Production .38 Super

[Almostgem]

I have a DW in 9mm (Pointman) and love the trigger on it. I also have a Colt in 38 super. I think the DW would end up being a better deal.
After purchasing the Colt, I immediately started spending money in upgrading the trigger and internals so that it had a crisper/lighter trigger.
I don't remember all I put into it moneywise, but did put a lot of effort stoning parts to give me that crisp/light trigger pull. Also, the barrel on the DW will be a match grade where the colt was not (Standard colt, not match). So I guess my point is, just about any 1911 will work, if you're willing to put the time and money into it.

 

[Bender]

A "match grade" barrels are only as good as their fit. There have been many verifications that DW barrels aren't fit as well as many are led to believe.

 

[Geno58]

I have always had a 38 super in my 1911 arsenal. I currently have two Colt 38 supers one full size Government model and one Commander model they both shoot great, but I to would go with DW.
I currently have three Dan Wesson's , a Valor in 10mm, a Valor Commander 45 and a Valkyrie in 9mm. I'm getting ready to send to send the Valkyrie to Dan Wesson to have it converted to 38 Super. Can't beat the Dan Wesson for the quality and options you get for the money " I have the Colts because I'm a Fan Boy "

 

[Dwe]

I personally don't care for the PM-38. Aside from that, I don't see anything that fits my criteria from DW. I would be all over a Blued Valor in 38super.

It is possible
However I had to buy a 9mm Blued Valor and convert it.

 

[41 Charlie]

It is possible
However I had to buy a 9mm Blued Valor and convert it.

View attachment 3275 View attachment 3276 View attachment 3274

That's a beauty, Dwe!

 

[OldGunner_43]

gsmgc;

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned it (at least I didn't see it), but once you've made the move to .38 Super (a really good move IMHO) you'll need to get into "loading your own" to get the greatest benefit. Of course, this applies to almost everything else you choose to shoot.
Just a thought.

 

[gsmgc]

Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts, suggestions, and advise. They are all truly appreciated.
Since I have never owned one, or shot one yet for that matter, I don't want to go overboard.
If I do like it, then I will probably go overboard.

OldGunner_43, you are absolutely right about reloading. I will eventually, but cannot at the moment.

Dwe, I really like your DW. I have the Blued Valor in .45. I like almost as much as my EB. If this were available in 38super, I would just buy that.

Not sure if I want to incur the cost of a 9mm, then send it out to have it converted into a 38super for my first one. Trying to find a Colt O2291 locally to start with. For me, I feel it is the most prudent way to go. It is a Colt, and it will have resale value if needed. If I do like it, I can always upgrade it.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[AZGUY1911]

You can buy a 38 super DW Guardian for a good price and have an amazing start into 38 super life

 

[gsmgc]

I had a couple of commanders with the Bobtail, but didn't really care for it. Although they were .45s.
My search for a basic Colt in 38super locally is not going well. I actually found one today. The fit and finish was meh, but that wasn't the real issue. The asking price was, and they wouldn't budge.
To those in the know, would the recoil of an alloy framed commander in 38super, be comparable, or less than that of a .45 in an all steel government?
Thought I had it all figured out. Gotta keep telling myself it not just the destination, but the journey as well.
Wasn't a total loss at my LGS though, got a really good deal on a fine example of a well fitted Series 70 Colt.

 

[Dwe]

I had a couple of commanders with the Bobtail, but didn't really care for it. Although they were .45s.
My search for a basic Colt in 38super locally is not going well. I actually found one today. The fit and finish was meh, but that wasn't the real issue. The asking price was, and they wouldn't budge.
To those in the know, would the recoil of an alloy framed commander in 38super, be comparable, or less than that of a .45 in an all steel government?
Thought I had it all figured out. Gotta keep telling myself it not just the destination, but the journey as well.
Wasn't a total loss at my LGS though, got a really good deal on a fine example of a well fitted Series 70 Colt.

All depends on the ammo you shoot.
Typical factory 38Super ammo from an alloy framed Commander has definitely less recoil than full power factory 45 in a Steel Government.
I would say the recoil Shooting Underwood SD 38Super from an alloy framed Commander would be the same as a full power factory 45 in a Steel Government. Again it all depends on the ammo you are shooting.

I use to think recoil was overrated and part of the joy of shooting.
I'm 58 and have used my hands in heavy mechanical work most my life and I'm starting to suffer from arthritis so I get it. The 38super is very manageable and has reenergized my range time.

 

[41 Charlie]

^^^ Agreed ^^^
38 Super is very manageable to shoot. And if you plan to shoot 38 Super, you're probably going to reload for it. 38 Super is a very versatile caliber for reloading. I tend to load down, for range work. Enjoy the journey...

 

[gsmgc]

I guess I should have added if all things were as equal as possible regarding factory loads. Thanks, I'm starting to understand things better.
Dwe, did you do the conversion barrel yourself for the valor? I emailed DW to ask if they would, and the cost.
Thanks again.

