Star Z-84
Summary
| Country | 🇪🇸 Spain |
| Category | Submachine gun |
| Manufacturer | Star Bonifacio Echeverria AG |
Technical specifications
| Star Z-84 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 600 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 9 x 19 mm Parabellum |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 615 mm (24.2 in) |
| Weight | 3.0 kg (6.6 lb) |
| Range | 200 m (656 ft) |
Description
The Star Z-84 is a selective-fire submachine gun developed by Star Bonifacio Echeverria, S.A., following a period of producing submachine guns based on the German MP-40. Recognizing the need for a completely new weapon, Star developed the Z-84 from scratch using modern designs and engineering, with Eduardo Iraegui as the chief designer. The Z-84 was preceded by the Z-75, a modern, 3rd generation SMG chambered in 9mm Largo, which incorporated features like an overhanging bolt and a stamped steel receiver. The Z-75 served as a commercial development project that led to the Z-84 but did not proceed to mass production itself. The Z-84 itself never saw high production volume as the company faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy by 1996.
The Z-84 is a 9mm Parabellum, blowback operated, selective-fire weapon capable of fully automatic fire. It utilizes an open bolt design and derives heavily from the Z-75. Noted for having few moving parts, the Z-84 is simple to operate and maintain. Construction largely uses stamped and cast parts, minimizing machining. A key design feature is the "overhung" bolt, which rides forward over the barrel for 3 inches, a method first used in the Czechoslovak Sa vz. 23. This design helps reduce the overall length while retaining a longer barrel. Other features include:
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a sturdy folding metal stock
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a safety switch on the trigger
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sights protected by large steel ears
The rear sight is a diopter with settings for 100 and 200 meters, and the front sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. The Z-84 was designed with "over-the-beach" (OTB) capability, intended for use by combat swimmers, allowing it to function immediately after being retrieved from water without requiring drainage.
The two distinct variants of the Star Z-84 are the "Corto" and the "Largo." The "Corto" is the short-barrel version, featuring a 215 mm barrel and iron sights similar to those on the CETME L rifle. This variant was originally designed to meet specific requirements from the Guardia Civil. The "Largo" is the standard version, distinguished by a longer barrel measuring 270mm in length.
Originally intended for use by combat swimmers, featuring an over-the-beach capability, the Star Z-84 reportedly never saw high production volumes due to political factors.
Current users of the Star Z-84 include Iran, specifically units within the IRGC and the Sepah Navy Special Forces, where it is reportedly produced without a license from Star. In Spain, it is used by the UEBC combat diver group of the Spanish Navy. The weapon was formerly in service with the Royal Malaysian Police, with examples now on display at the Police Museum.