Star Ultrastar Complete Disassembly

T

turkeestalker

New member
The first semi-auto pistol that I ever purchased was a Star Firestar in .40 S&W some thirty years ago. That proved to be an excellent little firearm and since then I've acquired several Star pistols in different models. Guessing you could call me a fan of Star.
I just picked up one of the Ultrastar models in .40 S&W from an online auction to pair with it's sibling in 9mm that I already own. Only one photo was provided for the auction and it wasn't very clear. My email request for additional photos was simply ignored or sidestepped in the reply that I received from the seller. I know I know, that should've been my clue but I impulsively proceeded to bid despite my better judgement since that particular caliber does not come up often in that model. No one bid against me and I won the auction, so now the problems are mine... we live we learn.
The pistol is in far less than good condition. The finish has been forcibly removed in essence from the external metal surfaces and the internal surfaces still display the frost and crud that most likely inspired someone to do such a thing. Not mentioning the "kitchen table gunsmith" job performed on the broken polymer guide rod and buffer.
The pistol is basically an abomination of it's original self and the first thing I need to do is figure out how to completely disassemble it. Never had to do more than field strip its 9mm cousin, and I've absolutely no clue how the rest of it would come apart. I looks as if the exposed metal back strap would be the key but beans if I can see how to get it out of the steel reinforced polymer frame. There is zero information that I can find online regarding a detailed or complete disassembly besides an exploded view of the firearm.
Anyone out there have any ideas on how to completely disassemble this critter?
Many thanks in advance for any help,
Jim
 
Well, the Ultrastar Manual is located on the Star webpages...here's a direct link...
http://star-firearms.com/firearms/manuals/downloads/ultrastar-manual.pdf

That will at least get you started...

Usually what I do in cases of not having specific instructions for total breakdown,
is to take pics of Each Step during Removal...set up a camera, fresh batteries, and mini-studio it...
this allows you to go back and look at where you were in case you get distracted by your wife/kids burning the kitchen curtains/etc...
also gives you a sequential method for successive repairs, helping others figure theirs out, etc...


Out of curioiusity, whatcha pay for it?? Those jokers are Rare these days...


And I would definitely leave bad review on the seller...those kinds of jokers need to be exposed
not only on their own site, but OTHER sites like this one as well.
I've never minded buying a rough gun, but prefer to know what I'm getting into Beforehand...
and pricing it accordingly.
 
I had downloaded the owners manual some years back when I picked up it's sister in 9mm, but thank you for the link Big Shrek. Good advice using a camera to document and later reference while attempting to disassemble it.
I am a bit ashamed to say that I paid an even $300 for it, which would have been a price that I was happy with had it been in decent condition. Then add another $20 for shipping, and yet another $20 for the transfer fee. I'll take my licks and attempt to restore it to respectable condition, knowing that I'll never justify the investment.
The guide rod repair looks like it will work for a little while, but really needs replacing for my own piece of mind. I found a couple available, but the asking price is more than a third what I've already tossed at the pistol itself and it's difficult to swallow. In addition based on the photos, the buffer doesn't look like it is made from the same material as the one in my 9mm and makes me a bit wary, though that could just be from my just being stung.
Near a decade ago I purchased some parts very reasonably from a gentleman and savior named Jorge in Spain for a couple of the other Stars that I own, but apparently he's no longer selling parts and I've no longer any way to contact him.
After confronting the seller about the condition of the pistol and his apparent dishonesty, he still feigned ignorance and attempted to dictate the parameters by which he would accept the pistol back and offer a partial refund. Maybe it's stupid pride on my part, but I will not allow such a clown to tell me how things will be or what hoops I'll have to jump through to satisfy him for being a crook more or less. It was worth kissing the $340 adios and securing this project to tell him just what kind of crook he was and that he could go screw himself.
What goes around, comes around and "comeuppance" always wins... he'll reap what he's sown, no worries.
 
Thanks lee n. field, I posted there yesterday. That is where I had run into Jorge way back when. As of yet no replies on the detailed disassembly but I'm hoping.
 
I have a Star Ultrastar in .40 and 9mm also. Its been a while since I took it apart but I remember it is similar to a Star 30M. If you want the back strap off, field strip it then look inside the bottom of the magazine well towards the back strap. You will see a small hole about 1/8 inch wide. that is a button that you push in then slide the back strap straight up and off the gun. Also, if I remember correctly, there is a magazine safety and you will need to hold the gun pointing down when you slide the back strap in or the mag safety won't let trigger work.

I will take a look at my pistol and see what I remember. Like I said its been a long time since I broke it down into its basic assemblies. I was in the same boat as you when I bought my Star 30M. I needed to replace a spring in the slide but couldn't find any detailed instructions and, like the Ultrastar, the 30M isn't of a typical design. I eventually figured it out on my own though.
 
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Thank you candr44, that did the trick! I thought that small slot may hold the key but hadn't been able to do much with it because of the crud in it. Wound up using a punch and tapped it firmly with a mallet and it worked like a charm. I truly appreciate it sir. :D
 
Illustrations in case it helps anyone else.
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Congrats!! :D

Oops, I just posted one over on the other thread behind you. :o
I wound up just using a cold blue gel on it myself rather than investing more money still, after having secured a replacement recoil rod assembly for a Benjamin! :eek:
The pistol itself came out well enough to offer some protection with proper care and satisfy me for now. The magazine is functional, but aesthetically not salvageable, the base is just too deeply pitted.
I've been toying with the idea of hot bluing some small parts at home, that mess could wind up being my first endeavor.
 
If something looks like it needs poking, just poke it.
I once had a Star PD.
Another one I shoulda' kept.
Best of luck with yours.
 
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