Star Modelo AS

Star Modelo AS star_as3.gif - 54758 Bytes

The Modelo AS is an evolution of the Model A series. The 'S' in the designation was Stars standard designation for a magazine safety (i.e. a BS was a model B with a magazine safety, etc.). This pistol is outwardly identical to the Star Modelo A. The AS was produced from 1956 until production ceased in 1983.

Below is an image of the markings found on the left side of the slide. They are standard Star markings found on most pistols. Just below the slide lock is the importer's stamp: Firearms Int'l Corp., Wash. D.C..

On first inspection there was no apparent Year of Proof stamp on this pistol. When the pistol was disassembled it was discovered under the left grip panel and is shown on the right magnified many times. From top to bottom, the markings are:
1. Late Eibar House Proof. Mark of admission to proof. Used after July 9, 1931-present.
2. Late Eibar Automatic Pistol Proof. Used after December 14 1929-present. This was struck on the pistol after it had been fired four times with the type of powder standard for the gun. The first two shots were proof loads which developed a 30% pressure surcharge, while the second two shots utilized standard cartridges to verify function.
3. Year of Proof Code O*1 signifying proof in 1970.

The butt of the pistol frame is marked in the standard 'late' Star manner, that being the model designation stamped to the rear of the magazine well. The magazine floor plate can also be seen in the picture with the importer's stamp on it.

As stated in the opening the main difference between the 'A' and the 'AS' is the magazine safety. On the left you can see how the magazine safety works. If you look about 2/3 of the way up the magazine safety you will notice a small 'arm' that protrudes into the magazine well. When the magazine is inserted it pushes this 'arm' out of the way flexing the magazine safety outward (it is retained by a slot at the bottom). This moves the magazine safety out of the sear bar's path of travel. If the magazine is not inserted the magazine safety is on the same plane as the sear bar and blocks it's movement to the rear precluding its interaction with the sear proper. You can also see the interrupter/disconnecter in this photo, which rests in a small recess in the slide when disengaged (as in this photo). When the slide is not in battery the interrupter/disconnecter is pushed downward. This moves the sear bar below the level of the sear and precludes engagement and release of the sear.

An Adobe PDF of the original owner's manual in English is available for download (524Kb).

Tabulated data is below:

Weight of Pistol with empty magazine: 37.5 ozs.
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Overall Length: 8.5"
Overall Height: 5.5"
Width of Grip: 1"
Length of Barrel: 5"
Length of Rifled Section: 4.13"
Outside Dia. of barrel at chamber: .669"
Outside Dia of barrel at rifled section: .512"
Number of Grooves: 6
Depth of Grooves: .0039"
Width of Grooves: .1259"
Twist of Rifling: 1/12.24"
Length of Cartridge: 1.280"
Weight of Cartridge Core: 67.75grs.
Weight of Bullet: 130grs.
Weight of Powder: 5.39grs.
Total Weight of Cartridge: 202.89grs.
Muzzle Velocity: 1,206fps.
Muzzle Energy: 410 ft.lbs.
Chamber Presure: 29,157psi
Penetration in 7/8" pine boards at 15 feet: 8.55"

Star Pistol Timeline
Star Modelo AS pictures

Star AS
Left Side

Star AS
Right Side