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Star Model S: A Compact .380 for the Spanish Air Force (ad-free)
🕑 Added 2023-06-02 12:00:02 +0000 UTCStar introduced their first compact tilting-barrel pistol (the Model D) in 1922. The Spanish military was interested in something along these lines, but the Model D was intended to be a civilian pocket-carry gun, and was just too small for military use. What was needed was something still compact, but with a full-size grip - a gun that could serve as a pilot's emergency pistol, for instance. Star developed this as the Model S, still chambered for the .380ACP cartridge, but with an 8-round capacity.
The Model S was introduced in 1935, but the Spanish Civil War the next year prevented production from really beginning until 1939. The Model S at that point does get a lot of Spanish military and police interest, including a contract from the Spanish Air Force, which this pistol is an example of (manufactured in 1945). They were purchased by a number of foreign militaries as well, and served with Spanish police forces into the 1990s - despite most people thinking they were just a civilian pistol.
Comments
Paul Beck
The sound problem was at My end so I will delete other post. 🙄😏
Forgotten Weapons
I'm not sure what the problem is - the sound on this one works fine for me.
Paul Beck
The 1968 GCA, like other US gun laws. became absurd as time went on. That law was passed when concealed carry permits were non-existent except to the rich and famous, and the rationale was why would anyone need a small pistol? Handguns had to have a sporting use! Now that concealed carry permits are commonplace, and given supreme court decisions that, in effect, sporting use has nothing to do with it, the idea of banning the importation of concealable handguns makes no sense other than to prop up US manufacturers.
Richard Joy
Very neat backstory on the import history.
ViejoLobo
Detonics used the protruding follower to gain an additional round. I think the loaded mag indication was just a side benefit. That follower was no thicker than a standard 1911 follower, was sharp and nasty, and would eat your jacket liner PDQ. Star did it right 30 years earlier.
Guido Schriewer
so like an oooold browning 1911-380 and a hair different touch. hmm. quality can't be THAT bad with such a long service record, can it.
