TriStar 85608 American Classic Government 1911 38 Super 5 in 8+1 Chrome Steel Frame/Slide Steel Barrel Wood Grips Right Hand with Mil-Spec . Some nations, notably Mexico, prohibit military calibers such as the 9mm and .45, but not the .38 Super. The .38 Super was particularly popular in Texas and over 200,000 were produced between 1929 and 1970. My 45 ACP (handload and hot) was stuck between the second and third books. The Barrow Gang robbed banks in Oklahoma, Texas and Iowa with Hamer in hot pursuit. The roads were poor and Stevens crossed several rivers with steep banks and few bridges. The rifle was modified to accept a police only 15-round magazine. What these stories contribute to the readers world view needs no exaggeration. Its a good-looking pistol! Have been reading about early Texas history and am amazed by accounts of the states way of life in the early 1900s and the stories of men like Frank Hamer and LBJ who contributed so much good and bad. Bore is near excellent. I figured that if you go oddball with the Super, why go very normal with a 1911? I use the Colt Combat Commander. Slides are engraved Texas Rangers on the left side, and wear the Ranger badge logo on the right. For nay sayers, look at the ballistics compared to a 9mm or .38 Special and you will understand. Most competitive race guns at that time were using nothing but .38 Super. The 1930 Sherman riot made Texas notorious for its racial animosity. Colt 1991 Government 38 Super Centerfire Pistol, Colt 1911 Custom Government 38 Super with Polished Stainless Finish, Colt 1911 Lightweight Commander 38 Super Talo Exclusive, Colt Special Combat Govenment 38 Super Centerfire Pistol, Colt Rose Gold Mexican Heritage 38 Super Limited Edition (1 of 429), Colt 1911 Competition Stainless 38 Super Semi-Auto Pistol with Black/Blue G10 Grips, Colt 1911 Dragon .38 Super Limited Edition Pistol (1 of 500), Colt 1911 Gold Cup Trophy 38 Super Stainless Pistol with G10 Grips, Colt M1911A1 38 Super Full Size Bi-Tone Pistol with Rosewood Grips, Colt 1911 .38 Super Emiliano Zapata Centennial (One of 500), Colt 1911 Heritage .38 Super Full-Size Blued Pistol with Custom Scroll Engraving, Colt 1911 Heritage .38 Super Full-Size Stainless Pistol with Custom Scroll Engraving, Colt 1911 Government 38 Super Semi-Auto Pistol with Blued Finish and Wood Grips, Colt 1911 Classic Government 38 Super Stainless Pistol, Colt Gold Cup Trophy 1911 38 Super Full-Size Stainless Pistol with 5 Inch Barrel and Blue Checkered G10 Grip. Guns International #: 101277151 Seller's Inventory #: 219948. In addition, it includes a custom serial number and a commemorative coin with a pouch. The .38 Super varies in accuracy. His reputation as a Texas Ranger would have made him a legend even if he had not apprehended Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in Louisiana. Im in Chandler. If you are a 1911 fan, after you fire the Super 38, you will not go back to .45 ACP. When you read the engraving it will bring a tear to your eyes. I have heard all the bull about the 9mm. These Supers belonged to Nelson and were assembled from kits made by the Monarch Gun Company of Hollywood, California by underworld gunsmith H. S. Lebman of Texas. First, gangsters (Dillinger, Nelson, etc.) Local Storage seems to be disabled in your browser. We are pleased we were able to work in partnership with RR Auction to make the gun legally compliant.. By any standard, the caliber and the 1911 handgun are excellent defensive or tactical choices. So if the ammunition is marked .38 Super +P, it is still a .38 Super. Why so popular South of the border? Does anyone know how I can obtain ammunition ? Good choices! The Super 38 and 923 are almost the same and reloaded with Super dies are. No remorse, excelent gun/caliber combination. In 1948, Hamer accompanied Gov. I have not personally owned a 38 Super as they were not a popular round during my real active shooting days and the ammo had gotten hard to find. Still use it? It is a great calibre that is moribund because too many shooters jump on the bandwagon of whatever is popular at the time. *Colt Style Belgium ''Texas Ranger'' 38 RevolverThis *Colt Style Belgium ''Texas Ranger'' 38 RevolverThis is a Belgium made Colt western style single and double action revolver. (Normal boolits are .355 .356. Governor Moody dispatched more National Guard units and martial law was in effect from May 10 until May 24. Regular Price Oak Hill Price Cash Price. colt .38 Super head space 1911forum