Anyone Carry A Star Firestar?

[Grapeshot]

Here another one that people often miss:
http://www.gun-parts.com/star/

Has parts and schematics for Stars.

 

[Cossack54]

While we're on the subject of the Firestar, is there another gunmakers holster that will fit the firestar m40? I'm really looking for a Safariland ALS holster for it. I heard that a Colt commander or Colt Defender(something along these lines) or a Sig model would work. I don't think that most places will like the idea of me opening packages and trying to see how it fits my Firestar. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Trinity]

i just got given a firestar m43. I love the gun but one thing I am trying to ascertain is whether its possible to mod the gun to have a laser sight. i have seen the trigger mount ones and they look quite toyish and unreliable if not hard to place in a holster or get on in a hurry. has any one ether modified the frame to have a front rail or modified a after-market grip with built in laser sight to fit the m43 that is made for another make of gun?

 

[John Pierce]

This is a test.

Please ignore.


John

 

[lil_freak_66]

link works for me, and i carry a star firestar in 9mm. shoots like a dream, with the factory mags at least, with the pro mag i have...i consistently get a fte every 3-4 rounds, and it doesnt lock the slide open when empty.

use factory mags! the aftermarkets are junk.

also, ive heard of some people using sig mags reliably in firestars, but i cant find the link to it anymore, and i dont remember what model of sig it was, any input?

 

[billymac296]

Another M45 Firestar owner here, just joined the site after reading the thread. Nice!

 

[Have Gun - Will Carry]

While we're on the subject of the Firestar, is there another gunmakers holster that will fit the firestar m40? I'm really looking for a Safariland ALS holster for it. I heard that a Colt commander or Colt Defender(something along these lines) or a Sig model would work. I don't think that most places will like the idea of me opening packages and trying to see how it fits my Firestar. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

(I stumbled across this thread looking for more info about Firestars, so excuse my lateness to the party.)

Well, it's not an ALS, but if you'd consider a leather belt slide with thumb break, I found the right holster. For me, at least. A Galco Fletch FL290 that was designed for the Kahr K9/P9 and K40/P40, fits my Firestar M40 very well.

I can't say it's a perfect fit because the Kahrs are hammerless with a blocky slide, so the Firestar has a bit of wiggle room at the top of this holster - but it fits securely and can't be pulled out without releasing the thumb snap. It actually fits better with the hammer down, but I carry in Condition 1 and it's fine. I love it!

BTW, a Commander holster is way too big for the Firestars, although a Colt Defender might be about the right size. Firestars look a bit like the small SIGs, so that's another possibility - but I don't know what models. I'd look for holsters that fit the Kahrs - but whatever brand you try, check them carefully because the polymer retention type you're looking for might not fit the profile of the Firestar frame or trigger guard closely enough to lock on or release correctly.

 

[Producer]

I own a Star Firestar M-40 and I have owned it since 1989. It is very reliable and even if you OC, it does not stand out. I prefer concealed carry as I do not want anyone to know that I am carrying. Too many times people have freaked out when they see someone OC. The old adage that ignorance is bliss is not too far from the truth.

I am currently searching for an extractor for my M-40. Do you or anyone you know have any ideas?

Good Luck in OC

I purchased a M40 Firestar new in 1993 - it was one of the original 'pocket' pistols chambered for the .40 S&W. A little heavy, and single action - so you had to carry hammer up and safety on, as opposed to DA - but pretty good for its time. I graduated to a Beretta Tomcat .32 ACP in 1996, alternated with my classic S&W Model 36 with +P loads, and then to a Kahr PM9. Kahr also has a PM40.

The Star has extractor problems , as I found out and the above poster mentions. I found a gunsmith (M&M Gunsmithing) who worked at Interarms for a long time who repaired my Star back in 2004. Here is his explanation:
--------------------
Hi xxxxx,
The extractors have been long gone for the M40. It was the major weak spot in that chambering.

If you have the old extractor body I rebuild them for $xx.00. You would need to send the slide & barrel for me to complete this repair. I have a lower I use to test fire.
------------------------------ here is his current contact information:
http://www.mmgunsmithing.com/
M&M Gunsmithing is a shop offering a full line of gunsmithing services.Our gunsmith is a graduate of the Pennsylvania School who was employed as a gunsmith at Interarms for nearly 15 years and has vast experience with their firearms (Rossi, Star, Walther, Mark X, Astra, Va. Dragoon, FEG, Helwan, Bersa, Bernardelli). Repair and custom work is offered for all manufactures.
M&M Gunsmithing
2423 Carter Grove Rd
Hazel Green, Al 35750 Phone: 571-276-7676
E-mail: mail@mmgunsmithing.com
--------------------------------

By the way - a holster for the Kahr PM 9 should fit the Firestar - my Bianchi Black Widow 5 works fine. Optics Planet (about $48) and Midway seem to have good prices.

So now my Firestar M40 is a range gun - it functions fine - thanks to M&M - had given some thought to selling it and was checking prices, hence I found this thread.

 

[Grapeshot]

Iparguns, the Spanish firm that bought all of the parts, toolings etc., from Star is still in business - see post #140.

I also had an extractor problem. Called them and they sent me 2 of everything I needed (no extra charge for the spare parts) - arrived in under a week.

