RIA 38 Super Question

[runlevelsix]

Hello,

I have recently purchased a Rock Island 1911 chambered in 38 super. After doing some homework I have narrowed my choice of Self-Defense ammo down to Buffalo Bore and Double Tap. My only concern is the non-ramped (aka unsupported) chamber in the RIA and whether it will be okay to fire the ammo mentioned earlier. Internet rumor has it that using full-powered 38 super rounds in a non-ramped barrel is courting disaster. Thoughts and advice please?

 

[WC145]

It's not an issue.

 

[runlevelsix]

Okay thank you; will keep an eye out for signs of excessive stress though just in case

 

[peacemaker45]

No, full power factory loads will be fine. What you're reading is advice against using the hot-rodded overcharges developed to push the borderline .38 Super up into Major Power Factor territory for IPSC/USPSA matches.

Standard ammo for standard barrels. Hot race ammo for fully supported racegun barrels.

 

[hardluk1]

You will want to get new recoil springs soon as stock ria spring don't hold up well. Contact WOLFF for springs. Is yours a 5" barrel. Try wolfs 17lb spring

 

[runlevelsix]

Yes mine is a 5" barrel. I was going to buy some Wolff springs for my P-64's, what kind of difference will a new spring for the RIA make? Or just more durable?

Edit: Looked at Wolff's site and they say the 38 super uses a 14lb string by default. What would happen if I use a (heavier?) 17lb spring? I am not very well versed in how springs work and affect the way a pistol shoots. I assume the heavier pound springs are for more powerful loads to prevent the slide from battering, and the lighter springs to allow for lighter loads to reliably cycle the pistol?

 

[RainDodger]

If you get a Wolff heavier recoil spring, it will also come with a matched (and heavier) firing pin spring which you should also use. You are correct - heavier springs for heavier loads.

Although I have a Kimber .38 Super, I run a Wilson Shok Buff and have had no problems whatsoever with mine.

 

[funnelcake]

A 14lb. flat-wire spring should be fine, not compromise reliability, & last a good long time.

Funnel

 

[IWAC]

I have been a fan of the .38 Super for years. Who makes a Commander-sized
1911 style pistol in the caliber? I have even heard that SIG used to chamber one of its handguns for it.

 

[peacemaker45]

I have been a fan of the .38 Super for years. Who makes a Commander-sized
1911 style pistol in the caliber? I have even heard that SIG used to chamber one of its handguns for it.

Colt.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I have owned three RIA .38 Supers. The very first one has a ramped barrel. The 2nd and 3rd newer ones did not have the ramped barrel. For some reason RIA couldn't decide on ramp or no ramp I suppose. I eventually sold the two newer ones and kept the older one with the ramp.

Ramped RIA .38 Super

 

[bannockburn]

runlevelsix

You can also easily convert your .38 Super to 9mm. by adding a 9mm. barrel assembly and magazine.

 

[hardluk1]

runlevelsix Your pistol may also run fine with a 16lb spring. Or buy a couple and deside whats to heavy for standard practice loads and back down on size.

Yes the wolff spring are more durable. One baig difference I saw right off. When I bought my pistol I orders a couple wolff springs. A stock 16lb spring was 1" shorter than a wolff 16lb spring but the wolf is also noticeably heavier feeling even though there rated the same.

 

[runlevelsix]

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful. I own a pair of Polish P64s so I will get some Wolff Springs for them and the 1911 while I am at it. Noticed Wolff does not list RIA as a brand nor 1911 as a generic category. I assume the Colt stuff will work?

 

[funnelcake]

Yep -same spring.

Funnel

 

[1911Tuner]

A 14 pound spring is a gracious plenty, regardless of the ammunition.

 

[batjka]

Factory 38 Super loads are on par with 38 ACP of yesteryear. You can look up ballistics of modern 38 Super ammo if you don't believe me. I guess lawyers got involved and ruined everything. So no worries for your gun.

38 Super ammo is expensive. My advice would be to purchase a case of surplus 9mm Largo for practice. It's a 128 gr bullet going about 1200 fps out of 5" barrel and it fits 38 Super chamber. The extractor on your gun might need tweaking thouth as 9mm Largo is rimless.