Questions about 38 super

Frank G · 11-13-2004, 12:17 PM

I don't know anything about 38 super and am looking for a couple of answers. I have a Gold Cup and a Delta Elite, but have never fired (or even seen) a 38 super.

1. Please describe the felt recoil of the 38 super as compared to the 45ACP.

2. How does the 38 super compare to the 45 ballistically? Compared to 9mm?

3. Would a 38 super be a good home defense gun?

4. Would this be a good platform for barrel/spring/magazine swaps to a different caliber? If so, which ones?

My apolgies if these seem like "stupid questions", but I don't have anyone local to ask about this.

Thanks,
Frank G.

Stephen A. Camp · 11-13-2004, 05:46 PM

Hello.

Felt recoil is subjective, but to me .38 Super has "sharper" but lighter recoil than .45 ACP out of 5" 1911 pattern pistols.

Here are some observations on the 9mm vs. .38 Super:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38SuperTo9mm.htm

Best.

Brian Hawley · 11-14-2004, 06:01 PM

The only caliber change you can do, other than the 9 and super derivatives, is the 41AE. Kinda like the .40S&W but it had a 9mm-sized rim so 9's could be converted to 40 caliber. Fell out of favor for the most part but there may still be some stuff around.

Albert Shear · 11-15-2004, 04:32 AM

A Kimber 38super Procarry is the most accurate out of the box handgun I have owned. It is my 24/7 carry piece. Recoil as staed is subjective butI find the super 'mild" compared to the 45 with factory ammo. PMC 115gr is like shooting a 38sp while my carry load of CorBon 115gr hp is a`straight back push, no rise.

Frank G · 11-20-2004, 10:20 AM

I want to say thanks to all of you who responded!

An opportunity came up for a Colt .38 Super to purchase. After some thought, I decided it might not be the smart thing to do right now. But, after reading your comments and Stephen's web page, I may have to get a pistol in this caliber at a more opportune time!

I really appreciate everyone taking time to respond. As always, I really enjoy the pistolsmith forum. I always learn a lot and get good answers to my questions. And, it's civilized!!!

Thanks,
Frank G.

jakes10mm · 03-26-2005, 04:23 AM

I have to agree with Mr Camp: recoil is a pretty subjective topic and I personally find the 38super a bit more sharp. The "weight" of the recoil is less, but the "speed/velocity" is greater. Conversely, I find the 40S&W to be much harcher than 38super or 45acp. The 40S&W has both bullet weight and slide velocity working against it. Again, these are personal opinions.

Frank G · 03-26-2005, 06:59 AM

jakes10mm:

Thanks for your input. Yours and Mr. Camp's explanation of the felt recoil make sense to me. Well the opportune time hasn't come about yet. But, I'm still looking for it!

Frank

Peakbagr · 04-11-2008, 04:24 PM

I have a Les Baer .38 Super being built. I should find out myself in another 6 or 8 weeks or so.

11-13-2004, 12:17 PM	#1
Frank G Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 27	Questions about 38 super I don't know anything about 38 super and am looking for a couple of answers. I have a Gold Cup and a Delta Elite, but have never fired (or even seen) a 38 super. 1. Please describe the felt recoil of the 38 super as compared to the 45ACP. 2. How does the 38 super compare to the 45 ballistically? Compared to 9mm? 3. Would a 38 super be a good home defense gun? 4. Would this be a good platform for barrel/spring/magazine swaps to a different caliber? If so, which ones? My apolgies if these seem like "stupid questions", but I don't have anyone local to ask about this. Thanks, Frank G.

11-20-2004, 10:20 AM	#5
Frank G Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 27	Thanks! I want to say thanks to all of you who responded! An opportunity came up for a Colt .38 Super to purchase. After some thought, I decided it might not be the smart thing to do right now. But, after reading your comments and Stephen's web page, I may have to get a pistol in this caliber at a more opportune time! I really appreciate everyone taking time to respond. As always, I really enjoy the pistolsmith forum. I always learn a lot and get good answers to my questions. And, it's civilized!!! Thanks, Frank G.

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11-13-2004, 05:46 PM	#2
Stephen A. Camp Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Southwest Posts: 2,370	Hello. Felt recoil is subjective, but to me .38 Super has "sharper" but lighter recoil than .45 ACP out of 5" 1911 pattern pistols. Here are some observations on the 9mm vs. .38 Super: http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38SuperTo9mm.htm Best.

11-14-2004, 06:01 PM	#3
Brian Hawley Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Albany, Oregon Posts: 88	The only caliber change you can do, other than the 9 and super derivatives, is the 41AE. Kinda like the .40S&W but it had a 9mm-sized rim so 9's could be converted to 40 caliber. Fell out of favor for the most part but there may still be some stuff around.

11-15-2004, 04:32 AM	#4
Albert Shear Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Va Posts: 663	A Kimber 38super Procarry is the most accurate out of the box handgun I have owned. It is my 24/7 carry piece. Recoil as staed is subjective butI find the super 'mild" compared to the 45 with factory ammo. PMC 115gr is like shooting a 38sp while my carry load of CorBon 115gr hp is a`straight back push, no rise.

03-26-2005, 04:23 AM	#6
jakes10mm Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 228	I have to agree with Mr Camp: recoil is a pretty subjective topic and I personally find the 38super a bit more sharp. The "weight" of the recoil is less, but the "speed/velocity" is greater. Conversely, I find the 40S&W to be much harcher than 38super or 45acp. The 40S&W has both bullet weight and slide velocity working against it. Again, these are personal opinions.

03-26-2005, 06:59 AM	#7
Frank G Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 27	jakes10mm: Thanks for your input. Yours and Mr. Camp's explanation of the felt recoil make sense to me. Well the opportune time hasn't come about yet. But, I'm still looking for it! Frank

04-11-2008, 04:24 PM	#8
Peakbagr Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5	I have a Les Baer .38 Super being built. I should find out myself in another 6 or 8 weeks or so.