Star Firearms — C-series pistols
The C-series is a straight blowback vest pocket pistol which falls in size between the H and E series. All model C pistols are in .25 ACP (6.35 mm), so this is essentially a larger model E (or later, Starlite).
All these weapons are steel framed, single action pistols with a fixed barrel. The reciprocating slide is the rear third and sides of the remainder of the top end. The barrel is visible above the forward part of the slide and does not move on firing. The extractor is at the 12 o'clock position.
Manuals for Star Vest-Pocket Pistols
I now have our first manual for a Star vest-pocket pistol. As with many of the manuals, its rather slim, and doesn't have step-by-step illustrations of stripping, for example.
- All C-series pistols should work well with the CU & Starlet manual (220 kb PDF) scanned by Larry Miller.
Models CO
There is apparently no base Model C pistol, the first variant being the Model CO. This pistol was produced from 1930 to 1956, when it was replaced with the Model CU.
The layout of the Model CO is entirely typical of Star, and other, vest pocket pistols. The magazine release is conventiently located on the left side behind the trigger guard instead of on the butt, but the safety is a small lever behind the trigger. Stocks seem to have been either black hard rubber with an unusual Star diamond logo of sorts, or smooth wood.
Model CO E
Since almost their earliest days, Bonifacio Echeverria has offered factory engraved pistols as custom order pieces. The detail range varies widely, based on the price the customer is willing to pay. Though these were mostly done on pocket pistols, the service was available for all firearms. I have never encountered an engraved SMG, but would not be suprised.
A number of Model CO pistols were made with a standard engraving package, and sold as the model COE, where E stands for "engraved." These do not seem to have been distributed in the special custom-engraving boxes, and presumably commanded a lower price as the detail level was set by the factory. Stocks were synthetic Mother of Pearl. While advertised as unbreakable, they have proven fragile over time.
I have never encountered a model C, or any other model of Star pistol with a model number stamp to indicate the engraving (though it is possible they exist). The COE designation was just used on boxes, in order forms and catalogs and within the factory.
Model CU
In 1956, production of the Model CO pistols was dropped in favor of an upgraded C series called the Model CU. This pistol remained in production until 1973.
The primary changes were to bring this weapon up to date with a conventional thumb safety. The magazine release was enlarged, the gripframe was slightly lengthened and flared at the bottom, and numerous small changes were made. Stocks were apparently always black or brown checkered plastic with the Star logo.
The pistol was available with black or chromed slides, and anodized frames in black, "RAF Blue," "Forest Green," "Antique Gold" and "Steel Gray." These colors may have been available with other models as well and seem to have replaced the factory engraving package of the CO. See the D series page for an example of a Star bright anodized frame.
Model CK
The model CK is identical to the other CU, with a thumb safety, but were aluminum-framed to reduce weight. These were introduced with the CU in 1973, and produced thru the end of classic series production in 1983. This pistol may also have been sold in the US under the name "Starlet" though that name comes up for other guns as well. As on the CU, stocks seem to have been either black or red-brown checkered plastic.