[Bob Reed]

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,

 

[effenn]

I'd take the .40....why?

1. It's a Hi-power
2. Availability of ammo amongst LE agencies

 

[roadster]

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

 

[Chris Stephens]

Hi there Sockman,

Another vote for the .40 S&W and the HP.

Chris

 

[Guest]

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.

 

[Guest]

The constraint on this is "duty/carry". I think the .38 Super is a great caliber but it's almost "exotic" - at least in this part of the world.

I'll just echo EffEnn's comments.

 

[Guest]

I'd take just about anything over a .40. I just don't like them.

 

[Guest]

I have a .40S&W FN Hi Power that I like a lot.After the inital break-in, it now shoots flawlessly.And very accurately too.

 

[Josh Smith]

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 <><

 

[Guest]

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.

 

[Bob Reed]

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,

 

[Guest]

I agree with Mr. Smith. The 1911 38 Super combination is a classic. The HP should stay a 9mm.

 

[poohgyrr]

I like the .40 Hi Power a lot and am all setup for it. And the 1911 should stay .45ACP..

 

[smith10]

40 HP for me for sure.oh and I want to be Poogyrr when I grow up.

 

[Guest]

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.

 

[Bob Reed]

Hello IndianaDean,

What don't you like about your Super?

Thanks,

 

[Guest]

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.

 

[Guest]

My vote is for the 40 HP just because I like it. I carry a 1911, However, if the choice was for 45 then my decision would have been different.

 

[donw]

IndianaDean, It's not the caliber, it's the tuning. You jst need to get someone to do a bit of ejector/extractor tuning to toss those empties where they're supposed to go. Regards,

 

[Guest]

Thanks. The 38S is still in its break in period too. It may just need more shooting.