Star Z-70B
Star Bonifacio Echeverria · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1971
Also known as: Z-70/B, Star Model Z-70B
Overview
The Star Z-70B is a Spanish 9x19mm blowback submachine gun produced by Star Bonifacio Echeverria, adopted by the Spanish armed forces in 1971. It was a refinement of the earlier Star Z-62: the Z-70B replaced the Z-62's unusual two-zone progressive ('double-crescent') trigger with a conventional single trigger and a separate three-position fire-selector/safety lever, making the weapon far more conventional to handle. It retained stamped sheet-steel construction, an under-folding stock and a forward-raked magazine well that doubles as a foregrip.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2700 g (95.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 700 mm (27.56") |
| Folded Length | 480 mm (18.90") |
| Barrel Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Parkerized |
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: Fire Selector Lever, Sear Block
- Features: Under Folding Stock, Perforated Barrel Shroud, Forward Raked Magazine Well, Non Reciprocating Charging Handle, Flip Up Rear Sight
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Spanish Army · adopted 1971 · as Z-70B
- Guardia Civil
Production
Production years: 1971-1985
Standard Spanish military and Guardia Civil SMG of the 1970s; exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: Spain
Discontinued: 1985
Notes
Phased out of frontline Spanish service from the mid-1980s, replaced by the Star Z-84 and later the Heckler & Koch MP5. Large quantities were later sold off as parts kits.
Background
Often nicknamed the 'Spanish Sterling' for its visual resemblance to the British Sterling, the Z-70B's defining change was ergonomic: it ditched the Z-62's surprising two-stage trigger (press partway for semi, all the way for full-auto) for a normal trigger and proper selector lever.