Post War Colt Super .38 Automatic 1911 .38 Super Semi-Auto Pistol, 1950 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,025.00

LSB#: 240319HE006

Make: Colt

Model: Super .38 Automatic

Serial Number: 84373

Year of Manufacture: 1950 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 Super

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol

Barrel Length: 5”. It is a “Fat Barrel”, with exterior dimensions the same as a .45 barrel, correct for this period of production.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade 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 checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout. There are some scattered spots of very minor erosion under the finish. There are a few scattered minor marks through the finish. There is some bead-blast overrun on the left of the frame behind the trigger relief-cut. There are some scattered spots of very faint surface oxidation. There is some gold residue in the slide markings from a previous paint-fill. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has minor play to the frame. 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 a single 9-round magazine.

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, Colt saw no reason not to capitalize on that reputation with a new caliber offering.

This post-war Super .38 pistol was made in 1950 and is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished. It has some neat features found on the early post-war Super .38s including a “fat barrel”, 7-rib mainspring housing, and retains strong mechanics. The Super .38 pistols are highly prized by collectors, and this one likely will be no different. It should also prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!

Post War Colt Super .38 Automatic 1911 .38 Super Semi-Auto Pistol, 1950 C&R
Post War Colt Super .38 Automatic 1911 .38 Super Semi-Auto Pistol, 1950 C&R