1947 Colt Model Super 38 Automatic 5" 1911 Semi Automatic Pistol
Our Assessment: The .38 Super cartridge was first introduced by Colt in 1928 as a higher pressure loading of the .38 ACP. It is capable of driving a 115 gr. bullet past 1400 fps., producing more than 500 ft-lbs of energy. This not quite up to the .357 Magnum, but was still capable of penetrating body armor and automobile bodies of the time. Today, the cartridge is favored by many top pistol match competitors for its ability to make "Major" power factor in IPSC/USPSA, with a lighter bullet offering less felt recoil than that produced from a .45 ACP round. Colt first introduced the round in its 1911A1 frame, making it basically the same as the Government Model except for its cartridge. The 1911 pistol had already gained a reputation as a highly reliable pistol during WWI, Colt saw no reason not to capitalize on that reputation with a new caliber offering.This post-war Super .38 pistol was made in 1947 and is in Fine condition, showing wear consistent with responsible use over the last 73 years, retaining the majority of its original finish, a good bore and strong mechanics. It has some neat features found on the early post-war Super .38s including a "fat barrel", 7-rib mainspring housing, and even has military-style "Coltwood" grips. The Super .38 pistols are highly prized by collectors, and this one certainly will be no different.
Make: Colt
Model: Super .38 Automatic
Serial Number: 43821
Year of Manufacture: 1947
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown "Coltwood" plastic panels. The grips have light handling marks. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine-excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered light marks from handling and use with some scuffing in the matte-finished surfaces. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 9-round magazine and a Shaffer & Rossum M1916 holster.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS