Which 380 is it? Trying to firmly identify "new" gun

[RedRaider69]

So I just inherited this great little pistol and I am trying to firmly identify which model it is. I have read some other posts and seen some web sites that could make it a Star, and Iver Johnson, or a Colt pony automatic. I'd like to find an extra magazine for it if possible, but to do that I need to figure out exactly which one it is.
The serial number starts with a "CPA", and it also says FI Model D 380 on one side of the slide. On the other side of the slide it says FI Ind, Wash DC. On the slide, just above where the hammer strikes the firing pin, the #"62" is engraved, and it is also engraved on the body of the pistol. There is nothing on the bottom where the magazine goes in to indicate what model.
I have posted some pictures of the gun. Any help would be deeply appreciated. I'd like to know what it is so I know what to look for when I need it

[RunningOnMT]

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/...arts-flaw.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nc5xl3ORBCA

[Double D]

I think its a star. I had one just like it a while back. Nice little pistol. Yours looks to be in good shape.

[RedRaider69]

Thanks for the replies. It does seem to be in good - if not great shape. I'm no expert on how to grade a gun, however.
The link to Numrich, and your assessment both indicate a Star. I was thinking that. It matches what it looks like. But one of the websites I looked at ( http://star-firearms.com/firearms/guns/d/ ) described how the Star models would have the model # stamped on the butt of the gun, and this one doesn't. Does that make any difference?

[Bill DeShivs]

It's not a Star. It's a Firearms Industries model "D." These were to be the Colt "Pony" .380, but that never happened. I suspect F. I. was the maker of the frames for the Colt project, and when it didn't happen, went into production with the gun. The frames were US made, and most of the rest of the parts were made by Star. Later, more parts were US made. It's a good little gun.
Yours is a very rare model approximating the "DK" size. Most had a longer grip frame and extended frame "beavertail." Or, it has been modified as such. I modded several.

[RedRaider69]

Bill,
Wow! Great info! Thank you so much!
It doesn't appear to be modified.
So what would be your recommendations for parts? Is an extra magazine even available? Would it be more advisable to put this in the safe than to try to use it as a concealed carry weapon? And lastly, what do you think would be the value of this would be?
Thanks again Bill.

[Bindernut]

Yup, as Bill posted, that's a Firearms Industries Model D.
Besides the Colt "Pony" connection, the Model D was sold as the Iver Johnson "Pony" for a few years.

BUT... DD is also correct. It is a Star Model D, with a US-built (by F.I) steel frame to comply with the GCA68. All the other parts are just standard Star DK parts. The DK was an alloy-frame, but otherwise identical.

Right off hand I don't know of anyone making replacement mags for this model, but I don't have one so I've never researched em too much.
Otherwise, they are good solid little pistols and if it feeds reliably with whatever ammo you choose it would be good for CC use.

[Bindernut]

Actually, it looks like TripleK has a mag listed for the D.
http://www.triplek.com/Products/id/38/grp/412/prd/816/

[B27]

Gorgeous Star!
I keep hoping to find one of these....so far no cigar.

[Double D]

I sold mine for 250.00 and it wasnt as nice. I saw a few listed for 325.00 but I dont actually know the actual value. Anyone?

[Bill DeShivs]

I would think that particular gun would sell for about what a SIG P238 copy would run to someone who knows what it is. As I said-it is a rare version. Any Star .380 magazine will work-some will be longer than others. Colt .380 and SIG mags may work.
http://www.gun-parts.com/star/ lists parts and magazines.
I would use the gun.

[RedRaider69]

Is there any way I can tell how much it has been fired from looking at it?

Bill / Double D - What kind of holster would fit this?

Its kind of funny, the person I inherited it from had it in an old alcohol bag - you know, one if those red velvet ones. :-). I imagine he got it in a barter for his services from someone. I got two other small caliber older pistols, a Rossi .32 cal revolver, and something even older, a 7.65 1918 "Bronco" that I haven't researched yet.

They don't allow gun shows here in Austin anymore, so I have to go to San Antonio or Dallas area for those. This magazine has the wide floorplate, so I'll be on the lookout.

Really appreciate the feedback guys! Its a really nice little gun. I'd hate to see it just sit and go to waste. :-)

[Lanrezac]

RedRaider69, thanks for putting up superlative photos.

Also...there is a city in Texas that does not allow gun shows?! Boy, you learn something new every day!

I think there was also a version of this gun sold under the Iver Johnson brand name in the 1970's or 80's.

[Bill DeShivs]

Colt Mustang, SIG P238 holsters should fit. Not sure about Kydex holsters.
The gun was later incarnated as the Iver Johnson "Pony."

[Bill DeShivs]

There is a lot of misinformation on these. Star introduced the "DK" in 1954 or so. Colt was interested in selling a .380 and contracted with Star to make /supply parts for the gun, with the frame being made in the US. There were Colt product announcements and a very few guns with Colt markings were actually produced. No one knows why the deal fell through. Then came the F.I. version. Later came the I. J. version.
RedRaider's gun is an unusual variation. In the 1970s, Sarco (I think) offered a very few guns in this configuration as "prototypes" of the F.I./Colt liason. While they may not have been prototypes for Colt, this version was not the common version sold by F.I. or IJ.

[RedRaider69]

Originally Posted by Bill DeShivs

RedRaider's gun is an unusual variation. In the 1970s, Sarco (I think) offered a very few guns in this configuration as "prototypes" of the F.I./Colt liason. While they may not have been prototypes for Colt, this version was not the common version sold by F.I. or IJ.

Bill - so how many of this model do you think were made? I have read elsewhere on the web "about 100", but that doesn't necessarily mean increased value due to the operation of them.

All I can say is I love it. I'm gonna try and get to the range soon and put a few rounds few it just to see how it works.

Thanks!
Reece

[Bill DeShivs]

I think the Colt production was less than 100.
I have never seen one of the F.I.s like yours, but I do remember seeing the ad in Shotgun News for them. I seem to remember it saying something like 200-250 made, but I could be wrong.

[Double D]

Originally Posted by RedRaider69

Bill - so how many of this model do you think were made? I have read elsewhere on the web "about 100", but that doesn't necessarily mean increased value due to the operation of them.

All I can say is I love it. I'm gonna try and get to the range soon and put a few rounds few it just to see how it works.

Thanks!
Reece

I dont blame you, I like that little pistol too. You got a nice one. Course, it does remind me of a 1911 so I guess thats why....