Colt Super .38 Automatic 2nd Model 1911A1 1911-A1 5″ 38 Super Semi-Automatic Pistol, Pre-War, 1937

LSB#: 170703AG31

Make: Colt

Model: Super .38 Automatic

Serial Number: 27046

Year of Manufacture: 1937

Caliber: .38 Super

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D APR. 20. 1897. SEPT. 9. 1902. DEC. 19. 1905. FEB. 14. 1911. AUG. 13. 1913.”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “P” and with a “VP in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “38”. The right side of the frame above the trigger is marked “27046”.

Barrel Length: 5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short wide non-tapered bladed is fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a square notched sight that is dovetailed into the top of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are fully checkered walnut panels. The checkering remains very sharp, without any notable damage. There is only the slightest signs of handling or discoloration. The grips are truly beautiful. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is a takedown mark from the slide stop, of course… The grip straps have thinned a bit with a drift towards patina. There is evidence of holster carry at the muzzle and some leather verdigris on the top of the right panel. Wow… This is a beautiful pistol; no question about its originality and just enough wear to indicate it wasn’t always a safe queen. The hammer, magazine release and safety knurling and the slide and mainspring housing serrations are sharp. The recoil spring plug knurling shows moderate wear. The grip screws are thinned from handling and marked by a screwdriver. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine – Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The trigger pull is crisp. The slide is tight on the frame. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one correct, two-tone eight round magazine, also in excellent condition. The floorplate is marked “COLT” and “SUPER / 38 AUTO”.

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 to nearly 1400 fps., producing almost 500 ft-lbs of energy. This is not quite up to the .357 Magnum, but was still capable of penetrating body armor and automobile bodies. Today, the cartridge is favored by many top pistol match competitors for its ability to make “Major” category with a lighter bullet offering less felt recoil than that produced with 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 Super .38 pistol was made just before WWII and is one of the best we have handled. The Super .38 pistols are highly prized by collectors, and this one certainly will be no different.

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible handgun CAN be transferred as a dealer sale in California and CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state residents.

Colt Super .38 Automatic 2nd Model 1911A1 1911-A1 5" 38 Super Semi-Automatic Pistol, Pre-War, 1937
Colt Super .38 Automatic 2nd Model 1911A1 1911-A1 5″ 38 Super Semi-Automatic Pistol, Pre-War, 1937