Star Z-62
Star Bonifacio Echeverria · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1962
Also known as: Star Model Z62, Z-62
Overview
The Star Z-62 is a Spanish blowback-operated, selective-fire submachine gun developed by Star Bonifacio Echeverria around 1962. Firing from an open bolt, it is most recognizable for its distinctive two-finger trigger that doubles as the fire selector: pressing the upper portion fires single shots and the lower portion fires fully automatic. Issued chiefly in 9x23mm Largo for Spanish service and in 9x19mm Parabellum for export, it replaced the older Star Z-45 in the Spanish armed forces, Guardia Civil and police, feeding from a 30-round box magazine through a perforated barrel jacket that also serves as a heat shield.
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 | Two 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
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Two Finger Selective Fire Trigger, Perforated Barrel Jacket, Non Reciprocating Charging Handle, Open Bolt
Variants
- Star Z-63 — Caliber Variant
- Star Z-70 — Improved Model
- Star Z-70B — Improved Model
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Army · adopted 1962
- Guardia Civil
- Spanish National Police
Conflicts
- Western Sahara War (1975-1991)
Production
Production years: 1962-1971
Superseded in Spanish production by the Z-70 series, which adopted the 9x19mm Parabellum NATO cartridge as standard.
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Designer: Star Bonifacio Echeverria
Discontinued: 1971
Notes
The unusual two-stage trigger that selects fire mode by which part of the trigger is depressed was the Z-62's most distinctive and most criticized feature. The 9x19mm Parabellum export variant was designated the Z-63; once 9x19mm became the Spanish NATO-standard service cartridge the design evolved into the Z-70, and the improved Z-70B replaced the two-finger trigger and cross-bolt safety with a conventional trigger and a separate fire-selector switch above the trigger guard.
Background
The Z-62's signature dual-segment trigger let a soldier switch between single shots and automatic fire purely by finger placement, with no separate selector lever; though clever, the arrangement proved error-prone under stress and was abandoned on the later Z-70B in favour of a conventional selector switch.