Yes the M-40 feels a bit heavy to some - we're talking ounces, not pounds - but that is the very reason it tames felt recoil so well. Mine is uber reliable, eats anything I feed it and quiet good looking - Starvel with polished wood grips. Considerably more than combat accurate - it is my choice when I do not elect to carry a 1911.

Have five SS factory mags (1 w/extension), original black rubber grips, and original box w/papers. No its not for sale.

Am also making a note of M&M Gunsmithing - thanks.

 

[GWbiker]

A few months ago I sold my M-43 to a PHX dealer who forked out close to $500 for boxed handgun, cleaning kit, IB and four OEM magazines, two extended mags. I bought the gun in '93 when Interarms was still going strong. I found the M-43 to be very reliable, accurate and with STAR rubber grips, recoil is very tame.

I've been watching the development of the SIG P-938 SAO in 9mm, a slightly bigger brother to the SAO P238 .380acp.

Maybe the M-43 has returned to serve us well again?

 

[Grapeshot]

Picture of mine - sorry about the fuzzy image

While I daily carry a 1911, this is my Sunday go to meetin' gun when I want something a bit more tidy.


My FireStar M40 is one of my favorite compact handguns - totally reliable and very accurate. Carry it in a Galico F519T AV218 holster.

 

[FireStar M40]

Combat Customized FireStar M40..

Look at my photos and see post #17 in link below..







Combat Customized FireStar M40

FireStar M40

 

[Grapeshot]

Just realized that I've been typing M43 which is a 9mm, when I do know better - mine is also a M40, .40 ca. :banghead:
Have original box and papers with mine too.

See edit to post #151 above.

 

[RikuNoganashi]

M43 FireStar

I have the M43 in the Starvel, I love it, got it at a shop for two hundred, and Ive probably put 400 plus rounds through it already, Soon as my permit arrives, Im probably not going to take it off my side, I personally think its a great gun, and for the price I paid, You cant beat it.

 

[ARADCOM]

Firestar M40

Starvel Firestar M40 in a nice custom leather Milt Sparks holster. I also have a nice custom Leather Arsenal holster for it. One of my favorite guns. Heavy, but totally reliable for 20+ years.

Wore out the grips but just put on a new set of the originals I got from IPARGUNS MANUFACTURA DE ARMAS S.L in Spain.

Grapeshot, where did you get your nice wood grips? I also have the original box, accessories, manual, etc.

 

[Grapeshot]

Starvel Firestar M40 in a nice custom leather Milt Sparks holster. I also have a nice custom Leather Arsenal holster for it. One of my favorite guns. Heavy, but totally reliable for 20+ years.

Wore out the grips but just put on a new set of the originals I got from IPARGUNS MANUFACTURA DE ARMAS S.L in Spain.

Grapeshot, where did you get your nice wood grips? I also have the original box, accessories, manual, etc.

Those grips really are sweet aren't they - not only do they look good, but they fit my hand better with the contoured shape. Unfortunately, I have no idea as to their origin. They were on the gun when I bought it and not marked. Have seen exotic woods for these models on-line recently though.

 

[lil_freak_66]

I carry an m43, have been for about a year and a half daily.

Added a hogue slip on grip and it fits nicely, also changed the white dot sights to a two color dot system, neon green rear and neon orange front. Also mixed in a tiny bit of glow in the dark and clear reflective. You can just barely make them out in no light, certainly not tritium but better than nothing. The reflective helps a tiny bit in low light.

Also polished up the rails and feed ramp and action a bit, knocked off the pull weight bout half a pound. Going to remove mag disconnect soon, also am working on some wood grips that are slowly but surely coming along.

They fit glock 19 serpa holsters securely, just have to crank down the retention screw.tiny bit of wobble but retention holds good.

Put about 400 rounds through it with no problem, eats up anything from wolf to Winchester to federal, it carries 136gr. Hornady critical defense +p

 

[Grapeshot]

I carry an m43, have been for about a year and a half daily.
--snip--
They fit glock 19 serpa holsters securely, just have to crank down the retention screw.tiny bit of wobble but retention holds good.

Now that is very interesting - I will check that out for both M43 & M40.

The slight amount of wobble probably can be corrected via carefull use of a heat gun or a small piece of suede on the inside. Think I just found me a new mini project

 

[lil_freak_66]

i took a piece of self adhesive foam insulation(like the universal aftermarket door seal walmart has) and it worked to halt the wobble.

i forgot i relieved the holster slightly for the mag release too(but im a lefty, a righty may not have to), and replaced the factory retention screw with aftermarket with washers added. didnt have to, i was just worried about stripping it and you can never be too safe with holster use. ive been using this setup for about a year, along with a paddle double mag pouch for a 1911(fobus 4500)

heres some pics, i know they are slightly blurry, my phone has a hard time focusing on a black object on a light colored floor without natural light to help



here you can see the relief cut i made for the mag release(remember, likely not an issue on a right handed holster) and the screw and washer for retention
you can also see where i added the foam insulation at the top of the slide.



and here is the repainting of the sights i did, really easy since the factory painted dots are basically a paint drop into a hole on the sight post, just have to put a tiny drop in each hole to cover the old ones.



here is a group from two mags worth of draw-double tap-reholster-repeat at 20 feet, im no expert marskman but the gun is certainly accurate enough and the weight makes follow up shots quick.

 

[Grapeshot]

Nice job adapting the holster.

The M43 and sister M40 Stars are certainly combat accurate w/o question.