Did I find a deal? (.38 Super 1911)

[Rebel2345]

I went to my local gun shop today, looking to see what I might like to buy for my first pistol.

I was looking through the case and noticed a 1911 that was in a color kind of like this, but polished, not matte. A little darker maybe.



Then, I noticed it was chambered for .38 Super. It had "Govt Issue" on its tag, Listed for $399.

I love the feel on a 1911, fits my huge hands perfect. Most of the other ones were listed above 600, this one would be affordable for me.

But I'd never seen a .38 chambered 1911. Anyone have experience with them and how they shoot?

 

[AndyC]

.38 Super in a 1911 is a classic combination - but it's more of an enthusiast's caliber, so if you get it, you might want to look into handloading ammo (if you don't already).

Is it a "deal"? Depends on the manufacturer, model, extras, etc.

 

[kentucky_smith]

That High-Standard is the same gun as a Rock Island, looks like it has been duracoated.

Price is about right for NIB.

 

[AndyC]

I don't believe he said that it was the pistol in the pic - just that the colour was similar to that in the pic.

 

[Rebel2345]

The picture above is an example, its not the one I was looking at.

It looks like it was in good condition. I didnt see any noticeable holster wear. But I also didnt see an actual manufacturer's name on it. I didnt ask to hold it since they were pretty busy.

 

[AndyC]

Phone them and ask - there are one or two brands I wouldn't buy personally, but you might have lucked into something decent and I'm sure the guys here will let you know

 

[Walkalong]

but you might have lucked into something decent and I'm sure the guys here will let you know

Yep.

Great cartridge by the way, and AndyC is right, you really need to handload for it to make it cost effective and really make the most of its potential.

 

[GearHead_1]

The fact you didn't see a name on the slide might be a good thing. Many custom slide manufacturers don't label them. Wouldn't it be great if you stumbled across a custom pistol?

 

[DFW1911]

Wouldn't it be great if you stumbled across a custom pistol?

No kidding!

If it is, be ready for offers from many of us as soon as you post pictures of your new purchase

 

[Geno]

So let me guess...you went to either:

Williams

or

Guns Galore



The .38 Super is a great little round, especially when using handloads. It will do everything a .357 Sig will do in handloads. Re: the 1911 platform, what can I say. Near perfection.

 

[Rebel2345]

So let me guess...you went to either:

Williams

or

Guns Galore

I wont say!

But I just called and asked the manufacturers name, and he tells me its a Colt. So thats a good thing.

I know .38 Super is about twice as expensive as 9mm, but I dont think that I would be able to afford everything needed to load my own rounds, atleast not at first. I'm going to have enough trouble as it is just trying to buy the gun!

I'll be trying my hardest though, thats for sure.

 

[Walkalong]

Unless it's a rag, you can't pass up a Colt 1911 in .38 Super for $400.

 

[Chipperman]

Unless it's a rag, you can't pass up a Colt 1911 in .38 Super for $400.

The frame alone is worth that unless it's trashed.

 

[Quoheleth]

I know .38 Super is about twice as expensive as 9mm, but I dont think that I would be able to afford everything needed to load my own rounds, atleast not at first.

You would be surprised how relatively inexpensive you can get set up to reload.

This is an off-the-cuff, and not at all extensive, list:
-Lee C-press: $25
-Lee dies: $30
-Lee scale:$20
-Lee Perfect Powder Measure: $20

You'll need powder (about $20/pound) and bullets (cast lead is around $25-30/500 if you shop around).

Yeah, you're looking at a C-note plus a little bit to get set up, but if ammo is in the $30/50 range, you would recoup your costs pretty quickly.

Just a little encouragement for you ~ food for thought...

Good luck on the gun!!!

Q

 

[Rebel2345]

I'm definitely going to be back up there as soon as possible.

But I have another question, anybody know if I can put a firearm on layaway without the purchase permit in hand?

I know that I wouldnt be able to pay it all within the ten days that I'm allowed before I have to bring the firearm back for inspection.

I know I should call them, but they are closed already. (That probably just gave away where its at, didnt it Doc?) Thought I'd ask here and see if you guys might know.

 

[AndyC]

Sounds like a good deal, from what you're describing, so definitely call them first thing Monday morning and ask about a layaway option.

If they don't do layaway, PM me the store's name....