site:www.1911forum.com - Google Search. Sell a Similar Item. Nevertheless, Hamer used buckshot on the crowd and wounded at least two as they charged up the stairs of the courthouse. The caliber saw extensive use in the hands of the FBI and figured into the demise of dangerous fugitives such as Baby Face Nelson. Fortas advised them to make an argument to a Court of Appeals judge that they knew would quickly rule against Johnson- thereby avoiding the usual delays that occur when judges take cases under advisement- often for days and weeks- during which the deadline for getting on the ballot would be lost for LBJ. I have a Colt 1911 in 38 special.. (not a super) that was made for the U.S. ARMY NATIONAL MATCH TEAM in the 1960s. I have been reloading .38 Super since 1982 and find it to be a great round, very accurate and hits harder than 9mm. B. Gillett, 1911 Colt Pistols, Capt. 100 Texas Ranger Trail Waco, TX 76706 (254) 750-8631 [email protected] 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Last guest admitted at 4:30 p.m. Interstate 35 at Southbound (from Dallas) Exit 335C or Northbound (from Austin) Exit 334B in At present, my favorite .38 Super is a Para Ordnance 1911. And Its got plenty of rounds. Haha But if its your bag and you can hit what youre aiming for with it, then go for it. It is made to use Colt 38 Colt Model 1889 U.S. Navy Revolver. Power factors have dropped and the original power factors surely stretched a gun after a very active season. The crowd threw stones at the courthouse, forced the doors to the courtroom corridor and rushed toward the courtroom. Item Number: O1911C-SS38-DHM. Corrosion-resistant stainless steel and chambered in .38 Super, this firearm is a pure and simple 1911 designed for you to make it your own. Winchester makes a 124gr nickel coated brass case jacketed soft point ammo. Deputy Oakley fired the opening burst from his Remington Model 8. However my Dad shot on the 4th Army pistol team in the 50s and they shot 22, 38 Super, and 45 autos all in the 45 frame. Nevertheless, the brief opportunity to look at the election documents inside the bank was made possible by Hamers 200 yard walk down the center of Alice, Texas with his coat off. Advice: Buy ammo when ever you find a good price ( I need to start reloading again). The information provided here does not represent the views of Cheaper Than Dirt! The third reason springs from a fortunate experiment done by a friend of mine in 1939 on a dare. On horseback pursuing Mexican bandits or errant Comanches, or in the seat of a Crown Victoria sleuthing out a serial killer, Rangers usually carry all their equipment with them. Hamer stuffed a blue steel Colt commercial automatic in his belt and it is this gun that is most interesting to this writer. They took the opportunity to upgrade the performance of the .38 ACP. Ive been around Rangers, guns, and popping primers, and they all can shoot. IF modern pistols were again chambered in .38 Super and available, think that the comparison to the ,357 magnum/.357 SIG level performance would surprise many folks. While the first Wilson Combat pistol that started his journey to Wilson-Combat Rangers pistols was a CQB, Trace McDonald chose a built-to-order Professional Model. This Davidson's Exclusive Texas Rangers Colt 1911 celebrates that tradition with the classic Mexican peso 5-point star badge with oak and olive branches on the top of the slide and wood grips. Shopping with us is absolutely safe - you never have to worry about credit card safety when shopping here Share your latest AR build or photos from the range with #RangeDayFriday for a chance to win a new firearm! In the 1920s, Hamer brought law and order to oil towns such as Mexia and Borger. He resigned in 1908 to become the Marshal in Navasota, Texas, a violent boom town in which shootouts on the main street were so frequent that in two years at least a hundred men died.. "Bob" Berryman in 1969 and production began in 1970 with a total of 1,000 manufactured. His favorite longarm was a .30-30 Winchester M1894 lever-action rifle. I had an EAA Witness in 38 super ,thats right a HI CAP! Over many lonely, weary years, he earned the absolute confidence of his neighbors hauling their goods to market. Many of the accusations and dirty tricks that Johnson displayed have become standard protocol for modern day Democrats. The .38 Super chambered 1911 arriving in 1929 pre-dated not only the .357 Magnum of 1935 but also the .38-44 Heavy Duty of 1930. Complementing the