My Son's First!

[kilogulf59]

Howdy folks and I finally got here. It's been awhile I know and sorry. My absence was mainly due to health, weather, and the swimming pool...oops...I mean basement. Rough winter and spring so far here in beautiful central Wisconsin...

Any-who, I thought some of you all might like to see this old warhorse...

This is a sneak peak at Matt’s (my son) first pistol that our very own Sam slickered up. It is a Star Modelo B “Super” in 9mm Largo. This specimen is of 1946 vintage and was presumably in use with the Spanish Guardia Civil. There will be a detailed report on this pistol as soon as weather, floods, pestilence, and plagues subside (I knew that idol in the yard was a bad idea…).

Folks, Sam is THE gunsmith and let me tell you he’s a heck of a great guy to deal with as well. Stop in at his site, Wildcat Traders LLC for further information. This year I hope to get my M65 out to him for some special treatment.

More to follow and enjoy the pictures…it shoots better than it looks if you can believe that.

Before - a stock pistol.


After - it's been Sam-a-tized...

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Gunnutty]

Wow quite a difference. Very nice looking pistol.

[retsupt99]

Nice looking pistol? No...
A fantastic looking pistol...very classy...

[nn]

The pistol looks good!

I understand the basement thing, I grew up in waukesha co.
Many a time Dad had me bail the basement with a bucket.

[rocky]

Wow, that looks great!

[kilogulf59]

Thanks gents and the best part is when Matt bought one he got another for old Dad as well (mine is a stocker). What a nice kid and if I only didn’t have to remind him to take out the trash…LOL

The Largo round is a great one and, I am sure, if it were not for the FMJ bullet European thing it would have eclipsed the Parabellum. Hand loading is where the Largo shines and this can be accomplished with 9mm Lugar dies. With good (Starline) brass and an inspected pistol, one can safely attain 1300 fps with a 147 gn. LHP bullet. Folks that makes the Super essentially a 10-shot .357.

BTW, Sam also modified the pistol to accept .38 Super rounds though we haven‘t tried any yet. I recommend this feature on the pistol should you purchase one. Sam tested the weapon with both calibers…naturally it worked flawlessly.

The Star Modelo B Super in an extremely well made pistol. Built on the Browning pattern with a few improvements such as a loaded chamber indicator, simple takedown lever, the safety disengages the sear completely, and the swing-link was replaced with a cam lock integral with the barrel. Oh, the standard fixed sights are much easier to pickup than the typical “GI” style 1911’s are. This pistol is also a very natural pointer, for us at least, making it, IMO, a great combat automatic.

Carrying the pistol is like packing a single-stack version of the Hi-Power as opposed to a 1911. It’s very comfortable for IWB and that says a lot as my “WB” seems to be getting steadily tighter.

My advice is to contact the nice folks at SARCO, pick up a “Super” plus the 3-pack of magazines and have Sam do his magic. Well, at the very least have him certify the pistol and magazines for duty (something I recommend with any old, used firearm, it‘s your arse on the line). The reason why I recommend Sam Damewood is threefold. First, Sam is a master gunsmith, not a parts replacing “Dremel jocky”. Many times when we spoke I could hear the lathe running in the background and he can make parts it they‘re unavailable. Second, Sam know Star pistols intimately. As a matter of fact he carries one daily and got us “addicted” to them. Third, aside from his extremely reasonable prices, Sam is a standup guy to deal with; how many times can we say that nowadays?

As I stated earlier, I will do a detailed report on Matt’s particular specimen as time (and weather) permits. Until then, here’s a few more pictures of one sweet pistol…they’re enlargeable so just click ‘em.


[hr]

To all,

Please don’t misunderstand me, this isn’t bragging or boasting on my part…it’s pride. I never had a customized pistol and I also love to see good old things made useable and beautiful again, Sam has accomplished both. Now, at least, my son has his first pistol, it’s customized and certified, and it’s a darn good model to boot. This automatic undoubtedly will be serving and protecting our family long after I cant - thank you Sam.

[Linda]

Wow, that's gorgeous!!! You'd never know it was the same firearm!!!

[kilogulf59]

Thank you Linda.

The best part is, so far, it's 100% reliable...

[Supertac45]

How many rounds?

[Rhome]

Absolutuly gorgeous! Kilo you are correct, they are a great firearm, I wish I bought one when they were legal in CA.

[kilogulf59]

Supertac45,

Due to local weather conditions (and basement seepage) and work (he works odd hours and split shifts), he’s been popping off 50 to 100 rounds here and there. The pistol worked before Sam got it and only works smoother now. Owing to the fact that this pistol is a fulltime weapon, we decided not to “accurize” it any. Besides, the gun is more accurate than we are already. I’m not sure if Sam shot any formal groups with it so I cannot say. Both Star’s can dance pop cans at 10 yards, or so, easily. “Minute of paper plate” shots at 8 yards are no sweat and that’s shooting fast, not target shooting.

Now you have me wondering what it would do off a rest?

Rhome,

Thank you very much, Matt will be very happy to hear that.

They are not legal in Cali? An old SA Automatic? That is odd…but hey, I used to live in and around Chicago…

You are right and I wish I “discovered” Star pistols years ago when they were cheap and plentiful. I can think of 4 to 5 models I would love to own. Highly underrated and overlooked weapons IMO, and very high quality as well.

[pgrass101]

Wow great pistol