Where Are All The .38 Super Guns?

[dsp]

I assume that you are speaking as to power??
you are correct the 357 Sig is more powerful, also a pain in the butt to reload, expensive to buy factory ammo, and generally less capacity as its a 40 S & W case.
to me if I am looking for power in the 1911 then I would just opt for a 10 MM.
and by the way EAA Witness/ Tanfoglio also offer the weapons in 10 MM and at very reasonable prices.
Nothing at all wrong with the 357 Sig, its a very good caliber but it does have its drawbacks as well.
we are wandering off topic of the 38 auto/super but the weapon below with the rail is the EAA Witness in 10 MM, 15 + 1 capacity!
now that will keep you warm and fuzzy when walking around Atlanta!
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I don't reload, never have (although I might have someone start doing it for me on rifle calibers and a ****load of AP stuff)
Since I don't reload, I don't see any disadvantages comparing the .357sig to .38super.
Both the .357sig and 10mm offer some powerful ammo options (Underwood and Buffalo Bore) and they can be had in smaller guns as well.
Case capacity doesn't mean much since case construction and capability of holding up are required for hot loads. (I think even a .38 special has more case capacity than a .357sig, but obviously it won't hold up)

 

[dsp]

I have some (quite a bit actually) of the older Fiocchi 9mm 123gr that outperforms all similar weight .38super that I've seen (even the best stuff from Underwood and Buffalo Bore)
There are plenty of great ammo options if you know what to look for (mostly older Euro imports) that are superior to what's commercially available now.
I had a EAA .38super with the 5" barrel...compared it to my HK P2000SK .357sig, both had Underwood 125gr and the 3.26" barrel HK still got 12fps better velocity (1488fps vs 1476) so apparently the .38super cannot be safely loaded as hot as the .357sig

 

[Flashover16]

every body has an opinion and a reason!
personally IF I didn't reload then I would not own a 10 MM, a 38 Super, certainly not a 357 Sig.
actually I would likely only own a 22 LR, a 9 MM and a 40 S & W as those are really about the only acceptbally priced ammo in my opinion.
I have no idea where the case capacity came in??
as you say you don't reload perhaps that's why,?
case capacity really has little to do with performance past a limited amount, its all about pressure, which is really all about the powder choice, the projectile choice and OAL.
because a cartridge is efficient doesn't mean that its high pressure or HOT.
the problem with smaller/lighter guns in more powerful calibers is they become unmanageable and develop problems with many shooters, along with muzzle flash. flinch/ recoil anticipation is quite real for many with higher recoiling weapons.
one should remain within the caliber comfort for themselves.
its better to place a 30 caliber bullet on target than miss with a 50 caliber bullet.

 

[Flashover16]

I have some (quite a bit actually) of the older Fiocchi 9mm 123gr that outperforms all similar weight .38super that I've seen (even the best stuff from Underwood and Buffalo Bore)
There are plenty of great ammo options if you know what to look for (mostly older Euro imports) that are superior to what's commercially available now.
I had a EAA .38super with the 5" barrel...compared it to my HK P2000SK .357sig, both had Underwood 125gr and the 3.26" barrel HK still got 12fps better velocity (1488fps vs 1476) so apparently the .38super cannot be safely loaded as hot as the .357sig

I get in the area of 150-175 FPS more speed form the 38 Super in the 115-130 grain projectile weight than the 9 MM with the same projectile, that's because the 38 Super has a 4 MM longer case and so pressure is less in a similar projectile loading.
OF course the 357 Sig can be safely loaded to a higher pressure than 38 Super, the 38 Super is not really a plus p , and is SAAMI rated at 36,500 PSI , while the 357 Sig is Saami rated at 40,000 SI.
the guns were designed for different pressure ratings and operation.
a competition 38 Super exceeds the 357 Sig, but it is specifically designed to operate at a higher pressure as well.
the 357 Sig is one of the highest pressure cartridges in a semi auto.
the 10 MM operates at 37,500 PSI for example .

 

[dsp]

If a case does not have the capacity and/or the strength to handle hot loads, then it's simply not loaded that way for safety concerns.
Bottleneck cases always outperform straight cases of the same capacity.
I don't see a reason to choose a .38super over anything.
Why?
It's offered in a full size 1911 style with a 5" barrel.
Well, there's the Coonan .357mag and other .40super conversions that absolutely kill the .38super in that category

 

[napp]

Flashover16,

I appreciate everything you and the others have posted. I have learned much about the pros and cons of the .38 Super that I never knew. I am especially glad to hear that you like the Citadel pistol. I own a Citadel .22 LR clone of the M1 Carbine. It shoots well and was a real bargain plinker for the price I paid. I bought it on a whim; because it carries the same name as the college I attended. I have been thinking about the Citadel 1911 .38 Super for the same reason; but I haven't been able to find much info about it.

 

[Flashover16]

Flashover16,

I appreciate everything you and the others have posted. I have learned much about the pros and cons of the .38 Super that I never knew. I am especially glad to hear that you like the Citadel pistol. I own a Citadel .22 LR clone of the M1 Carbine. It shoots well and was a real bargain plinker for the price I paid. I bought it on a whim; because it carries the same name as the college I attended. I have been thinking about the Citadel 1911 .38 Super for the same reason; but I haven't been able to find much info about it.

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You are more than welcome and glad to share the info on a very interesting caliber.
Having shot my first in a Colt 1911 about 1966-67 and been owning it pretty much since.
The Citadel in 38 Super may be the easiest find through Davidsons Gun Genie and likely the best price as well.
The Citadel is usually a few dollars more than the rock but you get the added upgrade features as well.
I think mine was around 435 new!
about the only in stock brands that I see occasionally are the Rock in the G I and the Dan Wesson in the guardian.
Just to end this heres a picture of my PT1911 in 38 Super if you run across one, nice looking /shooting weapon with a lot of features.

 

[The West Virginia Cowboy]

A search for .38 Super doesn't turn up much on this forum. I realize that guns in this caliber aren't just everywhere; but they aren't really Unicorns either. How many of you guys have these pistols collecting dust on the back shelf of your safe?

I have a Kimber Team Match in .38 super. Love that Gun.

 

[Cutter528]

Does anyone know if you can used 38 Super ammo in a Colt 357 mag?

 

[DeerLord]

Does anyone know if you can used 38 Super ammo in a Colt 357 mag?

Basic math looks like .38 super pressures are higher than .357 mag. A .50BMG fits in a 12 gauge also but I wouldn't fire it personally.