overall design are the handsome rosewood grips checkered in the classic "double diamond" pattern on this Colt .45 Pistol. Frank Hamer, had its serial numbers obliterated in the heyday of Bonnie and. He slept under his horse drawn wagon in bad weather and studied accounting alone by the light of campfires often with snow and rain falling around him. Throwback Thursday: Does Anyone Still Use the .38 Super? $135.00. Every man in the West wanted one. Cheaper Than Dirt and Academy Sports both offer good supplies, and the Internet lists a number of suppliers, both foreign and domestic. The smaller-diameter .38 Super in its hottest loads offer greater penetration against light cover than the .45 ACP or 9mm cartridges. It was the only pistol chambered for .38 Super that I ever shot until I got one. Serial Colt Model 1889 U.S. Navy Revolver. I have 2 Kimber 38 Supers and love them. After acquiring his first Wilson Combat pistol, Trace McDonald started competing in USPSA matches. Joseph Pinkston in his excellent book, with Robert Cromie, Dillinger, A Short and Violent Life writes of the apprehension of Dillinger gang member Leslie Homer and of his advice given to Racine officers in November of 1933. 1819 North Flintlock Pistol I still shoot it and it is my preferred 1911. Bonnie and Clyde Director Arthur Penn Dies at Age 88, Guns of outlaws Bonnie and Clyde to be auctioned. That small change means that modern .38 Supers are as accurate as 9mm or .45 ACP pistols. The Colt .38-caliber Detectives Special revolver, which was recovered from Parkers body by Texas Ranger Capt. Texas Rangers are an independent lotalways have beenperhaps from that time alone riding horseback across the vast expanse of Texas. It is possible to handload a 115-grain bullet to over 1,400 fps and a 124-grain JHP to a solid 1,350 fps. . Thus the six shooter was born. Cylinders are all very good, bore has some pitting. He ordered the lower courts injunction stayed, and the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court. Colt is known for the engineering, production, and marketing of . The 9mm is not my choice short of shooting at paper. He is buried in Austin. I am just an old-timer that really likes my .38 Super, but shoots and reloads 10mm also. It fired a .429-inch, 200 grain lead, round-nose bullet at around 870 feet per second and 336 ft-lbs energy which equaled the .44 Russian's traditional 246 grain load. The 9mm and .45 probably offer advantages over the .38 Super in many categories, but the old Super is a cartridge with plenty of panache, style, flash, and performance. Thats my take, now take your best shot to change my mind.. Lot 1183: The nickel-plated Colt Single Action Army carried by Texas Ranger Jack Dean is chambered in 38-40 WCF with factory engraving and carved steer grips. Colt .38 Super SN:1575 MFG:1929 Colt. All rights reserved. View Shipping, Payment & Auction Policies. Was an excellent firearm but I let it wiggle its way out of my collection and into one of my buddys who had become obsessed about acquiring it till he offered a deal that I couldnt pass up. Over generations of colorful history, his creation has evolved into todays highly regarded Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Couple tips / strong suggestions: (AP file). Add to Wish List . Sheriff Henderson Jordan and his deputy, Prentiss Oakley, joined Hamer along with former Ranger Manny Gault. There are a lot of opinions on the .38 Super. I fit a Super 38 barrel to it and a 1lb. After that the reputation of the weapon (and my dad) seemed to quiet things down nicely. Had some handloads that shot 5 out of nine kill shots on a siloute at 100 yards, back when I could see that far. Shoot 38 Super most of the time rather Is the .38 ACP Super a viable personal defense and tactical combination today? Notify Me When Available. Today, many thousands own pistols reflecting the success of Bill Wilsons foray into pistolsmithing and his commitment to producing the best that Wilson Combat can offer. I own 2 Colt 1911 ( gov model and custom shop) and they are amazing! The gang murdered two Texas Highway Patrol officers at Grapevine, Texas. I took it to a local range to shoot it and instantly fell in love. Likewise when ordering 124gr 9mm bullets to reload for target shooting I noticed the 9mm labeling also said they were not the typical .355 but .356 that I had previously been buying seperatelyfor the 38 super, now I just buy the one size 356 124gr for both. The nemesis of Bonnie and Clyde