38 Super Colt 1911 Original Classic SS

The .38 Super Colt 1911 Original: A Legend Reimagined

For the discerning 1911 enthusiast, the mention of a “.38 Super Colt 1911 original” evokes a sense of history, performance, and a unique place in the pantheon of John Browning’s iconic design. While the .45 ACP remains the quintessential chambering for the 1911,

The .38 Super variant, particularly from Colt, carved its formidable niche, offering a blend of speed, penetration, and shootability that continues to captivate collectors and competitive shooters alike.

A Look Back: The Birth of the .38 Super 1911

The story of the .38 Super begins in 1929, a period when law enforcement and civilians sought a handgun cartridge with more punch than the prevalent .38 ACP. Colt, ever innovative, answered the call by taking the existing .38 ACP cartridge and significantly boosting its chamber pressure.

The result was the .38 Super Automatic, a round that shattered the 1,000 feet-per-second (fps) barrier, a groundbreaking achievement for a semi-automatic pistol cartridge at the time.

What made this particularly significant for the 1911 platform was its ability to handle this increased power. John Browning’s robust and inherently strong 1911 design proved more than capable of containing the .38 Super’s higher pressures.

This marriage of a powerful new cartridge with the proven reliability of the 1911 created a formidable self-defense and even law enforcement tool. Its ability to penetrate early body armor and car doors, capabilities beyond most contemporary handgun rounds, quickly solidified its reputation.

The Original Colt .38 Super 1911: Key Features and Specifications

An original Colt .38 Super 1911 typically refers to models produced by Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company from the late 1920s through various iterations. These pistols were built on the classic 1911 Government Model frame, featuring:

• Barrel Length: Standard 5-inch barrel, contributing to excellent sight radius and ballistic performance.
• Action: Single Action Only (SAO), a hallmark of the 1911 design.
• Magazine Capacity: Historically 9+1 rounds, offering a significant capacity advantage over the .45 ACP’s 7+1.
• Sights: Early models often featured fixed sights, with later variations incorporating more refined or adjustable options.
• Finish: Blued steel was common for original production, though stainless steel variants appeared in later Colt 1911 series.
• Distinctive Markings: Look for the “COLT SUPER.38 AUTOMATIC” rollmark on the slide, often accompanied by the iconic Colt prancing horse trademark.

While the “original” designation often refers to early production, Colt has continued to produce .38 Super 1911s in various series, including the Series 70 and Series 80, each with its own subtle refinements and safety mechanisms. Buy the 1911 Classic Royal Blue (45 ACP)

Beyond Defense: The .38 Super’s Competitive Edge

The .38 Super 1911 found a robust second life in the competitive shooting world, particularly in disciplines like IPSC and USPSA. Its attributes made it a standout:

• High Muzzle Velocity and Flat Trajectory: The raw speed of the .38 Super meant a flatter trajectory, reducing holdover at longer distances – a significant advantage in dynamic shooting stages.
• Manageable Recoil: Despite its power, the recoil impulse of the .38 Super in a full-size 1911 is often perceived as more manageable than that of the .45 ACP, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
• “Major” Power Factor: Many competition rules categorize cartridges by “power factor,” and the .38 Super consistently meets or exceeds the “Major” power factor with various bullet weights, granting competitors higher scores.
• Customization Potential: The enduring popularity of the 1911 platform means a vast aftermarket for 1911 upgrades and modifications. This allows competitive shooters to fine-tune their .38 Super 1911s with custom grips, enhanced safeties, improved triggers, and compensated barrels for even greater performance.

Collecting and Appreciating the .38 Super Colt 1911

For 1911 gun enthusiasts and collectible 1911 pistol aficionados, an original .38 Super Colt 1911 represents a significant piece of firearms history. Factors that contribute to its desirability include:

• Rarity: While not as common as their .45 ACP counterparts, original .38 Super models are highly sought after.
• Historical Significance: Their role in early law enforcement and the evolution of semi-automatic pistol cartridges adds to their appeal.
• Colt Pedigree: The name “Colt” carries immense weight in the 1911 world, signifying authentic craftsmanship and historical lineage.
• Condition: As with any vintage firearm, condition plays a crucial role in valuation. Well-preserved examples with original finishes and matching serial numbers command higher prices. You can use Colt 1911 serial number lookup resources to verify authenticity and production dates.

When seeking vintage 1911 pistols for sale, especially in .38 Super, thorough research and inspection are paramount. Consulting with reputable dealers and joining 1911 gun enthusiast forums and communities can provide invaluable insights and guidance.

The .38 Super Today: Still Relevant

Even in the age of advanced 9mm Luger loads, the .38 Super retains its relevance. Its unique ballistic properties – particularly its high velocity and excellent penetration – continue to make it a viable choice for self-defense for those who appreciate its characteristics. Furthermore, its continued prominence in competitive shooting keeps ammunition manufacturers producing quality loads.

Whether you’re drawn to its historical significance, its competitive prowess, or simply the allure of a classic Colt 1911 in a less common, yet highly effective, chambering, the .38 Super Colt 1911 original remains a truly exceptional firearm. It stands as a testament to the enduring genius of John Browning’s design and Colt’s commitment to innovation in the world of handguns.