1911 Classic (45 ACP)

The 38 Super Colt 1911: A Legend Reimagined

For the discerning 1911 gun enthusiast, the mention of the best 1911 pistol 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 Colt 38 Super variant carved its formidable niche.

This specific chambering, particularly from Colt, offers a blend of speed, penetration, and shootability that continues to captivate collectors and competitive shooters alike.

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

The story of the 1911 Super 38 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 Colt Super 38 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. best 1911 pistol

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 1911 Super 38 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. This is why the 1911 Colt 38 Super became such a coveted firearm.

An Enthusiast’s Breakdown

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 38 Super series. best 1911 pistol
• 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 1911 Super 38 pistols in various series, including the Series 70 and Series 80, each with its own subtle refinements and safety mechanisms.

Beyond Defense: The 38 Super’s Competitive and Cultural Edge

The 1911 Super 38 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 Colt meant a flatter trajectory, reducing holdover at longer distances – a significant advantage in dynamic shooting stages.
• Manageable Recoil: The recoil impulse of the 38 Super Colt 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 Colt consistently meets or exceeds the “Major” power factor with various bullet weights, granting competitors higher scores. best 1911 pistol
• 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 1911 Super 38 pistols with custom grips, enhanced safeties, improved triggers, and compensated barrels for even greater performance.

Additionally, the Super 38 Colt holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts, particularly in Mexico. The Mexican Colt 38 Super has a particular allure due to its association with a unique firearms culture where its high-velocity round and collectible status have made it a prized possession, often seen with elaborate engraving and custom finishes.

Collecting and Appreciating the Colt best 1911 pistol

For those who seek a collectible 1911 pistol, an original Colt .38 Super 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 Colt 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. best 1911 pistol
• 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 Colt, thorough research and inspection are paramount. Consulting with reputable dealers and joining 1911 gun enthusiast forums and communities can provide invaluable insights and guidance.

Best 1911 pistol Today: Still Relevant

Even in the age of advanced 9mm Luger loads, the Colt Super 38 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. best 1911 pistol

Furthermore, its continued prominence in competitive shooting keeps ammunition manufacturers producing quality loads for the 1911 Super38.

Whether you’re drawn to its historical significance, its competitive prowess, or simply the allure of a classic Colt 1911 38 Super in a less common, yet highly effective, chambering, the 1911 Super 38 remains a truly exceptional firearm. best 1911 pistol

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.

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