packed an M1911 but it was a .38 Super. Legal Statement. *For safetys sake, use Ramped / FULLY supported bbls, (My 1.911s been cut for Para/Clark/Briley style ramps),like Bar.Sto, (My Bar.Stos being fire.lapped / crowned @ 11 degree muzzle, as well as most others, for best accuracy), Wilson.Nowlin, Para.Ord, Springfield, RIA, (EAA/ Tanfoglio, very strong, but different platform, also ramped bbls). I actually have & use three of those,(I had to modify its lower lug from Wilson/ Nowlin to Para.Clark with TIG weld), custom fitted w/ Evolution Gun Works (EGW) bushings + Wilson.Combat #4 links, with awsome results. In my shooting experience, people have either never heard of the round, remember it being mentioned in passing, or go through a few hundred rounds of it a week for USPSA or something similar. I have a personal love for both rounds, and if you were to give me a modern double action handgun chambered in either one, Id probably buy one in a heartbeat. After catching the rustlers, Hamer led a successful effort to organize his neighbors and several other counties around Kimble County to improve the roads so that merchants and farmers could get their products to and from places like San Antonio. Winchester offers FMJ loadings at 1,100 fps, Sig Sauer offers a FMJ loading as well. In 1839, the Republic of Texas ordered 180 of the .36-caliber Holster model revolvers for the Texas Navy, but most significant were the revolvers issued to the early Texas Rangers. A tribute to the revered Commercial Government Model pistols of the past, the 1911 Classic features the Series 70 firing system and rollmarks, national match barrel, staked on front sights, and spurred hammer. Firing System: External Hammer Frame Material: Steel Magazine Type: Single Stack Magazine Barrel Configuration: Single Rifled Barrel: Yes Minimum Pull Length: 0 in. My 38 Super commander is my EDC. This style of barrel also puts a bit more weight forward in the gun. Para is out of business, some miss them, while some do not. Market data provided by Factset. He had already established Ranger contacts, courtesy of another firearm industry name, Chip McCormick, who has ties to the group because of antecedents who were Rangers. I souped it up with night sites and custom grips with finger grooves. bullets topping 1400 fps. Okay, here are the generals I think people will say about the Super: its an accurate, well developed round with an extensive commercial and handload database. To Chris. There seems to be a consensus that Hamer carried a 1911 chambered in .38 Super when he ambushed Bonnie and Clyde: For most of his career, Hamer carried an engraved .45 Colt M1873 SAA revolver with 4.75 barrel (pp. I used Glocks exclusively for carry went through models and calibers, ending up with the G30 and 45ACP. At the time, you had to know not to fire a .38 Super in older Colt 1903 pistols. He tuned and polished up the feed ramp and removed some burrs, no issues now. The trigger pull was a crisp 4-1/2 pounds, with very little take up or over-travel. Caliber: 38 COLT SPECIAL. Picked up 150 Rounds of 38 Super by mistake. Back in 71, my Dad had a Colt super .38 he called Max. Please be respectful of others. Its a little bulky for concealed carry, but its under the seat of whatever vehicle I happen to be driving. Four of his five brothers also became Texas Rangers. I agree the .38 Super is a fine round in the FWC but I would definitely like to try the standard rounds as well. The polished blued finish is accented by a bordered golden rampant colt, Texas flag, and vine and leaf engravings, pairing a timeless elegance with . With the bull barrel there is no bushing used in the slide so the problem of bushing breakup that some Colt officer-sized guns have experienced is now a thing of the past. The lynching of a black prisoner in Sherman started when George Hughes, a farm hand, admitted to raping a white woman. I carry either an XDS in 45 auto or my Nighthawk in 38 super nearly every day. His entrance into politics commenced when local leaders asked Hamer to catch a crew of rustlers that included the son of a prominent ranching family. I presently shot mostly bullseye. The Ranger Connection Very Fast. Hard to find ammo in a platform I dont particularly care for and no, I cant stand Glock either. As long as I do my bit, its a straight shooter. There in the case was a Kimber Pro Carry II in stainless, she was a beauty to say the least. Several variations of the Colt .38 Super guns were introduced. He