 

[Rebel2345]

One of the employee's mentioned that they do, but I didnt ask about the details.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Sounds like a great deal!

The price: If it is actually a Colt-produced Super .38, one in good shape for $400 is a steal. Some non-Colts used to be marked something like "Super .38 Autmatic Colt Pistol Ctg," from the origin of the round. This was similar to the practice of marking ".38 S&W Special" on the barrel of other brand revolvers.

This pistol: A Colt should be marked with the brand on both slide and frame, and a Hartford, Conn. address on the frame.

If the tag shows "Govt Issue," this is probably an error. I don't recall the United States government ever issuing Super .38 pistols. Might it have said, "Govt Model" instead? A lot of people call any plain 1911A1-type Colt such, though the Super .38 was not so marked. I'm pretty sure only the .45s were/are marked "Government Model."

If the pistol is a Series 80, you should get good accuracy with little effort. I understand that Super .38 barrels since 1990 have been chambered to headspace on the case mouth. If it is an older piece, it may well be more valuable, but it might take some tinkering to fine-tune it.

The cartridge? As Doc2005 wrote, the round is closer to a .357 SiG than 9mm. The 130 gr. Super .38 is generally about 100 fps faster than the 124 gr. 9mm Parabellum. Winchester used to offer a 124 gr. Silvertip hollow point, but I don't find it on their ammo site now. It is a relatively easy cartridge to handload, and as it uses .355--.356" bullets, there is a good selection of weights and types. I'm about to begin loading Hornady XTP hollow points in both 124 and 147 gr.

Lay Away: I know nothing of Michigan frirearms law. In Texas, a purchase permit is not required, and a lay away is merely an accomodation between seller and buyer. The federal Form 4473 need not be completed until the time of the actual transfer. There's nothing to prevent a dealer accepting a cash deposit, or a series of payments, to hold the piece until my next payday. Most dealers, though, might not return the deposit, if I failed to complete the transfer paperwork in a timely manner.

Anyhow, I hope you're able to buy the Super .38. If you cannot, please share the location with some worthy person. Like me.

Best of luck
Johnny

 

[Rebel2345]

I do know it had "Govt" on the tag, whether it said issue or model I may have mixed up.

I'm going to go back up there one of these days and get the whole scoop on it, and probably put one on lay away.

I'll post in this topic whether or not I get it, or if I got another one.

 

[aomagrat]

I love the 38 Special. I own two of them. A Colt MK IV and a Rock Island.

 

[grendelbane]

Both of my Colt .38 Supers are marked Government Model, as is my 9x23mm, and my 10 mm Delta Elite.

.38 Super is a great cartridge. The old barrels are not always accurate, but I have 2 that do all right, as long as my hand loads are loaded as long as possible.

9x23mm is a better cartridge, but there is nothing wrong with the .38 Super.

 

[M1911]

I went to my local gun shop today, looking to see what I might like to buy for my first pistol.

It is a fine gun, but .38 Super is not a great cartridge for your first gun. Unless you are a reloader, you'll be spending a whole bunch of money on ammo.

 

[Trebor]

If the pistol is actually a Colt, and it is in good shape, the price is very good. Practically a steal.

However, I would never recommend .38 Super for a first handgun. It's more of a "niche" or "enthusiast" cartridge. It's going to be more expensive then 9mm and, I think .45 ACP or .40 S&W, and will be harder to find in stock at local shops.

Now, if you reload that takes some of the sting out. But, if you are just learning to shot, I doubt you reload yet anyway. And I don't recommend learning to shoot and learning to reload at the same time. Get a little shooting experience under your belt before you get into reloading.

All that said, it is a good price. But, you'll make up for it in ammo costs when compared to something more readily available.

 

[Rebel2345]

I know how to shoot. I've have a few shotguns and rifles, and I've shot quite a few different pistols that my friends own. But its time to get my own now that I turned 21.

I realize .38 Super isnt a very good round for a first pistol, I planned on getting a 9mm of some kind. But I cant find another firearm that fits my hand so well.

Theres another shop that has a few Auto Ord, Springfield, and RIA 1911's for around the same price. I'll probably be shopping around before I make up my mind.

 

[Rinspeed]

I'm definitely going to be back up there as soon as possible.

You better get there before Doc does.