No S&W 1911s in 38 Super?

[AveragEd]

I have a hankerin' for a new gun and while I'm a long-time revolver guy and have a decent collection of S&Ws, the arthritis and carpel tunnel problems in my hands and wrists make for a lot of pain after scrubbing a revolver's cylinder face clean again. By comparison, 1911s are a cinch to clean so I think that's the way to go for me. I want a reloadable cartridge and have a Kimber Stainless Gold Match in .45ACP plus a 22LR conversion kit for it and an S&W Model 22A Talo.

I've kind of settled on a 38 Super. All I would do with it is punch paper since semi-auto handguns are not legal hunting firearms in Pennsylvania. But I don't see any 1911s on S&W's website in that chambering and I like that platform over the manufacturer-specific models due to parts availability and my knowledge of the platform. Kimber does offer their Stainless Target in 38 Super, so that's my idea for now.

Anyone have any other suggestions aside from the real costly custom jobs?

Ed

 

[Road Rat]

If you want a 1911 in .38 you can look to Colt or the used market.

 

[z4lunch]

Koenig

If you can find one of these, the Doug Koenig
Came out of the custom shop in 38 super. It was made in '06
It is one of my favorites to shoot. When they show up
On Broker they command $1500ish
Steve

I have a hankerin' for a new gun and while I'm a long-time revolver guy and have a decent collection of S&Ws, the arthritis and carpel tunnel problems in my hands and wrists make for a lot of pain after scrubbing a revolver's cylinder face clean again. By comparison, 1911s are a cinch to clean so I think that's the way to go for me. I want a reloadable cartridge and have a Kimber Stainless Gold Match in .45ACP plus a 22LR conversion kit for it and an S&W Model 22A Talo.

I've kind of settled on a 38 Super. All I would do with it is punch paper since semi-auto handguns are not legal hunting firearms in Pennsylvania. But I don't see any 1911s on S&W's website in that chambering and I like that platform over the manufacturer-specific models due to parts availability and my knowledge of the platform. Kimber does offer their Stainless Target in 38 Super, so that's my idea for now.

Anyone have any other suggestions aside from the real costly custom jobs?

Ed

 

[epj]

If you want to punch paper, look at the STI's. most models can be had in .38, though to me the 9mm makes more sense due to readily available brass. I have a Trojan in 9mm, and it is my favorite handgun.

 

[AveragEd]

Those guns in target trim are j-u-s-t a little out of the price range I want to stay in ($1,200 or less). A new Kimber Stainless Target II in 38 Super can be bought for $1,038 including shipping. The 9mm just never appealed to me and everybody has one or three. The 38 Super is different and probably because of that, I found quality new brass to be readily available while brass and ammo for 9mm, .45ACP and the other more popular calibers isn't.

Perhaps someone here can help me with two things. I know I've seen small clear plastic adhesive "covers" for 1911 frames to protect them from "idiot scratches" when reinstalling the slide stop but now I can't find them anywhere. Any ideas?

Also, I want to install an extended slide stop release in the new gun but can only find them for .45ACP. I understand that a 9mm part fits a 38 Super but none are available in extended form. I also learned that a .45ACP part can be fit to 9mms and 38 Supers. Any idea what's involved?

Thanks!

Ed

 

[wlp624]

Hi Ed,

I have seen S&W Doug Koenig models in .38 Super around for $1100 - $1200 several times in the past few months, it just takes a little patience. And you can actually use the corner of a fresh, stiff playing card to prevent 'idiot scratches'.

Bill

 

[AveragEd]

Thanks for the card idea, Bill. I bought a new Kimber Stainless Target II in 38 Super today. I came real close to buying an S&W Model 52-2 but every one I found had some sort of cosmetic flaw and was missing the spanner wrench or something else yet had asking prices north of a grand. When I considered parts wear and tear on an autoloader and the availability of them for a gun that has been out of production for 20+ years, I decided to go with another 1911.

Ed

 

[harleygeorge]

Super 38

If you are wanting a Super 38, Rock Island Armory makes them in the 1911 model. They are California compliant, and are made in the Philippines. New and in the box for around$475.00.
I have one, and it shoots just as good or better than some of the high dollar ones. I really like mine. I purchased a Colt Super 38 when I returned from the Korean War. And like a fool I traded it off several years later. Colt still makes them for around $800.00 but since I live in the great State of Kalifornia I have to have a California compliant model. For the money you can't beat it.

 

[ladder13]

I saw this one today in Cabelas. Koenig?

 

[AveragEd]

Another old thread resurrected! I wound up buying a Doug Koenig edition PC 1911-2 from another member of this forum and sold the Kimber. Their customer service left a lot to be desired.

Ed

 

[BigBoy99]

Here is the one I bought in 38 Super. (SKU 600318) Really nice weapon. Enjoy the 17 round magazine

https://eaacorp.com/portfolio-item/witness-elite-limited-pro/

 

[AveragEd]

Nice looking gun! And the MSRP isn't all that hateful.

Ed

 

[bananaman]

I have never shot a .38 Super. Would like to. I have a 9mm Tactical RIA, and a .40 Tactical II, RIA. REALLY enjoy the .40 which is Commander size. F.O. front sight is awesome. Bob

 

[44wheelman]

Had a witness 38 super, I could hit a 9 inch pie plate 50% at 100 yds. The other 50% would all go inside a 15" circle. It could do better, but I just couldn't see any better. It was plenty accurate, but had a nasty hard gritty trigger. I here recently had a 10mm Match Witness, it was an improvement, but never made it to the 100yd range, before moving on.

 

[mgriffin]

My Colt .38 Super....

 

[66snub]

I've heard that the 38 super is a flat-shooting round, and I've always had it in my mind to pick one up. Trouble is, I'm afraid I'm out of gun money for the year. When I brought home my new AK, I received "the look" from my wife...

 

[85Txaggie]

I have two of the Doug Koenig 1911 38 Supers. One is still new in its Aluminum case. The other shoot beautifully.