hated political corruption as much as he hated murder and the other lawless activities that characterized Texas in the early Twentieth Century. I have had the itch for a cap & ball revolver and I can't even find those (or at least not the one's I'm lookin for). At the age of 24 years old, Hamer established and maintained order in Navasota. See Sold Price. Tangfolio Match Elite chambered in 9mm. trouble getting ammo from LAX Ammo for target and Hughes trial was scheduled for trial within a week and a mob gathered outside the jail every night. Ironically, I do. Needless to say, a less than nice neighborhood. While every effort is made to include accurate and correct images, descriptions and pricing for all products, inadvertent errors may occur. Out of stock View Details . Energy equals the current watered-down .357 Magnum. 2007-2023 Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore. The Pre-War Colt .38 Super or "Super 38" were produced from 1929-1945. Frank Hamer, had its serial numbers obliterated in the heyday of Bonnie and Clyde's reign of terror, prompting Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) officials to issue a new number to make the handgun legal. Ted Hinton, in his book Ambush, declares that two of the Colt automatics at the ambush were .38 Supers. Scared him 1/2 to death at a Dennys one day. This gun is in excellent condition and is covered by Dury's Lifetime Warranty. You wont find a better pistol and caliber. The result? That afternoon, the lynch mob threw gasoline into the courthouse; the rangers attempted to rescue the prisoner while the mob prevented firemen from putting out the fire and cut their hoses. My Dillon 1050 is set up to load almost 1000 rounds per hour of .38 Super with VV N350, 3N37, or 3N38 & WW Auto Comp. Those arent 45s. Plus, you'll be the first to hear about our newest giveaways. The Mission of Cheaper Than Dirt! Serial numbers 1TR to 200TR were reserved for the deluxe engraved examples. It was given to the museum by Mrs. Clyde Decker in honor of Sheriff Bill Decker and offers an early example of the standard Commander. He had a bar in West Covina Cali. I agree that the round can stand its own with the 9 and .45. NO COLLECTION TOO BIG OR SMALL Texas Meet Arkansas In my opinion, the 9mm has been outdated since 1911. Paras quality sometimes left much to be desired, but the best Paras are excellent handguns. Its previous owner was a Texas county sheriff. After the Hollywood version of Bonnie and Clyde, Mrs. Frank Hamer and Frank Hamer, Jr., sued Warner Bros.-Seven Arts for the defamatory manner in which the movie depicted the famous lawman. Choose the best gun for you needs with respect of your physical and shooting abilities and select the caliber best suited for the most likely application you could find yourself in. One of my favorites! This is simply because the original before the +P designation was a development of the .38 ACP. M. T. Gonzaullas, 1921 Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, Ranger H. Purvis, 1950 Colt .38 Super, Ranger Glenn Elliott, 1857 Manhattan Firearms Co. "Navy" Revolver, Capt. That is, you cant have a gun which is chambered for any cartridge which has been used by any military anywhere at any time (Im sure theres an exception for 12 gauge shotguns and rimfires). Shortly thereafter, many Rangers adopted the platform, first in .45 Auto, later in the .38 Super. We used to do some long-range shooting with handguns when I was in college. When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com. It is imported to the USA bu European American Arms (EAA) and is called the EAA Witness by the importer. When he got to the next group, his fingers curled for the draw and poised just above the grip of his pistol. My son went from a intelegence analyst to a diplomatic security agent and was only allowed a issued 9mm for his side arm. Well, my grouping sucked. Factory ammo as you are likely aware is pretty expensive. The idea of the Texas Ranger Commemorative Colt Single Action Army revolver was conceived by Charles Schreiner III and Robert B. With right loads, all of the above, print 1.25 2 @ 25 yds, (Ransom rest).Just my two cents. Colt 1911C Government ,.38 Super, 5" Barrel, Blue, Semi-Auto . My father removed this gun from the inside thigh of Bonnie Parker where she had it taped with white, medical, adhesive tape. Mexican law forbids the sale or possession of any firearm chambered in a military caliber. I chose an inexpensive Swenson barrel from