Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this semi-auto pistol today for a penny start auction; this is the Firearms International (FI) Model D!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Firearms International (FI)
Model: Mod. D
Serial: CPA025674
Caliber: .380 ACP
Finish: Matte Black
Barrel Length: 3 1/8"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut
Action: Semi-Auto
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Star Firearms D series is a compact variant of the model A/B series of 1911-inspired Star pistols. It is chambered in .380 ACP (9 mm Browning Short) and designed for commercial sales as a self-defense weapon. All D-series firearms share a similar external configuration, including a slide and grip frame with the same length, a semi-circular front sight, and other features.
At one point, Firearms International (not to be confused with FIE) obtained the rights to the Model D and sold it under the Model D designation as an FI-produced firearm. The gun did not bear any star branding or importation marks, so it is possible that this was a related venture where an essential star pistol was sold entirely under a different name. Some sources indicate that FI also sold the import-marked version of the firearm as the "Garcia Model 30." The manufacturing methods appear to be the same as those used for Iver Johnson guns, with the only difference being the way they are marketed. Presumably, the firearm was primarily produced by Star and
then assembled on a frame made in the United States.
Firearms International, now a division of García of Spain, has long been known for its importation and distribution of high-quality firearms. For quite a few years now, FI has operated a production facility near Washington, D.C., that has produced several different guns. The most recent product of that plant is the FI Model D .380 ACP pistol.
The history of the FI Model D is quite interesting. In the early 1960s, the Spanish Star company introduced a small and lightweight version of its Model SI locked-breech .380 auto, which was made from an aluminum alloy frame. This pistol was named the Model DK and was sold in the United States by FI as the "Starfire". Since it was the smallest locked-breech .380 pistol available at the time, it was prohibited from being imported into the country due to the Gun Control Act of 1968 and its regulations. A few years later, Colt displayed sample guns and pictures that were almost identical to the Star DK/Starfire. The gun, called the "Colt Pony", was supposed to be manufactured by someone else in the United States for Colt, to Colt's specifications. However, after two years, no Colt Ponies were delivered, and Colt ultimately admitted that the project had been abandoned. Shortly after that, similar guns were made available under the name "FI Model D" with the serial prefix "CPA" (for Colt Pony Auto). It is now evident that the FI Model D was intended to be produced by FI for Colt, to be sold as the Colt Pony. At present, the FI model is available in large quantities and is being manufactured at the FI plant. According to Mr. Nonte, the pistol's performance is "excellent."
Contents:
This example will ship with a clear gun box pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: Mod. D
Serial: CPA025674
Caliber: .380 ACP
Finish: Matte Black
Barrel Length: 3 1/8"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Fully Checkered Walnut
Action: Semi-Auto
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Star Firearms D series is a compact variant of the model A/B series of 1911-inspired Star pistols. It is chambered in .380 ACP (9 mm Browning Short) and designed for commercial sales as a self-defense weapon. All D-series firearms share a similar external configuration, including a slide and grip frame with the same length, a semi-circular front sight, and other features.
At one point, Firearms International (not to be confused with FIE) obtained the rights to the Model D and sold it under the Model D designation as an FI-produced firearm. The gun did not bear any star branding or importation marks, so it is possible that this was a related venture where an essential star pistol was sold entirely under a different name. Some sources indicate that FI also sold the import-marked version of the firearm as the "Garcia Model 30." The manufacturing methods appear to be the same as those used for Iver Johnson guns, with the only difference being the way they are marketed. Presumably, the firearm was primarily produced by Star and
then assembled on a frame made in the United States.
Firearms International, now a division of García of Spain, has long been known for its importation and distribution of high-quality firearms. For quite a few years now, FI has operated a production facility near Washington, D.C., that has produced several different guns. The most recent product of that plant is the FI Model D .380 ACP pistol.
The history of the FI Model D is quite interesting. In the early 1960s, the Spanish Star company introduced a small and lightweight version of its Model SI locked-breech .380 auto, which was made from an aluminum alloy frame. This pistol was named the Model DK and was sold in the United States by FI as the "Starfire". Since it was the smallest locked-breech .380 pistol available at the time, it was prohibited from being imported into the country due to the Gun Control Act of 1968 and its regulations. A few years later, Colt displayed sample guns and pictures that were almost identical to the Star DK/Starfire. The gun, called the "Colt Pony", was supposed to be manufactured by someone else in the United States for Colt, to Colt's specifications. However, after two years, no Colt Ponies were delivered, and Colt ultimately admitted that the project had been abandoned. Shortly after that, similar guns were made available under the name "FI Model D" with the serial prefix "CPA" (for Colt Pony Auto). It is now evident that the FI Model D was intended to be produced by FI for Colt, to be sold as the Colt Pony. At present, the FI model is available in large quantities and is being manufactured at the FI plant. According to Mr. Nonte, the pistol's performance is "excellent."
Contents:
This example will ship with a clear gun box pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
