[MatthewVanitas]

As much as I hate to admit that I'm influenced by gun magazines, G&A's coverstory on the nickeled/pearled .38 Super 1911 caught my attention. I've been meaning to upgrade from my Sistema at some point in time (an unneeded upgrade), and the notion of getting a 1911 in an unusual but respected caliber has some appeal. Had a few questions for the gallery:

1) Is the muzzle flash and noise of a .38 Super as pronounced as some make it out to be? How're the recoil characteristics?

2) Is the vestigial rim prone to rimlock (like .32 ACP)?

3) Are .38 Super mags available (or convertable) in Officer ACP size, or just in full size Gov't model mags? I ask because I quite fancy the CCO size, with the Commander slide and short Officer grip.

4) Are there any other alternate 1911 chamberings that would be more practical? I'm sketchy on the 9mm and .40 models, as I'd imagine their shorter OAL would affect feeding. 10mm and 9x23 allegedly batter frames, or so I've heard. Someone here had a 7.62x25mm 1911 project, but I'd imagine the flash/blast would be nasty.

That article hit just at the right time, just as I was starting to covet a .32-20 SAA rather than .45, here comes a flashy medium-bore 1911. I don't know why I read these magazines, just more desire leading to more suffering...

Thanks for any tips from the El Senador -packing crowd out there. -MV

[mattjoe]

Muzzle flash and noise are not bad until you stick a comp or hybrid barrel on it. PMC Factory ammo isn't bad at all.
Recoil is fine, there isn't much flip to the gun, it's mostly straight back felt recoil.
Never had rimlock with any of mine.
The mags must be available, gunsmith friend of mine has a commander 38 super, i think it was a Colt, don't know if he made it himself or not, I dont think he did.
Those other chamberings won't batter your frame much if that's a real concern, just add in a shock buff.

[Standing Wolf]

The only .38 super model 1911 I've ever shot was very impressive. The fellow who owned it rolled his own full power ammunition, which he warned me was "snappy." It delivered less perceived recoil than my model 1911 with ball ammuntion, perhaps a little more than my light-loaded target ammunition.

I'd have bought one by now, but am in no very great hurry to begin reloading yet another caliber.

[Tamara]

.38 Super in a full-size, all-steel 1911 is a very mild-shooting round. I love my Colt in the caliber. :cool:

[Zak Smith]

I've shot eerw's 9x23 single-stack Springfield. Factory 9x23 is beyond .38Super ammo - it's a 124gr @ 1450fps. Blast and recoil were way less than a Glock in .40 or .357SIG.

The recoil was tame and the slide quick-cycling. The front sight was back on target quicker than with my .45.

A .38Super 1911 should feel like any other 9mm, but more manageable.

If you are worried about "rim lock", go .38 Super Comp (no rim) or 9x23 (a tapered case like 9x19, but with no rim).

In a full-size 1911, I'd go 9x23 or 10mm, if I had to choose something besides .45. The longer OAL tends to work better in the single-stack guns.


-z

[eerw]

1) Is the muzzle flash and noise of a .38 Super as pronounced as some make it out to be? How're the recoil characteristics?.

THe muzzle flash is no more pronounced than 9mm or 45acp. recoil of 38 super in a 1911 is mild..9x23 is a little more snappy.

2) Is the vestigial rim prone to rimlock (like .32 ACP)?.

never have had 38 super rimlock in a single stack gun..have seen it in a wide body gun..but have never seen it cause a malfunction..just seen it on unloading those staggered mags by hand.

3) Are .38 Super mags available (or convertable) in Officer ACP size, or just in full size Gov't model mags? I ask because I quite fancy the CCO size, with the Commander slide and short Officer grip.

Metalform makes OM length 38 super mags now..they are nicely made and run fine.

4) Are there any other alternate 1911 chamberings that would be more practical? I'm sketchy on the 9mm and .40 models, as I'd imagine their shorter OAL would affect feeding. 10mm and 9x23 allegedly batter frames, or so I've heard. Someone here had a 7.62x25mm 1911 project, but I'd imagine the flash/blast would be nasty.

9x23 and 10mm run beautifully in the 1911...I have several 9x23s and all are great...10mm is next on my list.