Back in the late 70's the Star PD and the Detonics Combat Master 45 were only semi auto's smaller than a LW Commander. The Detonics was a little smaller than the Star Pd but the Star is lighter because of the alloy frame. I bought a Detonics because I could order one whereas the Star PD were difficult to find. These pistols are really intended for concealed carry. The Star PD holds 6 in the mag IIRC. A Combat Commander or Government model hold 7 or 8 depending on mag.

These small guns generally have more felt recoil and maybe more prone to malfunction from limp wristing. I wouldn't hesitate keeping one around for defense but for a novice I'd probably recommend something different. If the price is right buy it, if you like the way it fits your hand and the pistols size. Back in the 70's the PD sold $400-450. I believe these are reliable guns but I don't know if you can find magazines or spare parts.

They aren't bad guns. I have one I found at a pawn shop for dirt cheap, but it's well used. They're light and relatively small. They were the hot thing back in the day, but not something that you'd want to shoot thousands of rounds out of. They're reliable guns, and everyone that has owned one either wants to keep it, or want the one back they sold.

The recoil buffer is the key part to the gun. It has to be replaced every few hundred rounds. Check it if you are going to buy one. Once they wear out, the frame takes a battering that the alloy from those days just can't handle. Replace it often and you shouldn't have problems. They used to be a bitch to replace, but some guy offers ones that just clip on in place without having to take the recoil spring assembly apart. That task does indeed suck. I've used 1911 buffers in the past, but the clip on ones are the way to go. When my current buffer needs replacement, I'm going with those.

Mags aren't cheap. They're tough to find too. $50 isn't uncommon. That's a pretty big consideration if the one you buy doesn't come with any. It's also a big value plus if it does come with mags. The mags themselves are pretty well made, and I like the follower Star used in the PD.

Parts are difficult to find. The internet helps out on this one. I think you can probably find any part you'd need, but you'd have to dig some. There's really only a couple folks who have any parts, so it's a cornered market. Again, not cheap.

For home defense, it will do the job. It will certainly throw .45 sulgs fine. They are very reliable, which is what you want. You could do alot worse.

However, in home defense you aren't really going to need the smaller size/lighter weight which is the big feature/drawback of the PD. The light weight is great for carry, but it comes at the cost of recoil and durability. You don't really need any of that in a HD gun. I can't say "Not a good idea" because my heart just wouldn't be in it, but I'd say there are alot of guns out there that are better for the job and wouldn't cost any more.

Bottom line is if it's in great shape and a good price, it'd be hard to beat, but something else might be better for HD-only use.

I have had one for about 14 years and 2-2,500 rounds. Had to replace the ejector once early on, get one from Brownells and keep it around as they may be hard to find. Other than that they are a gtg.

ETA - Forgot about the buffers, they are pretty important if you shoot it more than occassionally.

I carried a blue PD for over ten years and regret ever selling it. If they were offered today at a reasonable price,they would sell a buttload of them.

I use a PD as my carry. It doesn't get a lot of use at the range, but it is a great CCW. Small, compact, and packs a serious punch.

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement buffer?