Star Z-45
Star Bonifacio Echeverria S.A. · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1944
Also known as: Star Model Z-45, Z-45
Overview
The Star Z-45 is a Spanish selective-fire submachine gun developed by Bonifacio Echeverria S.A. of Eibar toward the end of World War II as an improved, refined derivative of the German MP 40. Chambered for the 9x23mm Largo cartridge, it operates on a simple blowback action firing from an open bolt and feeds from a 30-round detachable box magazine. Its progressive trigger delivers single shots with a short pull and fully automatic fire with a longer pull, and it features a detachable quick-change barrel with a slotted cooling jacket and integral muzzle brake-compensator. The Z-45 served the Spanish military and security forces for decades after the war.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3870 g (136.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 841 mm (33.11") |
| Folded Length | 580 mm (22.83") |
| Barrel Length | 192 mm (7.56") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Progressive |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 365 m/s (1198 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 535 J (395 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 450 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| 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
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Bolt Handle Safety, Moving Firing Pin
- Features: Progressive Trigger, Detachable Quick Change Barrel, Slotted Barrel Jacket, Muzzle Brake Compensator, Bottom Folding Stock, Wooden Forend
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Armed Forces · adopted 1945 · as Z-45
- Spanish Guardia Civil
- Portuguese Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Ifni War (1957-1958)
Production
Production years: 1944-1963
Remained in production into the early 1960s before being replaced in Spanish service by the Star Z-62.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Bonifacio Echeverria
Discontinued: 1963
Notes
Barrel-length figures vary by source between roughly 190 mm and 250 mm; the slotted barrel jacket and bottom-folding metallic stock are borrowed directly from the MP 40. Export models were offered in 9x19mm Parabellum, .38 ACP and .45 ACP. A shorter 10-round magazine was available for law-enforcement use.
Background
Conceived as a Spanish answer to the MP 40, the Z-45 improved on its German inspiration with a progressive trigger, a quick-change barrel and a redesigned firing pin for added safety. It later turned up as a movie prop in 1960s television such as The Rat Patrol, owing to Spain's popularity as a filming location.