Star Si35

Star Bonifacio Echeverria · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1935

Also known as: Star Model Si35, Star SI 35

Overview

The Star Si35 is a Spanish submachine gun developed by Star Bonifacio Echeverria of Eibar and introduced in 1935. Chambered in 9mm Largo, it used a delayed-blowback, open-bolt action and fed from 10-, 30- or 40-round magazines. Unusually for its era it offered a selectable rate of fire, with a second selector lever allowing the user to switch the cyclic rate between roughly 300 and 700 rounds per minute. Saw use during the Spanish Civil War.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3800 g (134.0 oz)
Overall Length900 mm (35.43")
Barrel Length269 mm (10.59")
Action TypeDelayed Blowback
Firing MechanismOpen Bolt
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity381 m/s (1250 fps)
Muzzle Energy541 J (399 ft·lbf)
Effective Range150 m (164 yd)
Rate of Fire700 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Production years: 1935-1939

Produced in limited numbers; manufactured for the Republicans until the capture of Eibar shifted production to the Nationalists.

Origin

Country of origin: Spain

Discontinued: 1939

Notes

The Si35, RU35 and TN35 were visually identical and mechanically nearly the same, differing chiefly in cyclic rate: the RU35 fired at about 300 rpm, the TN35 at about 700 rpm, while the Si35 could toggle between the two. The design was reliable but unnecessarily complex and costly to manufacture.

Background

Built in Eibar in the Basque Country, the Si35 family was caught up in the Spanish Civil War: it was produced for the Republican side until Nationalist forces captured the city, after which output served the opposing army.