features an under-folding metal stock that doubles as a foregrip.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2870 g (101.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 701 mm (27.60") |
| Folded Length | 480 mm (18.90") |
| Barrel Length | 201 mm (7.91") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x23mm Largo (Bergmann-Bayard) · primary — also known as 9mm Largo, 9mm Bergmann, 9mm Bergmann-Bayard, 9x23mm Bergmann
- 9x19mm Parabellum · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector Lever
- Features: Folding Metal Stock, Select Fire, Under Folding Stock Doubles As Foregrip
Variants
- Star Z-62 - Predecessor
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Armed Forces · adopted 1971 · as Z-70B
- Guardia Civil
Production
Production years: 1971-1985
Standard Spanish service submachine gun until replaced by the Star Z-84
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Notes
The Z-70B modernized the Z-62 with a conventional single trigger, a fire-selector switch above the trigger guard, and a redesigned magazine catch. Spanish forces replaced it with the Star Z-84 in the mid-1980s.
Background
The Z-70B's folding steel buttstock swings down and forward to sit under the barrel, where it doubles as a handguard, a legacy of the compact Z-62 design intended for vehicle crews and paratroopers.