Colt Super .38 Automatic - #63126

[CptCurl]

I don't plan to do it, but I wonder if there is even available a "fat barrel" aftermarket barrel that headspaces on the case mouth.

I've had a number of 38 Super Colts. In fact, my first 1911 type pistol was a .38 Super Government Model from the late 60s. I bought it new back about 1972.

Some years ago I had a Series 70 Colt .38 Super I planned to use as a shooter. I had read that 9x23 brass could be used and it would headspace on the case mouth. I bought some of the brass, but no deal. it fell right into the chamber and sank in that particular barrel. Obviously there was no ridge for the case mouth to encounter.

I don't have a .38 Super "shooter" now, but if I did I would get a modern barrel for sure.

My other .38 Super is a pre-war from 1936. I posted it here several years ago: Colt Super .38 Automatic - #21051

Curl

 

[CptCurl]

Thinking further, I guess on a "fat barrel" pistol you could change both the barrel and bushing to install a modern aftermarket barrel.

Again, I don't plan to do that. I like the pistol all original.

Curl

 

[bananaman]

Colt Super .38 Automatic - #63126


Made 1948

This is an interesting example of the early post-WW2 Super .38. It would be considered a "transitional" piece as it has a few "left-over" military parts. However, all is finished to high commercial standards. Left-overs include the GI stocks, hammer, and safety.

Notice the barrel exterior diameter. This is the rare "fat barrel" model, its barrel having the same exterior diameter as a .45 barrel. These are seldom encountered and only appeared in the immediate post-WW2 years.

The slide inscription also is noteworthy. It reads: "COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." For just a few years following WW2 this inscription was used, and it was discontinued some time around 1950. During the many years prior, and ever since, the inscription has always been: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A."

My photos don't do justice to this pistol. It really presents much better in the hand than it does under my harsh lights. Nevertheless, it's an historic part of the .38 Super story and worthy to be shown to those who appreciate such.

SO COOL!!! I'd like a .38 Super in a 1911 myself. Not sure why though. Bob

 

[SuperMan]

CptCurl... There is no reason why you can not pull the barrel/bushing out of your gun and drop in a correctly headspaced barrel in to shoot with as the original will drop right back in...


bananaman...."SO COOL!!! I'd like a .38 Super in a 1911 myself. Not sure why though.".....buy one and you'll find out what you have been missing...

 

[Gamecock]

125 gr bullet over 10.4 gr VV N105.

1,400 no BS fps.

 

[Mexican Kerry]

I love the Super! My first one was an .......older......one.

I haven't fired it, but I bought a second so I could enjoy one at the range.

I almost bought an older Commander in .38 a few years ago but it was a toss up between it and a 1914 Canadian contract GM the seller had. The GM won that day.

 

[jeeps]

What is the market value today?? Thanks

 

[DWalt]

125 gr bullet over 10.4 gr VV N105.

1,400 no BS fps.

AA #5 is also very good for high end loads, about 8.7 grains behind that bullet will get you in the 1400 ft/sec range with a 5" barrel. But if you want to go that hot, it's better to use 9x23 Win or Starline SuperComp cases. Those cases are rimless but will work OK, considerably heavier at the base than .38 Super brass. That's all I use for such hot loads.