CS-Series Colt Super .38 Automatic 5″ 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1969 C&R Rare
SOLD FOR: $3,250.01
WOA#: WY240302CC001
Make: Colt
Model: Super .38 Automatic
Serial Number: CS001173
Year of Manufacture: 1969 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “COLT”, “SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC”, and with a Rampant Colt, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked “CS001173”. The chamber is marked “COLT SUPER .38 AUTO”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a serrated rear face staked to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown “Coltwood” plastic panels with reinforcement rings around the screws and rampant colt in circle in the middle. The grips have shrunken and warped, as is common for this material, and this has caused cracks and losses. Overall, the grips are in Poor condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One original 9 round blued magazine marked “COLT” and “SUPER / .38 AUTO” on the bottom of the floorplate, dating it to the late 1960s as well. Magazine has infrequent minor oxidation and operational wear with intact feed lips, and is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn copper fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at some edges. There are some scattered minor nicks, small scratches, and faint scuffing. There is residue on the frame from the grips. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition and would rate Fine but for the grips.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with the magazine described above.
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 past 1400 fps., producing more than 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 of the time. Today, the cartridge is favored by many top pistol match competitors for its ability to make “Major” power factor in IPSC/USPSA, with a lighter bullet offering less felt recoil than that produced 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, and Colt decided to capitalize on that reputation with a new caliber offering.
This post-war Super .38 pistol was made in 1969 and is in Fine condition, not considering the grips. Retaining about 96% of its finish, the pistol has a strong bore and mechanics with signs of light and responsible use. The grips show the shrinkage and warping which is unfortunately common to the “Coltwood” plastic panels. The Super .38 pistols are highly prized by collectors, and this one will be no different. If it gets past the collectors, this Super .38 should still make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