Brownells for this project. Market data provided by Factset. My next project is an AMT Back Up in 40 S&W that I recently converted to 357 Sig and would like also make into 38 Super if I could find a barrel. Stainless hex head grip screws secure the grips he chose: Black/grey G-10 with a Starburst Pattern. All comments are held for moderation and will appear after approval. Got my grouping back, sold the glock. The lawyers got to look at the records just long enough to make notes and it soon became apparent that Lyndon Johnson had engaged in a massive election fraud that was unprecedented even by the standards then prevalent in Texas where ranchers and political bosses were able to deliver blocs of voters to candidates willing to pay the highest price. It features straight-to-the-rear trigger compression, a low bore axis, a grip that fits most hands well, and excellent speed into action. The gun men fell back but then they tried to follow Stevenson into the bank. . While the .38 Super isnt a mainstream cartridge (rather, its an enthusiasts choice), it is an interesting caliber with much to recommend. In 1928, The Texas Bankers Association gave rewards to officers that set up certain petty criminals to be killed so that corrupt police officers could collect the rewards and pay finders fees. At about 9:15 AM just after the thundering torrent of lead subsided, Frank Hamer, Sr. approached the 1934 Ford V8 with his 1911 style .38 Super drawn. Very Safe. Is it good for self-defense? It took a few years to solve that problem, but by then the .357 Magnum becames the Cats Meow, especially among Law Enforcement (Colts original target market). The 9 mm didnt make it through the first book. By Rick Cartledge. All-carbon-steel construction, excluding the hand-fitted, stainless-steel match barrel, is standard on the Professional, and a liberal coating of Armor-Tuff finish is applied to frame and slide, in matching or contrasting colors. Ben in Arizona. It would eat the center out of targets with factory loads to 15 yards if one did his part. The Starburst Pattern G-10 grips really grabbed and held onto the hand, too. Shop 38 super pistols online at Hinterland Outfitters from brands like Armscor, EAA, Colt, Dan Wesson, and many more! Glad both calibers are being produced again in greater numbers. When asked why he carried Colt's .45 Government Model, he replied in typical Ranger fashion 'Because they don't make a Colt .46!' Texas . While I have relegated most of my collection to the comfort of the safe, I loved the pistol and carried it for years. I recently fitted a 38 Super barrel to my Rock Island 1911 in 9mm. Parker was just 24 when she and Barrow died in a hail of gunfire after being ambushed by law enforcement authorities in Louisiana. In those days, the lawmen were revolver men. Not much more if any discernable recoil and I have had several shoulder surgeries and doesnt bother me. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. At about the age of sixteen Coke Stevenson began his career as the sole proprietor of a freight hauling business traveling back and forth across the rugged Hill Country of West Texas every week. Ive shot it a few times but have semi-retired the gun because of age and value but its still a good shooter. The 38 special penetrated around 1/4 inch into the second book. The Barrow gang is believed to have killed at least nine police officers and several civilians in the course of its crime wave. The ammo is not as hard to find as stated in the article. Colt was discontinuing the long-serving .38 ACP automatic and wished to introduce a mid bore to replace it. This is a well-known gun in Texas as it was displayed in several major museums (including the LBJ Library in Austin) for a two-year exhibition in the early 1980s, a listing at RR Auction reads. Serial Number: NONE. Known as Mr. Texas, Stevenson represented a kind of independent thinking in politics that makes it now seem inevitable that he and his old hunting partner, Frank Hamer, would be destined to walk down the streets of Alice together under the hard stares of George Parrs pistoleros most of whom were armed with rifles and shotguns. There are a fair number of barrels available from several manufacturers at a price point from $51 up too the $250 range. I find very few people casually shoot the Super. Eugene Cosgrove was a pioneer in the New Mexico territory and operated the E. Cosgrove Hardware Store in Silver City. I am a reloader and shoot it all the time.