[flightsimmer]

Hi Guy's & Girl's;

As a followup I dicovered that the screw (plug) at the back end of the recoil spring guide is held firm by a drop of Loctite and must be heated (carefully) to get it to loosen and screw out. I used a couple of wire connector crimper pliars to hold the parts and unscrew them. After cleanup of the threads I replaced the buffer with a "Wilson" 1911 buffer from "Brownells" and I didn't have to modify it at all and I made a shim out of 5/16" plumbers copper tubing 1/4" long to make it fit right and now it's just like new. Easy fix. Oh and I would NOT use locktite on the screw during reassembly, it's not going anywhere and it will be easier to change next time. Below are some picture links showing how I did it.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide1.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide7.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide8.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide5.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide6.jpg

Regards, Dan.

 

[ccwtrainer]

buffer for PD45

Darned smart modification, I plan to copy this exactly!
THANKS for sharing!
Being a retired "shade tree mechanic" myself, I truly appreciate your idea!!!
A lot cheaper than $15.00 for every buffer from Hoosers.

 

[kjohns2001]

Hope the shok-buffer works!

I did not find the advice about the Wilson Shok-Buffer until after I had spent nearly $20 buying one (1) slip on buffer from Jack First. My Stap PD would be the one with a two piece recoil rod of course. I had to ask my next door neighbor to help me get the slip on buffer on my recoil rod. It took forever and then we discovered it was too large, as the firearm refused to function with it in place..ie...we could not cycle the action at all with the slip on style buffer in place. I just ordered the Shok-Buffer from Wilson's.. 1-800-955-4856 which come 6 to the pack for a price of $5 shipping adds $10. I had paid Jack First $17 and change for just ONE (1) slip on style buffer (with shipping) that was supposed to be made for the Star PD. I'm praying the Wilson buffer works as posted. I love my Star and don't want to take a chance on damaging it as it is my carry weapon. Parts for these firearms are becoming harder and harder to find as time passes. Luckily there are Star owners who are able to try parts and accessories from other companies to find what will work and what won't for those of us who can't afford to buy a lot of stuff we can't use if it does not fit I have found several places that sell replacement parts for Star's...PM me and I will be glad to send you a list of addresse

 

[curly1]

Check Gun Broker there is a guy selling new production snap on ones that appear to be better than the originals sells 1 or 10.

 

[peedee]

Check Gun Broker there is a guy selling new production snap on ones that appear to be better than the originals sells 1 or 10.

I think he goes by "JimDawg" or some similar handle.

He seems well-known re: his buffers and has pictures of them somewhere comparing them to originals. I orderd a few in a package from him and they defenitely fit proplerly.

(I read on this or another forum where a gunsmith (in Texas IIRC) devised a dual spring recoil sustem for someone's Star PD. I still think the frame could be buttressed to make this pistol more enduring than it is reputed to be. I read about them when it came out and one of the famous combat shooters said his wife had shot 3-4000 rounds thru hers with no apparent 'battering.' Perhaps 'tolerance' is everything.)

 

[curly1]

Yes JimDawg

 

[kjohns2001]

You would not happen to have a bit of that copper tubing left would you? If you do and could fix me one of those shims I would be hugely in your debt. I am willing to buy one. I'm disabled and unable to get out right now, long story but in effect I'm stuck in my home for at least another three to six weeks and I need my .45 now as it's my self defense weapon. I don't want to risk firing it unless I absolutely have to, but if I can replace the buffer I need not worry at all. Please message me, or email me at my yahoo address, it's on my profile. I will pay whatever you think is fair for the shim. Have a wonderful day!

 

[Shootist44-40]

I inherited a Star PD some time ago. When I went to shoot it would not feed, or the empties would not eject and jam. Sometimes rounds would not go off. This was with factory ammunition. When I disassembled the pistol the recoil buffer was pretty much discrinted. While looking for a new buffer on the web I found ffligtsimmer's post. I sent to Midway for a Wilson shok buffer and followed the directions. I did modified it a Little bit by adding a small stainless steel washer between the spring and the recoil buffer. The pistol now works flawlessly. It feeds the rounds with out any jams and no miss fires. Works great.
Thanks ffligsimmer

 

[EdBo]

I love my Star PD

Hi Guy's & Girl's;

As a followup I dicovered that the screw (plug) at the back end of the recoil spring guide is held firm by a drop of Loctite and must be heated (carefully) to get it to loosen and screw out. I used a couple of wire connector crimper pliars to hold the parts and unscrew them. After cleanup of the threads I replaced the buffer with a "Wilson" 1911 buffer from "Brownells" and I didn't have to modify it at all and I made a shim out of 5/16" plumbers copper tubing 1/4" long to make it fit right and now it's just like new. Easy fix. Oh and I would NOT use locktite on the screw during reassembly, it's not going anywhere and it will be easier to change next time. Below are some picture links showing how I did it.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide1.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide7.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide8.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide5.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...coilguide6.jpg

Regards, Dan.

