1911 5’’ in 38 Super Semi-Custom Built

BoomDad said:

Hi,

Hope all is well. I'm planning on ordering a 1911 5’’ in 38 Super, but not sure which company I should go with. Based on your experience, which one do you recommend NH, ACW, WC, Les, or EB?

Thanks

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Yes! At least one of each.

Each of those companies have solid offerings. Cant go wrong.

Well you may want to double check with those companies, I am pretty sure from Addicts posts that Wilson stopped offereing 38 super, perhaps NH as well??? Not sure as I dont shoot the caliber but I remember seeing a thread or two where Addicts were bemoaning the fact that so many companies were dropping it.

Ed Brown and WC don't offer it anymore, Nighthawk seems like they could follow suit. Stone says the order flow on 38 super is a non-factor

I have or had .38 sups. from all those companies. My one slight exception was the LB was a Commander size.
I find that .38 super is my favorite caliber to shoot. I reload more of that than any other caliber.

Wilson for sure announced discontinuing the Super but months later still listed it on their website. Ed Brown has some flaky warranty parameters. I’d vote NH or Les Baer, depending on your tastes.

I have a LBC 38 Super Stinger. I like it a lot, my daily carry.
Jim

NHC or Guncrafter. Just got an Alchemy but haven't gotten to range. I mean just, like an hour ago, lol

38 Super sure seems popular in my shop, the next 3 builds in line are Supers.

38 super is the 🐐.

I’d probably roll with NH, but I’m also a sucker for a Baer. That said, nothing wrong with ACW.

No wrong choices here. I’d say look at the build philosophy of each company, options they offer on their models, and what appeals to you in terms of aesthetics… which ever one that is, pick it and roll!

SW51 said:

NHC or Guncrafter. Just got an Alchemy but haven't gotten to range. I mean just, like an hour ago, lol

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Awesome! Congrats ...please keep me posted! Thanks

MacMan21 said:

I'm completely happy, even thrilled, with my NHC GRP in .38 Super. I think it's best if you reload and develop a load that you like, either hot or mild. Factory .38 Super is all over the board on velocity..
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Thank you for sharing your fantastic GRP pic and the tip!

Quick question about the .38 Super..... Can and will a company like Nighthawk, Alchemy etc add a 9mm fitted to a 38 super build?

Saltlakeyankee357 said:

Quick question about the .38 Super..... Can and will a company like Nighthawk, Alchemy etc add a 9mm fitted to a 38 super build?

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I had 38S added to 2 9mm builds. NHC and Guncrafter. Both did a great job. I'm guess it's company by company

@SW51 awesome! Thats exactly what I needed to hear!! I appreciate you replying so quickly....
whats the recoil like on the .38 super

Saltlakeyankee357 said:

@SW51 awesome! Thats exactly what I needed to hear!! I appreciate you replying so quickly....
whats the recoil like on the .38 super

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A bit more than 9mm, not like 45ACP, depending on the load. It varies alot on 38S which is why many guys load their own. I don't, afraid I'd blow something (me?) up. 38S is a great cartridge

From your list, ACW or NHC will be your best options. I have an NHC in .38 and it’s pretty solid.

I got into 38 Super a few years back because I thought any true addict must have one lol. While it is a fun cartridge to shoot, knowing what I know now, I never would have ventured into the caliber though. Proper ammo is hard to come by and pricey.

Same goes for 10mm. Both calibers have been less than reliable for me unfortunately.

Only 9mm and .45 for me in future builds since I just punch paper.