I am pulling a Brett Favre here, been contemplating a 38 Super in a Commander sized 1911. The question is do I really need to add another caliber to the list? If I must have a Commander sized 1911 should it be in 45 ACP? I already have 45 ACP on hand along with reloading dies. For 38 Super I will have to buy new dies and more ammo but I can also get a 9mm barrel and shoot 9mm which I already have along with all the reloading equipment.
Still wofting should I get a 38 Super?
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Gryffydd
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10mm Dan Wesson C Bob Commander
http://cz-usa.com/products/view/dan-wesson-commander-classic-bobtail/
You get your commander 1911, but with a lighter faster round than the .45 and more oomph than the .38 Super. I think it occupies a happy medium between .38 Super and .45 Auto in its form, while being more powerful than either...
At least that's what I would pick... You don't really say what you'd be using the gun for, but given that it's a commander I'm guessing it's not competition or something where the .38 Super would offer much over the 10mm.
http://cz-usa.com/products/view/dan-wesson-commander-classic-bobtail/
You get your commander 1911, but with a lighter faster round than the .45 and more oomph than the .38 Super. I think it occupies a happy medium between .38 Super and .45 Auto in its form, while being more powerful than either...
At least that's what I would pick... You don't really say what you'd be using the gun for, but given that it's a commander I'm guessing it's not competition or something where the .38 Super would offer much over the 10mm.
noskilz
Member
Wofting? 
Waffling.......
I shot nothing but .45 in 1911's for forever, but got a .38 Super about 2 years ago and wish I had done it years ago. Since you reload it is a very versatile caliber.
That said, a Commander sized 1911 in .45 is sweet as well.
I shot nothing but .45 in 1911's for forever, but got a .38 Super about 2 years ago and wish I had done it years ago. Since you reload it is a very versatile caliber.
That said, a Commander sized 1911 in .45 is sweet as well.
496 polara
Member
I vote for 38 super because 1)I already have a .45 in 1911 2)I want a .38 super 3)always cool to buy a new caliber.
weisse52
Member
.38 Super
In a Commander size package it is a powerhouse
Getting the 9mm barrel is a real bonus.
In a Commander size package it is a powerhouse
Getting the 9mm barrel is a real bonus.
Maj Dad
Member
Having Them Both...
I fall back to the 45. The Super exists because Mexico wouldn't allow military rounds (45) thus the 38 ACP got hot loaded & now we have the Super. Don't misunderstand - it's a good round, but the 45's better. I had a beautiful stainless 5" Colt with target sights that would drill one .355 hole in targets, and I have a 4.25" Combat Commander that will do the same thing but with .452 holes. The muzzle blast/flash on the 38 is substantial, and recovering brass is an expedition. The largest bullet I used was a 158 gr LSWC and it was a good, accurate flat shooter. I typically use a 200 gr SWC or JHP at around 950 fps in the 4.25" 45 or 230 Hornady buzz saws and both are whomper stomper little-hole cutters. The Super was a little faster, but not enough to sway me from my big hole bias (twice the bullet weight is hard to argue with). In the end, it's your preference. Get them both and keep 'em guessing: hit a goblin with either, you'll earn it's attention. I prefer to earn its passing attention...
I fall back to the 45. The Super exists because Mexico wouldn't allow military rounds (45) thus the 38 ACP got hot loaded & now we have the Super. Don't misunderstand - it's a good round, but the 45's better. I had a beautiful stainless 5" Colt with target sights that would drill one .355 hole in targets, and I have a 4.25" Combat Commander that will do the same thing but with .452 holes. The muzzle blast/flash on the 38 is substantial, and recovering brass is an expedition. The largest bullet I used was a 158 gr LSWC and it was a good, accurate flat shooter. I typically use a 200 gr SWC or JHP at around 950 fps in the 4.25" 45 or 230 Hornady buzz saws and both are whomper stomper little-hole cutters. The Super was a little faster, but not enough to sway me from my big hole bias (twice the bullet weight is hard to argue with). In the end, it's your preference. Get them both and keep 'em guessing: hit a goblin with either, you'll earn it's attention. I prefer to earn its passing attention...
ak-kev
Member
I love them them both, but I voted for the Super. Its just so darn cool. I load my own SD rounds. I use the 125gr Gold Dot and BlueDot powder. They are clocked (5 shot average) at 1449fps. Thats .357 magnum power, no matter how you cut it. I havent clocked these rounds out of my Commander, or my new 3.5 inch Detonics, but man are they fun to shoot. I'll never give up my .45's, but I definately have found a new love with the Super. Kevin.
redmule
Member
I voted super 38 because I want one also.