 

[Dwe]

I guess I should have added if all things were as equal as possible regarding factory loads. Thanks, I'm starting to understand things better.
Dwe, did you do the conversion barrel yourself for the valor? I emailed DW to ask if they would, and the cost.
Thanks again.

When I requested the barrel and bushing DW asked the serial number of the gun I was installing it in.
I explained that the gun was on order and that my gunsmith was doing the install. They then shipped it right out.
The barrel almost dropped in however it did take minimal fitting and turned out to lock up at least as well as the stock 9mm barrel.
I am very pleased.

 

[Kerry Stone]

The Colt Competition would serve you well. Several of my friends have this model, and are very pleased. Best of luck with your 38 super acquisition!

I agree! Love that rampant colt.

 

[John Galt]

Problem with Kimber is the stretching the truth i.e. "custom shop" and using plastic parts (and then claiming custom shop pistols)

 

[Mike D]

Put me down for another D.W. vote! I have three, two Vigils(9&45) and a Guardian(45). Next one will be a .38 Super

 

[David D]

I have been considering .38 super but am no longer. The main thing that is stopping me is the cost to shoot per round. I don't own safe queens. I am not set up to reload yet as I don't have the space at the moment so I rely on factory. Right now, factory is around 38-41 cents per round from targetsportsusa which has the lowest cost by far when you include the free shipping. When I am at 14-15 cents per round for 9mm and 23-24 cents per round for .45 (again, talking factory), I can't justify .38 super even though it is an awesome round. I had to turn down a great deal on a custom built open gun in 38 super/38 super comp for the very reason that I would want to shoot it and I would blow through my monthly ammo budget in one or two range sessions.

I haven't looked at Colt's lately but some of the used ones I have seen come through the store I frequent in the last year are super sloppy slide to frame fit and the lock up on the barrel was/is non-existent. I haven't seen many new ones to see how they compared to the used ones I looked at. I have heard their consistency has much improved.

I own a couple Dan Wesson pistols and the fit and finish on them is second to none. They are not as sexy as some of the high end semi custom builders. However, have handled them side by side with WC, Nighthawk, Cabot, Les Baer, etc and the fit was on par in my view. The slides roll on ball bearings and have that custom clacking sound. Zero play at lock up.

The other thing I do is buy used Dan Wesson's. For some reason people at the store I go to like to trade them in when they move up to the semi-custom manufacturers listed above. The used ones are barely shot and go for 15-20% less than the new ones. The Specialist I bought in 9mm I bought for 1100 used and it did not have a scratch on it. You can save some money and have some extra left over to buy a case on factory to run through it!

 

[41 Charlie]

I have been considering .38 super but am no longer. The main thing that is stopping me is the cost to shoot per round. I don't own safe queens. I am not set up to reload yet as I don't have the space at the moment so I rely on factory. Right now, factory is around 38-41 cents per round from targetsportsusa which has the lowest cost by far when you include the free shipping. When I am at 14-15 cents per round for 9mm and 23-24 cents per round for .45 (again, talking factory), I can't justify .38 super even though it is an awesome round. I had to turn down a great deal on a custom built open gun in 38 super/38 super comp for the very reason that I would want to shoot it and I would blow through my monthly ammo budget in one or two range sessions.

I haven't looked at Colt's lately but some of the used ones I have seen come through the store I frequent in the last year are super sloppy slide to frame fit and the lock up on the barrel was/is non-existent. I haven't seen many new ones to see how they compared to the used ones I looked at. I have heard their consistency has much improved.

I own a couple Dan Wesson pistols and the fit and finish on them is second to none. They are not as sexy as some of the high end semi custom builders. However, have handled them side by side with WC, Nighthawk, Cabot, Les Baer, etc and the fit was on par in my view. The slides roll on ball bearings and have that custom clacking sound. Zero play at lock up.

The other thing I do is buy used Dan Wesson's. For some reason people at the store I go to like to trade them in when they move up to the semi-custom manufacturers listed above. The used ones are barely shot and go for 15-20% less than the new ones. The Specialist I bought in 9mm I bought for 1100 used and it did not have a scratch on it. You can save some money and have some extra left over to buy a case on factory to run through it!

Yep, reloading for 38 Super is essential & half the fun...

 

[dakota1911]

I have a couple of Colts in 38 Super and was looking for a new to me 38 Super with fully adjustable sights. Was hoping to find one of the older Colt SCGs in hard chrome to match my one in 45ACP. Also a used DW at the right price would have been nice. Anyway when I saw the recent Colt Gold Cup Lite in 38 Super I bought one of those.

The latest (Feb) "Handgunner" mag has a nice article on 38 Super and reloading 38 Super gives one a lot more options than just buying factory ammo.

 

[gsmgc]

According to another forum, Colt is supposed to be coming out with a new Series 70 model in .45, and 38Super.
Apparently it will take the place of the current Series 70, and the O1991. I think that I am going to hold off for now and wait for these to materialize.