Star MD

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	Weapon: Star MD Type: Submachine Gun Country of Origin: Spain Caliber: 9mm Largo Action: Short Recoil

The Star MD machine pistol, developed by the Spanish company Star Bonifacio Echeverria, was introduced in the 1930s as a compact and versatile firearm for military and law enforcement applications. Based on the Star Model B series, the MD was chambered in 9mm Largo, among other calibers and featured select-fire capability, allowing for both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. The pistol included a 20-round magazine and was equipped with a detachable butt stock which doubles as a holster. Its design sought to combine the portability of a handgun with the firepower of a submachine gun.

Production figures for the Star MD were relatively modest, as the weapons were only made in small numbers over the course of their production run, from the 30's to the 50's. In total, maybe 8000 were produced. The firearm was marketed primarily to police and security forces in Spain and around the world, including use by the Spanish Guardia Civil and the Thai National Police, where it was appreciated for its compact size and versatility in urban combat scenarios. However, its complexity, high rate of fire, and limited effective range in fully automatic mode limited its broader appeal, leading to its niche status in the arms market.

The Star MD gained notoriety for its use in various counter-terrorism operations and as a preferred weapon of certain security forces. While its innovative concept garnered attention, its practical drawbacks, such as difficulty in controlling recoil during sustained fire, hindered its widespread adoption. Today, the Star MD is a rare and collectible firearm, valued by enthusiasts for its unique design and its place in the evolution of machine pistols during the mid 20th century.