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Offline coyotejoe

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Star PD?
« on: October 10, 2008, 01:28:11 AM »
I've come across a Star PD for a reasonable price. I know that model was dropped many years ago but recall they were pretty popular in their day. The PD was one of the first light weight, compact 1911 style .45 carry guns but I've heard the aluminum frame was not too durable. I don't shoot competition and will probably never run two thousand rounds through it and may very well load down with 185-200 grain JHPs. Anyone have real world experience with the Star PD? :-\
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Offline rons

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2008, 03:20:58 PM »
I carried a Star PD as my CCW for many years. Never had any problems until later on with my safety slipping off when in condition 1. Traded it for a LDA Paraordnance, which I like a lot but always wish that I had kept the Star PD in my collection. The PD was a very reliable shooter and accurate. If I ever run into it again it will be mine. RonS
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Offline dbriannelson

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2008, 06:42:53 AM »
I've had a little experience with a PD, but quite a lot with BKMs (and the LaFrance "Nova" derivative) and my only current centerfire auto is a Firestar.  Star made quality stuff.  Don't be afraid to shoot it as much as you want - the worst you can do is wear it out, and that's unlikely.

I also had a bit of a problem with the safety slipping off too easily on the Firestar.  I deepened the detent hole that keeps the safety on, and it works just fine now. 

-Don
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Offline drdougrx

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2008, 09:51:27 AM »
I LOVED the PD.  I had 2, a blue and a hard chrome one.  I only traded them because I had quite a few other guns at the time.  I'd say buy it!!!
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Offline 44 Man

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2008, 12:20:50 PM »
One more thumb's up for the PD!  It was my first carry .45 and the only one I owned at the time.  I shot it a lot!  I even did some IDPA with it back in the day.  It was always reliable, I think it would have fed empty cases if I dared with the aluminum frame.  I never had a lick of problems with it and enjoyed it a lot!  I had mine for years and years.  I don't remember now why I sold it, must have been something I thought I wanted more.  It was a great gun, don't hesitate to try one.  44 Man
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Offline Hammer1

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #5 on: November 16, 2008, 04:05:54 PM »

Have used three different Star PDs.

Two were reliable and good in every way.

One had problems with the extractor and was finicky as to magazines.

The Star PD was very popular in South Africa when everyone carried there.

.
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Offline Lanny

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #6 on: December 24, 2008, 10:36:28 AM »
I`ve had my star pd for twenty years...never had any problem...
I think that it shoots better than my springfield NM 1911....
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Offline woodchukhntr

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2008, 06:30:48 AM »
I had one for a few years.  I never had a jam with either ball or whatever handload I was using at the time.  It was a great gun, but it didn't shoot well for me.  I stupidly traded an Essex-framed full -sized .45 for it.  I could shoot the Essex very well, so the PD was a disappointment.
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Offline SM Bob

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #8 on: December 25, 2008, 05:35:27 PM »
I used to have a Star PD years ago. It was a great pistol.
It fed any kind of ammo I ever put through it without
a jam. I had a set of Pachmyer rubber grips on it. In one of
my biggest acts of stupidity I sold it. I wish I had that pistol
back. It wasn't the most accurate 45 auto that I have ever
owned, but I still loved that sweet little piece. It was a dream
to carry and it had plenty of stopping power.

                                 Robert
 
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Offline nicholst55

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #9 on: January 08, 2009, 07:39:35 PM »
I've got a PD that I've only run about 500 rounds through so far, but it has been utterly reliable.  I did put a new recoil spring in it when I got it (from Wolff Gun Springs).  You'll also want to see what kind of shape the fiber recoil buffer on the recoil spring assembly is in.  Replacements are difficult to find, but you can substitute a suitably trimmed 1911 recoil buffer for it.

There is a guy on the Spanish Pistols forum at Gunboards who sells replacement Star parts - he would be my first stop for any needed parts.

One other thing that you WILL need to do - bob the hammer a bit!  I was advised to do so before firing mine but didn't.  I still have the scar on my hand caused by the hammer spur, too.
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Offline Rex B

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Re: Star PD?
« Reply #10 on: February 05, 2009, 09:16:37 AM »
If buying a used PD, field strip and check the area where the recoil spring/buffer contacts the frame channnel.
If it's chewed up, it's been shot with a worn-out buffer. Note that the factory finish in this area isn't the prettiest, appears to have been slightly hand-fitted.

The guy in Spain (Star on Gunboards) has no more buffers.
This is the only current source I know of:

http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/images/star_pd_guide_1.jpg
$15.00 each

I've only fired a couple magazines through mine, but no problems with hammer bite.
But I don't have a problem with 1911s doing that either.
Nice pistols. I'll probably buy a 2nd PD next time I see one.

PS: All PDs have a vertical frame cut from the slide release hole to the top of the rails.  Some people think that is a crack, but it's actually a stress relief cut.  You can call it a crack if it will get you a better deal  ::)
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