Star Model BM 9 grips
Star Model BM 9 grips
The Star Model BM 9mm is a compact, all-steel single-action semi-automatic pistol from Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A. in Eibar, Spain—a compact evolution of the long-running Star Model B series
Rooted in Star's 1920s pivot to Colt 1911-inspired locked-breech designs (starting with Model 1920, refined in Model B from 1924 in 9mm Parabellum), the BM ("B Mediano" or medium) debuted in 1972 as a Commander-sized variant for modern service needs. It featured a 3.9" barrel, 7.2" overall length, 34 oz weight, 8+1 capacity, fixed sights, external extractor, no grip safety (replaced by magazine safety), hammer-blocking thumb safety, and pivoting trigger—distinct from true 1911 mechanics while mimicking its look
Introduced amid demand for reliable 9mm service pistols, the BM equipped Spanish Guardia Civil, National Police, and military units, plus exports to Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Production ran 1972–1992, yielding 217,682 units (serial range ~1,226,501–1,982,884)
Praised for crisp trigger, durability, low recoil, and accuracy, it gained surplus fame in the 1990s–2000s via importers like Interarms and Century Arms. Hollywood favored similar Star Bs for reliable blank-firing; the BM echoed this legacy
Today, the Star BM 9mm remains a sought-after classic—affordable, battle-proven Spanish 1911-style excellence in a compact package