Posted: 1/24/2007 4:00:51 PM EDT
| I have a Star PD 45cal pistol bought new in 1979, since then I've fired about 150 rds through it. But for the last ten years it's been in a gun safe -- not even touched. My question is being this old, but with only 150 rds through it would it be considered reliable for a self protection carry gun? This is the same gun Jeff Cooper said was one of the best carry 45's around (in the 80's -- besides his beloved Colt 45's). |
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I've owned several. Nice guns. If you have a 1979 Star PD with 150 rounds through it, it's like having a 1979 Ford Mustang with 15,000 miles on it. Sooweet. Cooper wrote that the PD was a gun to be "carried much, and shot little." A friend of mine took his to Gunsite back in the 80's. The gun made it all the way to Friday. Then the post that retains the slide stop fell off. and the gun was completely inoperable. He found the part on the ground, and had it welded to the frame. (According to the gunsmith, that was not an easy job, on an aluminum frame.) He still owns the gun, still carries it for SD, and takes it out to the range and shoots it once every couple of years. His son shot a javelina with it. Only problem I ever had with mine was that the grip screws kept backing out. Replaced the wood stocks with Pachmayrs, and the problem went away. (I cut the front "wraparound" part off the Pachmayrs.) Do your heavy practice with 1911's, and just do enough light practice with the PD to stay familiar with it. Carry much, shoot little; you're good to go. |
milquetoast and all, thanks for the info. I had thought that if once considered a good gun, then always a good gun. My only concern was quality of the springs, to still function after some 28 years, but a friend just backed up what milquetoast just said -- in fact offered to buy it after finding out what I had. But, I'll start to carry it , and shoot it a little  Anyone recommend a good SD load for it? |
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If your concerned about the springs, check out Wolff Gun Springs -- they have replacement springs for this model of Star. And for what it's worth . . . several years ago I had a Star model BM -- steel frame 9mm the same size as your PD. Like I turd I sold it to finance some other gun purchase that I don't even remember.  A year ago or so I picked up another Star model BM. Replaced the springs with Wolff Gun springs. About a thousand trouble-free rounds later I still can't get the Wifey to give it back to me ! ! 
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You would certainly be doing yourself a favor to replace the springs, then shoot it enough to get the new ones broken in. Every time I see the Star PD mentioned, it's in a positive light. A friend has one, and his has fed the biggest "flying ashtray" hollow points he could find. His eats everything. ETA: After re-reading your post, I see that you are the original owner. Your springs should be good to go! On a lightweight .45, many professional gunsmiths recommend replacing springs every 1000 rounds. Sounds like you are well under that. |