Star PD .45 acp

max2005

I have recently become aware of the apparant merits of the discontinued Star PD .45 acp compact pistol. I have a 9mm Star BM on the way, and am looking forward to getting acquainted with this peice, and now have my sights on the larger brother PD. However, in my research, it appears that the older versions of this pistol were praised, but toward the end of their production somehow they were "ruined"; my question is how can you tell the old version from the new, and what happened that such a cult favorite was somehow altered for the worse?

rufe-snow

Other then the early import versions from the 70's were marked with the Garcia Co. name. While the later ones had the Interarms import markings, don't know how you would tell the difference. I have never seen any serial number ranges, or production figures for the various Star pistols.

The one I had years ago was a pistol to be carried allot and shot seldom. It was to light and the aluminum frame, way to soft for my liking.

PA Shootist

As to the merits of the Star PD .45 ACP, I have carried one most every day for approximately 30 years, and have complete confidence in it for its purpose. I can attest to the "carried a lot, shot only a little" statement, as that describes mine. I do shoot it at least a couple times a year, maybe 30-40 rounds per year or 900-1200 total ever. I did have to replace a plastic bumper, and they were hard to find at the time so I bought a couple spares. I use Federal Hydrashok 230 grain in the barrel, and hardball in the magazine to achieve 100% reliable feeding. It doesn't like to feed most hollowpoints from the magazine. Recoil is stout and sharp; accuracy is at least good enough for the intended close-range defensive use. It hides as well as as a small .38 revolver, or most .380 ACP's. I don't know what anyone might have done to cheapen later versions, mine is a Garcia-marked pistol. My aluminum frame seems to have held up well except for the black finish gone from corners; no cracks or problems.

ATF

I know that the older ones had a fully adjustable rear sight.[:)]

dfletcher

quote:Originally posted by ATF
I know that the older ones had a fully adjustable rear sight.[:)]


Correct - for no practical purpose though, I believe it was to satisfy the GCA of 68 criteria.

Duke Hogge

Howdy I use to have an extensive star collection including half a dozen PD models fixed /adjustable new / old ........I traded off all of them and have since regretted it!! Me and my wife use to carry pds full time and shot them allot!!!!!!!! and although parts are a pain to find they are great for what they are.....If you plan to shoot it allot plan on a spare hammer and don't be supprised to spend fourty bucks on it.

Bill DeShivs

They are great guns. Never imported with fixed sights. The last Stars were not as nice as the earlier ones, but were still great guns.

Duke Hogge

Hey bill are you sure about that regarding the fixed sights? It is possible I could be mistaken about that but I seam to recall the two stainless (looking) models had fixed sights?

Bill DeShivs

Not positive, but I think so.
Edit: I stand corrected!

ATF

I had a collection of three PDs two had non-adjustable sights with plastic grips. The third one had adjustable sights with wood grips all were new in the boxes.The one with adj.sights had a much lower serial number than the other two.[:)]