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This is now where we post photos of our 38 super(comp) guns
USPSA/IPSC breathed new life in to the 38 Super cartridge. A key development was the practice of using fully supported barrels in 1911s and 1911oids, allowing this cartridge to be loaded to very high pressures that generate sufficient gas to render compensators rather effective. Most of the people in USPSA using Supers seem to be the younger crowd with the need for speed, with us older folks gravitating towards limited and production.
You will find Colts originally built by the factory as 38 Supers in the hands of the 60+ crowd.
Great medium caliber for the 1911, but don't confuse it with other 1911s marked ".38", like the .38 AMU (also a great round, but for bullseye).
I think the term "specialty cartridge used in certain shooting games" would be a better description than "obsolete". It's still easy to find new brass for 38 Super and 38 Supercomp.It's all but an obsolete cartridge in the United States
Colt still makes 38 Supers today as a regular production chambering.
You can get a Government Model right now with a National Match barrel for $799 from CDNN:
https://www.cdnnsports.com/colt-competition-government-1911-38-super-blue.html?___SID=U#.WeGZtoWMVFU
Mass Compliant?
. 38 Super and Supercomp shooters are stuck paying about $225/K for new brass.
Could a .38 super barrel / mag be swapped into a 9mm 1911 (or vice versa) - or is there more to it than that?
The 38 Super is semi rimed, so it's breech face is larger than 9mm breech face. Although the 38 Super comp breach face is interchangeable with a 9mm breech face it will not be a simple barrel swap. 1911 parts are not drop in. A barrel will need to be hand fit. the extractor may need to be tuned or replaced as well. This is well within the abilities of a competent gunsmith
Ok Gents, thanks for all the input. Since I am not a competitive shooter, would you say that there is little reason besides "I want one" to buy? I mean like pointless for a carry piece over a 9mm or .45?
I still say it is a great round. Hotter than a 9. Higher capacity than a 45. Very flat shooting. Manageable recoil (depending in how hot the load is). Reasonably available at a generally not ridiculous price.
That sounds like the exact argument for the .40 S&W and .357 SIG
I have seen people shoot 38 Supercomp out of a gun built for 38 Super without problems. That being said, it is not the ideal situation.Although the 38 Super comp breach face is interchangeable with a 9mm breech face it will not be a simple barrel swap. 1911 parts are not drop in. A barrel will need to be hand fit. the extractor may need to be tuned or replaced as well. This is well within the abilities of a competent gunsmith
Thanks. I haven't shot super in ages, and the Starline addition of Supercomp to the product line certainly changed things for the better. The last I had checked it was over $200/K. Now, even the Dillon pricing has come down (to $17.00 per 100). Rare good news.Your price quote is off a bit
38 SC is about $150 a thousand, super is a little less, TJ is a little more
That sounds like the exact argument for the .40 S&W and .357 SIG
The .40 is an intentionally emasculated 10mm auto.
The .357 SIG, and .45GAP are "answers" to a question that was not being asked.
Those are all just pussified versions of 9x25 Dillon.
That sounds like the exact argument for the .40 S&W and .357 SIG
Could a .38 super barrel / mag be swapped into a 9mm 1911 (or vice versa) - or is there more to it than that?