FI Model D

metalbanger1

Anyone know if the frame for an FI model D is cast steel, or an alloy? It is magnetic, so some steel there. Any experience with this little weapon? It appears to be a pretty nicely made weapon. I believe it was originally a Star then Garcia and FI. Looking for someone with experience shooting this little .380.

rufe-snow

When the gun control act of 1968, went into force. It stopped the importation of many of the smaller Spanish made pistols. That didn't make the "points", required for importation.

I believe that is why Colt went into production, of their original Pony .380. Which is the pistol your inquiring about. They had a deal going with Firearms International, in the late 60's. To build them using Spanish Star parts, and enough U.S. made parts. To be sold as U.S. made pistols.

For some reason the deal fell through. And only a handful were actually sold by Colt. Eventually FI went out of business in the early 70's. Garcia than Iver Johnson sold the same pistol. Don't know if they still used the parts from Star in Spain? Or the pistols were totally U.S. made.

Star has been out of business since the 90's. Iver Johnson, the last U.S. manufacturer also. I wouldn't buy one of those as a shooter. Unless you could test fire it. To make sure it's functional.

Bill DeShivs

The Model D frame is steel.
Parts are available, and these are excellent guns. As a matter of fact, Kimber, Rock Island, and SIG are selling copies of the Star/FI.

metalbanger1

Thanks for the feedback. I took the little weapon to my range to test fire yesterday. Certainly not a target pistol but accurate enough. Cycled ammo I tried.
I read a review of the weapon in a 1976 shooters magazine that detailed the safety and trigger design improvements. According the author when FI went to the cast steel frame they simplified the internals and improved these parts of the pistol over the original Star design.

Some of my other small .380s (Llama and Star) will take the web between the thumb and forefinger right off. Like holding a piranha.
This pistol has a longer beaver tail to it isn't true to the 1911 proportions but a lot more comfortable to shoot. All and all nice piece.

Bill DeShivs

To my knowledge, these guns used exactly the same internal parts as Star. The only difference was the larger steel frame.

Aztngundoc22

OK :

Yes , mine is a steel frame ,,, very well made item !!!

Thanks !!!