Star Model Si35

History of Star Si35

The Star Si35 originated in Spain and became a very traditional submachine gun product during the interwar period (which was the period between the two world wars). Delayed recoil is used, and fully automatic fire is standard (although the selector controls the rate of fire between 300 and 700 rpm settings, and the "hold on" function quickly indicates an empty weapon).

The gun is loaded with the local Spanish 9x23mm Largo ("long") cartridge and can be fed from a detachable 10, 30 or 40 round straight magazine inserted under the receiver. The stock, grip, and the section below the receiver consist of a wooden stock, while the barrel, the receiver itself, and the magazine are all made of metal. As usual, iron sights are mounted on the receiver and near the barrel.

Made by Star Bonifacio Echeverria.

The Si35 represents the pinnacle of the Star Company as they were involved in the design of various submachine guns prior to World War II (1939-1945). Few were interested in his advancement, although it seemed to be a fairly useful entry for a submachine gun. The weapon was actually tested by the US (modified "Atlantic Star") and the UK, but both were selected as local designs.

One of the main drawbacks of the series appears to be its internal layout, which was considered too complicated for wartime production and large-scale procurement by major armies. Such a high-profile rejection does not bode well for the widespread acceptance of this Spanish gun.

For this reason, the Si35 gradually fell out of favor, and although it was able to perform some combat missions in the final stages of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), its history was not yet fully written. By 1942, the Star Company was already replicating popular German Army submachine gun models such as the MP38/MP40 series guns - these are detailed elsewhere on this site.

Specification

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Changes