Star Firestar M-43 9mm Compact, All-Steel, Starvel Nickel, 3.39 in Barrel, 7+1, 1991 Spanish Interarms Import
This Star Firestar M-43 is a compact, all-steel 9mm pistol finished in factory Starvel electroless nickel. Made in Spain and manufactured in 1991, it bears the INTERARMS Alexandria, Virginia import mark. Part of the Firestar series that earned Guns & Ammo Handgun of the Year in 1991, this example stands out for its robust build, bushingless coned barrel fit, and clean, adjustable 3-dot sighting setup.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minor superficial scratches and blemishes present.
What's Included
- Two factory Star Firestar 7-round steel magazines with "FIRESTAR" baseplates
- Interarms gray plastic factory case serialized to 2013178 (Star M-43 Firestar Starvel 9mm label)
- Star M-43 Firestar factory manual/booklet
- Bore brush
The M-43 pairs a compact footprint with an all-steel frame and slide, delivering a solid feel and controllable recoil in a carryable size. Its short-recoil Browning-type tilting barrel uses an externally coned, bushingless muzzle fit for consistent lockup. The 3.39 in barrel supports 9×19mm performance in a compact package.
The pistol runs a single-action, hammer-fired system with a ring-style spur hammer. Controls include a left-side magazine release and an ambidextrous thumb safety, complemented by a firing pin safety and a magazine disconnect safety. Capacity is 7+1 with the included factory magazines.
Sights are a dovetailed 3-dot set with a rear unit adjustable for windage via a set-screw. The slide features rear vertical serrations, a lowered oval ejection port, and longitudinal serrations along the top rib for a clean sight picture and secure manipulation.
The factory Starvel nickel finish presents a matte silver appearance across the steel frame and slide. Marked with INTERARMS ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, this made-in-Spain 1991 example represents the Firestar series recognized as Guns & Ammo Handgun of the Year the same year, offering a distinctive finish and durable construction that defined the line.