Post-War Colt Super .38 Automatic Blue 5″ 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3825
LSB#: 211210WB01
Make: Colt
Model: Super .38 Automatic
Serial Number: 57857
Year of Manufacture: 1948 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The right of the slide is marked “COLT”, “SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC” and with a rampant Colt logo. The left of the slide is marked “COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked with the serial number. The left of the trigger guard has “5” and a “VP” in triangle, the right has “4”.
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 reinforcement ribs on the inside. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly on the slide flats. There is a light “idiot mark” under the slide stop on the left of the frame. The grip areas have light handling wear. The action has light 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.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has very little 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. The magazine shows light operational wear, has intact feed lips and a strong spring.
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 1948 and is in Very Good-plus condition, showing light wear and retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. The Super .38 pistols are highly prized by collectors, and this one certainly will be no different. Please see our photos and good luck!