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.40S&W High Power vs. Super.38 1911

14K views 41 replies 11 participants last post by  Guest 
#1 ·
Hello,

If you were forced to pick between a .40S&W High Power or a Super.38 1911 for your Duty or Concealed Carry gun which one would you pick & why?

Many Thanks,
 
#3 ·
I have a .40 S&W High Power and a Colt 70's Series Gov't Model .38 Super.

The High Power is dead stock, the Colt has many mods including a Barsto barrel, Bomar sights, Wilson match trigger, etc.

The .40 HP would be my choice for carry. There are many more ammo choices than with the .38 Super. The best .40 loads will out perform the best .38 Super loads.


Roadster
 
G
#5 ·
Kinda interesting question, Carried a .40 Hipower for years still would for those out of town/state trips in stock configuration except for sights and grips. But currently I am building a .38 Super LW commander, specifically for all around carry. My reasons are because of competition, I just felt I was being hindered by the Hipower trigger and went to 1911's for IDPA and IPSC, so I am putting together a similar carry gun. Most .38 Super factory ammo is pretty anemic. I did find a reputable source loading full power 147gr Hollow points at 1200. Nothing a .40 wont do but my experiences in trying to make a 1911 shoot a non 1911 designed OAL round has left me without the desire to start again.
 
#9 ·
I voted for the 1911 for a couple reasons.

First, I just can't warm up to the .40, especially when stuffing it into a platform that in my mind at least, should stay 9mm.

Second, the .38 Super is a direct descendant of the .38 Auto designed my JMB and is a chambering he was intimately familiar with. It was an option in almost all his early pistols. Had the Army not specified a .45 caliber weapon, chances are that the 1911 would have been introduced as a .38 Super. So, it fits. It was an original chambering in other words, and I have more faith in original chamberings.

Also, I need a 1911. ;)

Josh <><
 
G
#10 ·
I second the remarks of Mr. Smith. Everything he says is what I would have said had I gotten to this thread sooner. That said, the .38 Super out of a Commander barrel (in my experience) has a lot of flash, which indicates unburnt powder ignited after the bullet has left the muzzle. For this reason, I prefer the Gov't Model in .38 Super so as to wring out all the velocity I can from this round. Now, I have not chronographed the differences (if someone has, please let me know), but it seems from my observations that the .38 Super works better in the 5 inch barrel. It is possible to carry concealed a Gov't Model with the right holster if you can handle the heft. Classic pistol, great round, and the best way to utilize the medium bore in a 1911.
 
#11 ·
Hello & Thanks for your replies,

In this case I'd take the High Power simply for the platform... I would however take the Super .38 1911 over all the other pistols thats chambered for the .40S&W.

Thanks Again,
 
G
#15 ·
Actually, I never thought I'd say this, because I had a BHP in .40 and sold it because I didn't like it. I've never really liked the .40.
However, I now have a Colt Series 80 in 38 Super, and I have to say I'd rather have the BHP in .40. I love my Colt Government in .45, but I don't care for the 38 Super as much as I thought I might.
 
#16 ·
Hello IndianaDean,

What don't you like about your Super?

Thanks,
 
G
#17 ·
I have a hard time controlling it. I can control the .45 fine, but the Super keeps throwing brass back in my face. Last time I shot it, I got burned pretty badly on the temple when brass shot back and lodged between my earmuffs and my skull, burning me before I could put the gun down and get it out of there. That's kind of soured me on shooting the .38s.
 
#21 ·
Hello,

Don is correct, and I'd bet he could have it putting all the empties in a nice little pile before the UPS Truck could even get outta the parking lot.

Take Care,
 
#23 ·
Hello Gammon,

No the thread isn't that old at all, if you'll notice it was just started on 2-10-06.

The intent of the thread is more Platform vs. Platform, and thats why I went with nontraditional chamberings, but, only included one for each platform that are in Current Production.

You did answer honestly thow and went with the Platform you like best reguardless of caliber.

Thanks & Take Care,
 
#24 ·
Hello,

If you were forced to pick between a .40S&W High Power or a Super.38 1911 for your Duty or Concealed Carry gun which one would you pick & why?

Many Thanks,
Oh man...that's tough! There is actually another implied choice there since the 1911 Super .38 is so easily converted to 9X23....that's really tough!

I think I would opt for the .40 Browning but, in the words of the Duke; "I'd hate to live on the difference" :)

Jim
 
G
#25 ·
Give me the .38 Super! I have lusted for a Colt LTWT Commander since the first one I ever held. I carry a .40 for work and don't feel bad about it, however, that .38S is just the cats meow for me!
1911 is the best fitting gun in my hand. The Hi Power is 2nd.
Dave
 
#26 ·
Give me the .38 Super! I have lusted for a Colt LTWT Commander since the first one I ever held. I carry a .40 for work and don't feel bad about it, however, that .38S is just the cats meow for me!
1911 is the best fitting gun in my hand. The Hi Power is 2nd.
Dave
You guys are making this really difficult... a Commander in Super .38 is way up on the "cool scale" :)

Jim
 
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