Star HK Lancer
Star HK Lancer .22lr - 1974 model
Technical Information
Manufacturer: Star
Bonifacio Echeverria |
|
Model:HK Lancer |
Total Weight with empty magazine: 420g |
Country of Origin: Spain, Eibar |
Barrel Length: 75mm |
| Calibre: .22lr | Length of pistol: 147mm |
Action: Single Action, semi-automatic |
Width of pistol: 29mm |
| Magazine Capacity: 8 | Height of pistol: 99mm |
General Information
The Star HK Lancer is a single action blowback operated semi-automatic pistol, chambered for the .22lr cartridge. This model came in a number of different external frame and slide finishes and my version is the limited edition nickel plated slide with aluminium alloy frame and pearlescent grips. It is very small in size and has very little recoil due to the low powered .22lr cartridge. It is therefore extremely easy to conceal. The Star factory closed up in 1997 and spare parts for all Star pistols might be problem.
Ergonomics
The Star HL Lancer "vest pocket" pistol is quite well designed. Even with fairly large hands, the pistol can still be gripped well and the rear beavertail is large enough to prevent damage to the hand caused by the slide coming back. Sights are good and the trigger not too stiff. The recoil spring is quite soft due to the fairly low powered .22lr cartridge and the slide is therefore very easy to rack. Children and lady's will find the gun easy to manage and handle. The pistol is fitted with an external hammer and safety but the slide does not lock back after firing the last round. The pistol is not fitted with a firing pin block but is fitted with an inertia firing pin. This means that if the hammer is lowered onto a live round, the firing pin does not touch the round and it's unlikely to go off when dropped. All of the controls are easy to operate and very user friendly. It should noted that it is never a good idea to dry fire any .22lr as the firing pin can be damaged when it comes into contact with the barrel if the rim of the cartridge is not present to stop it's forward motion.
Reliability
My Star HK Lancer is very reliable provided you use the correct ammunition. It detests standard velocity as well as subsonic ammunition but is very happy with high velocity rounds like the Remington Cyclone brand of ammo. I have also seen a fair amount of misfires using Winchester ammo. Failures is usually related to misfires caused the primer not igniting when the firing pin strikes the cartridge. Normally a re-cocking of the hammer and a second pull of the trigger fires off the round without a hitch.
Determining Year of Manufacture
In order to determine the year of manufacture, look for the date code which is usually located under the left grip panel. This is the proof mark which is used by the Eibar proof house proof house in Spain. The date code on my pistol is S1, which corresponds to the year 1974. All firearms manufactured in Spain can be dated this way.
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1927 | A1 | 1955 | A2 | 1981 |
| B | 1928 | B1 | 1956 | B2 | 1982 |
| C | 1929 | C1 | 1957 | C2 | 1983 |
| CH | 1930 | CH1 | RIEN | CH2 | RIEN |
| D | 1931 | D1 | 1958 | D2 | 1984 |
| E | 1932 | E1 | 1959 | E2 | 1985 |
| F | 1933 | F1 | 1960 | F2 | 1986 |
| G | 1934 | G1 | 1961 | G2 | 1987 |
| H | 1935 | H1 | 1962 | H2 | 1988 |
| I | 1936 | I1 | 1963 | I2 | 1989 |
| J | 1937 | J1 | 1964 | J2 | 1990 |
| K | 1938 | K1 | 1965 | K2 | 1991 |
| L | 1939 | L1 | 1966 | L2 | 1992 |
| LL | 1940 | LL1 | RIEN | LL2 | RIEN |
| M | 1941 | M1 | 1967 | M2 | 1993 |
| N | 1942 | N1 | 1968 | N2 | 1994 |
| Ñ | 1943 | Ñ1 | 1969 | Ñ2 | 1995 |
| O | 1944 | O1 | 1970 | O2 | 1996 |
| P | 1945 | P1 | 1971 | P2 | 1997 |
| Q | 1946 | Q1 | 1972 | Q2 | 1998 |
| R | 1947 | R1 | 1973 | R2 | 1999 |
| S | 1948 | S1 | 1974 | S2 | 2000 |
| T | 1949 | T1 | 1975 | T2 | 2001 |
| U | 1950 | U1 | 1976 | U2 | 2002 |
| V | 1951 | V1 | 1977 | V2 | 2003 |
| X | 1952 | X1 | 1978 | X2 | 2004 |
| Y | 1953 | Y1 | 1979 | Y2 | 2005 |
| Z | 1954 | Z1 | 1980 | Z2 | 2006 |
Accuracy Tests
Targets coming soon...
Overall Impression
By far, the Star HK Lancer is the least expensive firearm in my possession. It is also the preferred firearm to take to the range to introduce a newcomer to the wonderful world of firearms. It is very easy to handle and shoot and is not as big and "intimidating" as my other pistols or rifles. The Star HK Lancer is very economical to shoot and train with due to the low cost of the .22lr ammunition. It is also by far the easiest to use in order to teach children safe firearm handling skills.
