Star Model Z-45
Spanish submachine gun
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Star Model Z-45 is a Spanish submachine gun manufactured by Star Bonifacio Echeverria, derived from the German MP 40.
| Z-45 | |
|---|---|
Star Z-45 | |
| Type | Submachine gun |
| Place of origin | Spain |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1945 |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Ifni War Cuban Revolution Portuguese Colonial War Rhodesian Bush War Angolan Civil War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1942–1945 |
| Manufacturer | |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.5 kg (7.72 lb) unloaded[1]/4.54 kg (10.01 lb) loaded[2] |
| Length | 850 mm (33 in) stock extended/610 mm (24.0 in) stock folded[3] |
| Barrel length | 210 mm (8.3 in)[1] |
| Cartridge | 9×23mm Largo 9×19mm Parabellum .38 Super .45 ACP |
| Action | Open bolt, Simple blowback operation |
| Rate of fire | 450 rounds/min[2] |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,250 feet per second (380 m/s)[4] |
| Effective firing range | 100–200 m[2] |
| Feed system | 10 or 30-round detachable box magazine[2] |
Design
The internal mechanisms are similar to the MP 40. Unlike the German version, the Z-45 is a selective fire weapon (full-auto or single shot).[5] The gun was made in both folding stock and wood stock versions.[4] The Z-45 had a fluted chamber to ease extraction with the powerful 9×23mm Largo cartridge.[6] Most Z-45s were issued with a 30-round box magazine, but a short 10-round magazine was available for law enforcement, or for prison forces guarding prisoners.[6]
Variants
Versions chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, .38 Super and .45 ACP were also produced, since the barrel can be easily removed.[7]
Service
It was designed between 1942 and 1945.[3] The Star Z-45 was adopted by the Guardia Civil in 1945, by the Spanish Police the next year, by the Air Force in 1947 and eventually by the Army in 1948.[7] It was used in combat during the Ifni War against the Moroccan Army of Liberation.[8]
