Star Firearms

Star Firearms, formally known as Star Bonifacio Echeverria, is a historic Spanish handgun manufacturer recognized for precision-built service pistols and compact sidearms. Based in the Basque town of Eibar, Star produced small arms for military, police, and civilian markets from the early 1900s until the late 1990s. Known for early Mannlicher-style pocket pistols, 1911-inspired designs, and later Petter-influenced double-action models, Star pistols earned a reputation for solid steel construction and dependable performance. Today, Star firearms are prized by collectors and practical shooters who value Spanish engineering, classic ergonomics, and the distinctive heritage of Star Bonifacio Echeverria.

Precision Service Handguns

Star pistols are known for practical accuracy and smooth operation, built around well-fitted steel frames, consistent lockup, and usable fixed sights. Many models, from early Ruby-pattern pistols to later Super and BM series handguns, were designed to provide reliable service accuracy with manageable triggers and controllable recoil. Tight but serviceable tolerances in the slide, barrel, and locking surfaces help maintain repeatable point of impact, which is one reason Star pistols continue to see regular range use among enthusiasts of classic European sidearms.

Versatile Duty and Defense Sidearms

From early contracts with the French military to long-running use by Spanish police and civil guard units, Star pistols were built for real service roles. The company produced models in popular calibers such as .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, 9 mm Largo, 9 mm Luger, and .45 ACP, giving agencies and civilians a wide range of configurations suited to duty carry, concealed use, and target shooting. Later designs drew heavily from the Petter-style layout seen in pistols like the SIG P210 and CZ-75, with inverted slide rails and improved ergonomics that appealed to modern shooters looking for robust all-metal pistols.

All-Steel Reliability and Long Service Life

Star Bonifacio Echeverria leaned on Eibar’s long history of “Spanish steel,” producing all-steel pistols known for durability and straightforward maintenance. Frames, slides, and barrels were built to withstand extended firing schedules, while many models used simple, proven blowback or Browning-type tilting barrel systems that armorers could service easily. Even decades after production ended, Star pistols remain in circulation thanks to rugged construction, parts compatibility across model lines, and a design ethos that favored reliability over unnecessary complexity.

Product Focus

Rifles

Although best known for handguns, Star’s engineering experience extended to a limited selection of pistol-caliber carbines and long-arm variants based on its pistol actions. These firearms focused on practical handling and familiar controls, offering extended sight radius and improved stability over a handgun while maintaining the same magazines and calibers. Intended primarily for police and security applications, these carbines provided straightforward operation, modest recoil, and simple maintenance. While produced in smaller numbers than the company’s pistols, they illustrate how Star adapted its core designs into longer-barreled platforms for patrol and special-purpose roles.

Shop Rifles

Pistols

Pistols remain the heart of the Star legacy. Early offerings included Mannlicher-influenced designs and Ruby-type pistols that served France during World War I, followed by 1911-style handguns chambered in calibers such as 9 mm Largo, .45 ACP, and 9 mm Luger. Iconic models like the Star Model A and Model B carried the Browning tilting-barrel system into military and police service, while compact variants such as the BM and BKM offered lighter, carry-oriented options. Later “modern era” pistols adopted inverted slide rails and closed cam-path locking, along with double-action mechanisms on many models, reflecting contemporary trends in service pistol design. Across these generations, Star pistols earned a following for solid triggers, reliable feeding, and sturdy builds that still appeal to collectors and shooters who appreciate classic steel sidearms.

Shop Pistols

Shotguns

Star Bonifacio Echeverria was primarily a producer of pistol-caliber firearms, not a dedicated shotgun maker. For buyers browsing Star Arms listings, most long guns encountered will be carbines or other small-arms variants rather than true shotguns. Collectors and historians tend to focus on the company’s pistols and pistol-caliber platforms, which represent the core of Star’s production and design expertise. When a listing references Star in connection with a long gun, it is usually of interest for its relationship to the company’s handgun lineage rather than as a purpose-built shotgun line.

Shop Shotguns

Frequently asked questions

What makes Star pistols notable?

Star pistols are known for rugged steel construction, practical ergonomics, and reliable operation, traits that kept them in service with police and military users for decades.

Did Star produce 9 mm pistols?

Yes. Star offered numerous 9 mm pistol models, including designs chambered for 9 mm Largo and later 9 mm Luger, many of which became popular service sidearms and export pistols.

Are Star firearms still made today?

Original Star Bonifacio Echeverria production ended in 1997 after bankruptcy. Some intellectual property and machinery later contributed to new ventures, but classic Star pistols are now legacy firearms found on the used market.

Are Star pistols suitable for regular range use?

Many shooters still use Star pistols for recreational shooting and informal competition, provided the firearm has been inspected by a qualified gunsmith and is fed appropriate ammunition for its original chambering.

Are parts still available for Star handguns?

Parts support now comes from surplus stocks and specialist vendors, as well as custom gunsmiths familiar with Spanish service pistols. Common wear items such as springs and magazines can often still be sourced for popular models.

Where can I find Star firearms for sale?

Star pistols and related small arms are typically available through collector-focused dealers, online auction sites, and secondary-market listings like those found on GunsAmerica.

About

Star Firearms, operating as Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A., built its reputation on compact pistols, service sidearms, and pistol-caliber firearms produced in Spain’s Eibar region. Drawing on a local gunmaking tradition that predates smokeless powder, the company evolved from building early Mannlicher-style pistols to supplying military contracts and developing its own lines of 1911-inspired and Petter-influenced designs. Today, Star firearms occupy an important place in 20th-century small-arms history and remain a favorite among enthusiasts who value classic steel construction and distinctive Spanish engineering.

History

Popular Models

Latest Firearm News & Reviews

Stay informed with the latest news, expert reviews, and in-depth articles on firearms, shooting sports, and gun-related topics. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the world of firearms, our collection of articles will keep you updated on industry trends, product launches, and valuable tips for responsible gun ownership.