Super 38 in a 1911 package is a great gun! I picked up one last year, Springfield full size 1911-A1 in 38 super OD green for ~$390. I fit a 9mm barrel to it and shoot both Super 38 and 9mm. It is sweet shooting gun with very little recoil. The down side is finding personal protection ammo. It can be found just not as wide spread as 45ACP. Go for it, you will not regret the Super 38.
Tropical Buzz
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Wrong. The .38 Super was created because the handgun cartridges of the day (predominantly .38 Special and .45ACP) could not reliably defeat car doors and light body armor. The Super is a SUPERior penetrator.
cerberus65
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I voted .45 ACP. I've been tempted by .38 Super and even 9mm in a 1911 but so far I haven't come up with a good enough reason to actually make me do it. So, all my 1911's are .45 ACP.
Maj Dad
Member
Let Me Re-Phrase,
Buzz, you silver tongued tropical devil... The 38 Super's popularity and continued existence owes much to Mexico's ban on the 45 and the subsequent popularity of the Super there. That is not to say that it is not popular here; it just was a large part of the production etc. that sustained it over the years lacking a large following here. The penetrating round is the 130 gr RN metal case, and that is what it does: zip on through. Like distra says, unless you reload, finding personal protection (I presume we are talking expanding/energy-transferring bullets) can be a real exercise. In the final analysis, whatever floats the boat: my deep-water floaties are 45s; choose your own as you see fit. Quibbling is a waste of time and effort.
Buzz, you silver tongued tropical devil... The 38 Super's popularity and continued existence owes much to Mexico's ban on the 45 and the subsequent popularity of the Super there. That is not to say that it is not popular here; it just was a large part of the production etc. that sustained it over the years lacking a large following here. The penetrating round is the 130 gr RN metal case, and that is what it does: zip on through. Like distra says, unless you reload, finding personal protection (I presume we are talking expanding/energy-transferring bullets) can be a real exercise. In the final analysis, whatever floats the boat: my deep-water floaties are 45s; choose your own as you see fit. Quibbling is a waste of time and effort.
bullturkey
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I traded my sig 220 45 for a sig 220 38super a while back. For me rapid follow up shots are easier (double taps) gained 2 more rounds (flush fit) and a local store had a good supply of WW silvertips gathering dust on the shelves that they sold me for 25 a box (50 count) . My local club has IPSC shooters that reload 38 supers for me much cheaper than store bought. I consider this a win-win.
rbernie
Contributing Member
I picked 9x19 - it's much cheaper to shoot, brass/ammo is far more plentiful, and it's just as easy to handload.
eatont9999
Member
Since it is a commander size, you might have better control over a .38 super or 9mm. I would go with the .38 super and find some nasty hollow points that feed well.
.38 Super is specifically prohibited in Mexico and has been since 1972. It has a strong following there because it was used as the standard issue cartridge by the Mexican army for almost as long as the .45 has been used by the U.S. Army and is still used by many L.E. Agencies in Mexico.
Source: http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/102.pdf
Now that the Mexico issue is settled, I have a Browning BDA (Sig P220) in .38 Super and a Series 70 Government Model in .38 Super and enjoy both of them, but my Commander is .45 ACP.
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David E
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While that may have been true until 1972 (per the above post) what really helped the .38 Super in recent years is the popularity the cartridge enjoys in USPSA/IPSC shooting. Ever since the early/mid 80's, the .38 Super was the game cartridge. It continues to be in the Open Division.
Corbon loads some SD ammo for it. Load it in 10 rd mags, you'll have 10+1 of easy to shoot/control 125 grain JHP goodness @ 1325 fps for 487 ft lbs of energy, ro 115 grain JHP @ 1425 fps for 519 ft lbs.
While you can get a 9mm barrel for it (recommended) you can also get one in 9x23, which is the worst marketed cartridge ever, but performance-wise, one of the best. (125 JHP @ 1450 fps for 584 ft lbs.)
Maj Dad
Member
And IPSC Is The Milieu
The Super is one of the best cartridges available, especially for reloaders. My stainless Colt was slicked up by Alex Hamilton at Ten-Ring Precision in San Antonio to run IPSC, and it made major easily and would flat run. Adjustable sights, extra power springs, Wilson ramped barrel and trigger & action jobs made it into a NASCAR capable machine. It speaks for itself and when it does, it speaks with absolute authority. It's a Lamborghini to my Mercedes 45s...
The Super is one of the best cartridges available, especially for reloaders. My stainless Colt was slicked up by Alex Hamilton at Ten-Ring Precision in San Antonio to run IPSC, and it made major easily and would flat run. Adjustable sights, extra power springs, Wilson ramped barrel and trigger & action jobs made it into a NASCAR capable machine. It speaks for itself and when it does, it speaks with absolute authority. It's a Lamborghini to my Mercedes 45s...
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