Thanks for this post/thread, I'm sure it helps many Star PD owners. I love my PD and don't know what I'd do without it. I've put together lots of spare parts and am always looking for a spare gun.
Dan, do you still have yours ?

 

[ExNavalAv8r]

I think he goes by "JimDawg" or some similar handle.

He seems well-known re: his buffers and has pictures of them somewhere comparing them to originals. I orderd a few in a package from him and they defenitely fit proplerly.

(I read on this or another forum where a gunsmith (in Texas IIRC) devised a dual spring recoil sustem for someone's Star PD. I still think the frame could be buttressed to make this pistol more enduring than it is reputed to be. I read about them when it came out and one of the famous combat shooters said his wife had shot 3-4000 rounds thru hers with no apparent 'battering.' Perhaps 'tolerance' is everything.)

I ran across this forum after shooting my dad's old Star PD. It shot well for a while, then started having some issues, so when I took it apart I discovered the buffer was starting to disintegrate.

After a little more digging, I found JimDawg <[email protected]>. He's still there, the parts are still priced nicely, and after a brief exchange of emails, I got the buffers. I haven't had a chance to install a new one yet, but so far the experience has been a good one. (As a matter of fact: I got the buffers quicker than the forum account permissions to reply to this thread!)

Thanks, Jimbo!

 

[Bob In St. Louis]

The forums have been a mess recently. With the change in ownership came a new tech team that is wholly incompetent, and probably have a hard time figuring out how to tie their shoes, much less fix problems with the forums.

 

[curly1]

Welcome to the forum Jimbo.

 

[peedee]

Has anyone tried the buffers made by Fortmann's? Any comparisons?

 

[Levi]

Nice info. This should be a sticky IMHO

 

[Spacestuff4me]

Hello everyone,

I've got 3-4 Star PD's, I love the concept but it's not robust and something is always in need of repair. I picked up one that was beatup and rusted for $75, my gunsmith bead blasted the frame and parkerized the m slide. Now it's a very cool lightweight 2 tone carry gun.

The other day at the range the firing pin broke off at the tip, does anyone know where I can find another one ? Are there any mags for sale, I'd like to have a few extra.

Thank you for the buffer posting, every PD I've come across either didn't have one or if it did, the buffer was shreaded.

One last question, what other parts / springs should I replace for normal maintenance ?

Thanks for your help

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I make firing pins. Contact me at [email protected]

 

[EdBo]

Star PD Maintenance

Hello everyone,

I've got 3-4 Star PD's, I love the concept but it's not robust and something is always in need of repair. I picked up one that was beatup and rusted for $75, my gunsmith bead blasted the frame and parkerized the m slide. Now it's a very cool lightweight 2 tone carry gun.

The other day at the range the firing pin broke off at the tip, does anyone know where I can find another one ? Are there any mags for sale, I'd like to have a few extra.

Thank you for the buffer posting, every PD I've come across either didn't have one or if it did, the buffer was shreaded.

One last question, what other parts / springs should I replace for normal maintenance ?

Thanks for your help

Springs are essential, the 14 Lb. XP recoil spring is fine for all but the hottest loads, IMO.
These are excellent ; https://www.gunsprings.com/STAR/PD .45 ACP/cID1/mID61/dID280

*Peace*
Eddie

 

[armenjs]

I need same idea for Kimber 3" ultra carry recoil Buffer

 

[Jersey Jubal]

Has anyone contacted Star PD buffer seller "jimdawg" as of late? I've tried contacting him numerous times by email with no success. I do not have a Gunbroker account and after reading reviews there it seems he may be a little slow to respond even to members there (maybe emails are going into his "Spam' folder). All I know is I would like to get a 1/2 dozen or so Star PD buffers from him (I have ordered two Star PD buffers off Ebay/they are more expensive).

 

[ANDREY]

Hello there ! It's been years since I've been on Gunboards, for reasons unknown even to myself ..... Now I'm back with a practical question: Some months agao I aquired a Star PD 45, Garcia import, serial# 1364867. Looks like it had been shot very little. Works fine & accurate, I like it a lot ! When I took it apart for cleaning I noticed the plastic buffer was just about shredded, probably due to age/oil. THX to my buddy Steve in Nebraska I obtained replacement buffers from BigDawg and with the help om my buddy Vince (gun-nut, jeweller, tattoo artist and a true gentleman) We got it in place. Quite a job due to the locktite in the screw and it also cost him an overhead light due to the strong spring. I told him to keep that sping tight, but poing it went ;-) Aniways, now I can't get the pistol back together again. The plinger sticks out of the front by a couple mm and I can't pull the slide back far enough to slip in the slide latch. The recoil spring does not go over the buffer "extention chimney", should it ? Or can the buffer screw not get far enought into the buffer due to residual locktite inside ? We can take the whloe thing apart again as I was not stupid enough to use locktite again on it but I'd like your input first. Appreciate it gents ! BRGDS, A
uffet