Star SI-35
Star Bonifacio Echeverria · Submachine Gun · Out Of Production · 1935
Also known as: Star Si35, Star Model SI 35
Overview
The Star SI-35 was a Spanish submachine gun designed in 1935 by Star Bonifacio Echeverria and chambered primarily in 9x23mm Largo. It used a delayed (retarded) blowback action and was distinguished by a selectable cyclic rate, letting the firer choose between a slow ~300 rpm and a fast ~700 rpm rate via a second selector lever beside the safety. It was produced during the Spanish Civil War for both Republican and, after Eibar fell, Nationalist forces. The SI-35 line also included the fixed slow-rate RU-35 and fixed fast-rate TN-35.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3740 g (131.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 900 mm (35.43") |
| Barrel Length | 269 mm (10.59") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 150 m (164 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x23mm Largo · primary — also known as 9mm Largo, 9mm Bergmann-Bayard, 9x23mm Bergmann-Bayard
- .38 ACP — also known as .38 Auto, 9x23mm Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Selectable Rate Of Fire, Delayed Blowback Action, Milled Steel Magazines, Bayonet Lug, Wooden Rifle Stock
Variants
- Star RU-35 — Slow Rate Of Fire
- Star TN-35 — Fast Rate Of Fire
Service history
Operators
- Second Spanish Republic · adopted 1936
- Spanish State (Nationalist forces)
- Guardia Civil
Conflicts
- Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1935-1942
Produced in limited numbers; the complex selectable-rate mechanism made it expensive and slow to manufacture
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Bonifacio Echeverria
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
The model designation reflects the rate-of-fire arrangement: RU-35 = slow (~300 rpm), TN-35 = fast (~700 rpm), SI-35 = dual selectable. Magazines were milled rather than stamped and were offered in 10, 30 and 40-round capacities. A .38 Auto chambered variant was marketed for export as the 'Atlantic'.
Background
The SI-35's party trick was a second lever next to the safety that let the shooter dial the cyclic rate up or down on the fly, an unusually sophisticated feature for a 1930s submachine gun, but one that made the gun too costly and intricate for mass war production.