38 Super vs. 45 acp

Eagle59

August 26, 2002 05:37

Anyone have experience with the 38 Super? How does it compare with the 45 auto? Does it have any advantages over the 45? I am not interested in something to carry, but to keep at home and for occasional recreational shooting. BTW, is ammo for the 38 Super affordable and reasonably available? Thanks in advance. Dennis.

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  AntiqueDr

  August 26, 2002 05:48

  The .38 Super would certainly fill the bill as a home-defense and recreational cartridge. It has a higher velocity than the .45 ACP, although it has a lighter and smaller bullet. The Super cartridge was developed in the old gangster days (as opposed to the new "gangsta" days) for better penetration against hardened targets with a semiauto handgun and was billed for a time as a sort-of semiauto .357 Magnum. Earlier guns headspaced on the marginal case rim instead of the case mouth like the .45, so accuracy suffered. When IPSC shooters went to the .38 Super back in the 70's and 80's (higher mag capacity, still made Major) they designed barrels that headspaced on the case mouth and the accuracy problems were over.
  
  .38 Super ammunition is readily available from most all manufacturers, but is certainly not as inexpensive as surplus .45 ACP.
  
  
  We buy, sell and trade quality guns and scopes!Master Dealer for Kimber, Wilson Combat and Dan Wesson.Visit our website at www.ApaxEnterprises.com

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  v35

  August 26, 2002 07:01

  The 38 Super is close to the 357 Sig which is gaining in popularity because of it's effectiveness. Both compare favorably with the 357Mag which is king of one-shot-stops. For recreational shooting, judging drop is less of an issue with the flatter shooting 38 Super.

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  Nighthawk

  August 26, 2002 07:08

  I only have one problem with the 38super and that is the .40 super which has much more over the .38 super.But in my area its all but impossible to find ammo for either caliber.
  
  
  Best!!!
  
  Rugster
  
  
  Toujours Pret
  
  Edited by - Rugster on 08/26/2002 12:08:46

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  leeblackman

  August 26, 2002 07:31

  Yup, I agree with rugster, there isn't much factory ammo being spit out in .38super, and what is, isn't cheap. Unless your a handloader, or just rich, I'd advise against it.
  
  If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.
  
  The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

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  HopSing63

  August 26, 2002 11:23

  I've owned and previously carried a Colt Gov't .38 Super on duty. It is a very reliable caliber. I think it would make a good home defence weapon, but for rec. shooting...the others nailed it, the ammo is just too expensive.

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