Star Firearms — Ultrastar-series pistols
Model 205 Ultrastar 9 mm & .40 cal. Pistols
Also using the same operating method as the M31, but with an ejector port locking block, the Ultrastar pistols are smaller and lighter guns for carry and concealment. A single-column pistol in either 9 mm Parabellum or .40 S&W cal., their primary feature of interest is a polymer frame. This is constructed with steel inserts and a ribbed magazine well for extra stiffness and strength. Fitted with a straight barrel instead of a cone, the Ultrastars are lightweight and well-suited for their intended role, with even the safety lever designed fit flush when on 'fire.'
Ultrastars are also single-column pistols, which is unusual for a newly-deisgned pistol these days, and helps make the gun slim and comfortable. They could have been designed even more slim, but instead there is significant thickness, with reinforcing webs, under each grip area. This gives the frame a very solid feel, something lacking in many other plastic framed pistols.
The Ultrastars firing pin/safety system is substantially that of the M28/30/31. The safety lever is arranged opposite that of other modern Star pistols (protruding to the rear of the axis) and is designed to fit flush when on fire, instead of sticking out like most others. The firing pin stop plate is set up as usual; depress the firing pin to slide the plate up and off. The drop safety will, of course, have to be depressed to allow enough travel in the firing pin.
The stripping pin is retained in the frame when pushed to the side to strip and is separate from the slide lock, as on the Megastar. The slide lock lever, magazine release and other features are reminiscent of the Megastar as well.
Note that there is a small stud protruding from the bottom of the butt. This looks like a lanyard loop they cut off instead of including. It makes me wonder if the pistol, in one form or another, was designed originally as a service weapon, though this is pure guesswork on my part.
Manuals for the Ultrastar Pistol
Despite its one-piece plastic frame, with integral stocks, the Ultrastar is assembled and strips in a manner very similar to other modern era pistols, like the 28/30/31, and the Megastar. There are some differences, of course, and we now have a manual to guide you specifically for this gun.
Though the manual says its for the .40 S≈W version, only the cover page and some specifications are different; the guns are identical in all respects but caliber, so this will work for the 9 mm variant just as well.
Download a manual for the Ultrastar Pistol 4.7mb PDF
Model 105 Star 9 mm & .40 cal. Pistols
The plastic framed M205 Ultrastar guns are based on a mid-1990s Model 105 with an aluminum frame and plastic grips. This alloy version apparently never reached serious production as I have never encountered nor heard of one available. It does not seem to be a prototype, as it was promoted in a limited way, appearing in firearms directories with company-distributed literature and photos. Janes's Infantry Weapons did report is as being in production in 1996, however.
Stocks are of the same style as on the Megastar, and are apparently retained by pinning action of the removable backstrap/trigger module, as on the Megastar and 28/30/31 series. Weight was reported as 810 g, whith all other features and specifications (aside from the frame construction) being identical to the later Model 205.
The references I have which refer to the Model 105 pistol make no mention of it being available in .40 S&W caliber, as it was not in existance at the time. I have surmised a .40 version as there is no reason the alloy version could not be upgraded in the same way the later model 205 was.
Stripping the Ultrastar
I have no manual for the Ultrastar, but as it strips a little differently from others, I figured it was worth covering here anyway. Feel free to email my questions if you are having trouble, or of course to send me a scanned manual.
The stripping pin is similar to that of the Megastar, but different from all other pistols I can think of. Its a separate piece, not part of the slide lock lever. Not unlike the Beretta or Sig, but its still just a pin, not a lever. Its the larger diameter pin above the trigger pin. Look for the dimpled head on the right side of the frame, and press it in. You will probably need a tool to do this. Use a brass or plastic punch, an old ballpoint pen or something else which will not scratch the pin or the frame too badly.
The left side has a larger-diameter head, which can be pulled if need be, and otherwise prevents it from going out the right side. Legs of the trigger spring bear on notches in the stripping pin, so you may have to tap your punch to remove it; pressing may not be enough, at least the first time. I think this can be removed at any time, and then the slide simply pushed off the front of the gun (I cannot remember now). If you find that the slide needs to be pulled back slightly, please email me this information.
Once the slide is off, the trigger assembly can be removed. This does not need to happen every time, but you can if you need to seriously clean it. This is similar to the system used on the Models 28, 30 and 31, so look at that manual for general guidance and tips. The release button for the Ultrastar is (I think!) on the inside of the magazine well, right near the bottom. Press the button to the rear of the gun. Note that since its a polymer framed gun, this will only remove the trigger assembly and backstrap; the stocks are integral to the frame.