Star BM - 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum) Semi-Automatic Pistol The Star BM is a Spanish-made, compact, single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum). Produced by Star Bonifacio Echeverria S.A. from the early 1970s through the early 1990s, the BM was designed for military, police, and civilian use. Its durable construction, all-steel frame, and classic styling have earned it a strong following-especially among shooters and collectors looking for a quality 1911-inspired 9mm at a reasonable price. Design and Features Though it visually resembles the Colt 1911, the Star BM is not a clone and does not share parts compatibility. It features a single-action trigger, short recoil operation with a tilting-barrel design, and a compact steel frame that gives it a solid, service-grade feel. Controls are familiar to 1911 users: manual thumb safety, left-side magazine release, and a fixed barrel bushing. The slide and frame fit tightly, and the pistol is known for its reliability and surprising accuracy. Unlike the Colt 1911, the BM omits the grip safety and uses a more simplified internal mechanism. The BM's rugged construction made it a trusted sidearm for Spanish military and police forces, and it has since found a second life among U.S. surplus buyers and collectors. Specifications Action: Single-action, short recoil-operated Caliber: 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum) Barrel Length: 3.77 inches (96 mm) Overall Length: Approx. 7.25 inches Capacity: 8-round single-stack magazine Weight: Approx. 34 oz (all steel) Frame/Slide Material: Steel Grips: Checkered black plastic or wood (variant-dependent) Sights: Fixed front and rear notch Finish: Blued (standard), some parkerized variants Safety: Frame-mounted thumb safety (no grip safety) Legacy and Use The Star BM is widely respected for its robust construction, comfortable handling, and smooth shooting characteristics. Affordable surplus imports into the U.S. in the 2010s introduced the pistol to a new generation of enthusiasts, many of whom appreciate its value as a classic military sidearm and range pistol. While Star went out of business in the late 1990s, the BM continues to earn praise as one of the best budget-friendly surplus 9mm pistols, offering quality machining, steel durability, and historical value in a compact, no-frills package.