Post-War Colt Super .38 Automatic Blue 5″ 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1948 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3625
LSB#: 230208FG002
Make: Colt
Model: Super .38 Automatic
Serial Number: 60370
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 “T” and a “VP” in triangle, the right has “27”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “B” in front of the link.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an after-market beaded blade staked to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic with reinforcement rings around the screw heads. The checkers are smooth, but this does not appear to be from wear, and they are well-defined. There are only a few scattered minor marks in the grips. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion, but there is some scattered stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered wear, mostly in the grip areas and the top of the slide. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation, and there is infrequent other minor surface oxidation. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the rampant colt and some inspection marks are poorly struck. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide has light 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 1948 and is in Very Good condition, showing wear consistent with use over the last 70+ years, but retaining a good 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!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud