STAR FR: A Reliable and Accurate Target Pistol for Beginners and Enthusiasts

For decades, countless target shooters honed their skills with the STAR Model F pistol. Affordable, reliable, and impressively accurate for its class, it quickly became a favorite for beginners and seasoned marksmen alike. It also served as an excellent “fun gun” for casual shooting.

However, by the early 1960s, Spanish arms maker Star, Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A. shifted focus to more lucrative ventures, ceasing production of the beloved Model F. Now, decades later, Star has returned to its roots with the STAR FR — essentially a refined revival of the original Model F, offering even better craftsmanship and performance.

Design and Features

The STAR FR is built around a straightforward blowback action, featuring a heavy barrel fixed firmly into the frame. The slide includes forward arms that trap the recoil spring beneath the barrel, enhancing stability and control.

Field-stripping the pistol is remarkably simple: pull the slide slightly back, press the dismantling button above the left grip, lift the slide, and slide it forward off the barrel. That’s it — no complicated disassembly required.

Key design features include:

• External hammer
• Manual safety catch that locks the slide and disconnects the trigger
• Hold-open device that locks the slide back after the last round
• Simple reload mechanism, allowing the shooter to release the slide by pressing the catch or by pulling back and releasing the slide manually

Both sights are adjustable:

• The front sight sits on a ramp and can be finely tuned for elevation.
• The rear sight features a square notch and is adjustable for windage, allowing shooters to customize their setup for optimal accuracy.

Additionally, optional balance weights can be attached to the barrel, enabling shooters to adjust the pistol’s balance to their personal preference — a feature particularly useful for those serious about precision shooting.

Shooting Performance

The STAR FR’s fixed barrel and straightforward blowback system contribute to its solid accuracy, especially in the .22 Long Rifle caliber. It offers more than enough precision to satisfy not only beginners but also those who continue into competitive shooting. Its balanced weight, comfortable ergonomics, and smooth trigger operation make it an ideal pistol for extensive training sessions and casual plinking alike.

In short, the STAR FR is an affordable, high-quality choice for anyone looking to enter the world of target shooting — and a worthy successor to the legacy of the original Model F.

Technical Specifications: STAR FR Target Pistol