My First .38 Super

[paulg]

I've thought about picking up a .38 Super many times in the past but just never ran across anything that moved me to action. To be honest I'd dismissed the idea until a few weeks ago I was offered this Dan Wesson Guardian. I haven't had the time to wring it out yet but I will soon. I have had my hands on Cabot, Republic Forge and Wilson Combat 1911's and I will say that this Dan Wesson is just as well fitted and finished as the $4-5,000.00 pistols. No MIM parts in this pistol. It wasn't cheap but considering what the afore mentioned 1911's cost the Dan Wesson is a real bargain. I'm glad I waited and I'm grateful for a good friend offering it to me. I will have to hand load to get the most out of this gun and round but what fun that will be!

[dhd]

I remember when they started making them and didn't think much more than here is another company making 1911's. Their product gets great reviews for a good reason it seems.

I hope I don't run across one with extra money in my pocket as I know I'll spend it. Congratulations on a new fine toy. I don't have a Super either but have always been very curious of them.

[ezekiel38]

Good looking Super, always wanted a Super but never had the right opportunity to purchase one. Be interested to see how the 9MM Parabellum +P and 38 Super lighter loads.

[JM]

Those DW 1911 pistols are supposed to be excellent.

I have yet to see one in any shops.

Looking forward to your shooting report.

[nolongcolt]

Get some Power Pistol for it if you don't already have some, perfect fit for this round.

[Quick Draw McGraw]

That is a very good looking 1911! I have been wanting a .38 Super for a while but I have had some other priorities for now. Let us know how it shoots and congratulations.

[hughree]

Paul - Congratulations on a fine firearm. The Dan Wessons are, IMHO, one of the best values among the 1911 offerings. I have a 2017 .45 Specialist and a 10mm Valor that have been flawless and gladden my heart. Both have the smooth, black DW Duty Treat finish like your Guardian and I can tell you that the finish is HARD. However, it is prone to irreversible staining if contacted by certain gun cleaners that remove the oils from the finish. There is a good thread about safe solvents in the Dan Wesson forum at www.1911forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=468545. It is worth a quick read.

God bless and good shooting!

Hugh

[lscg]

congrats Paul!

Dan Wesson makes a fine Firearm! and you can't beat the .38 Super.

here's some load data if you plan on reloading. www.k8nd.com/documents/hl38sup.pdf

[paulg]

Thanks for compliments and links. I’ve picked up a few boxes of factory ammo to play with until I get set up to load for this gun. First order of business will be to slug the barrel and send it off to Fermin for measuring and recommendations on bullet choices. I picked this pistol up for a few reasons. It was the right gun in the right cartridge at the right time offered up by the right person. This pistol will present me with several opportunities to learn. Learn the pistol itself, learn how to create a load for it, learn the history of the .38 Super and learn to appreciate a properly made 1911. This pistol has no MIM parts, is a series 70 and has the proper recoil system. Meaning no full length 1 or 2 piece pogo stick. The way God and JMB intended.

[AxeHandle]

DW makes some fine 1911s and the 38 Super is a fine cartridge... Makes this one Double Fine!
While most like them for whiz bang bullet slingers I use them for paper punchers. They are much better suited for paper punching than the 9mm. The 9 will shoot but has to be loaded to the recoil level of the 45 wadcutter gun. That defeats the purpose. Mine run a 147 grain hard cast just over 700 FPS with a little WST. Functions 100%, recoils like a 22 at 25 yards, and sticks them close together at 50 yards. Got one with a 6 inch Barsto and one with a 5 inch Kart. Both shoot good..

[450ak]

colt government and a fusion cco lounge about here. Both shoot about an inch at twenty yards with heavy loads. AA7 is the powder I use for maximum effort. Power pistol is close. From 125 hollow points at upper 1300s to 150s at 1200. Use starline plus p brass and enjoy a fantastic pistol cartridge.
Killed some varmints with the government model and 125 hollow points, but nothing bigger yet.

[zeus]

You will love it. I carry mine a lot. 25 yard groups offhand are really small. It just shoots amazingly well. Mine is carried in a Barranti Horsehide IWB. Awesome combo!!!! I run the Underwood bonded (gold dot) ammo in the 125 grain. Extremely accurate round.

I have quite a few DW 1911s and I really like them compared to my LB and WC guns. I don’t think they give up anything to those personally. Fit and finish is very nice. Lines are straight as are the top of the sights (can’t figure out why LB guns all have slanted sight tops!) WC makes great guns but the prices are way high on these new guns. DW is a big bargain!

[dhd]

I keep reminding myself that I don't like autos anymore. Of course they couldn't possibly be as accurate as a revolver. Nope, don't like autos....

Except maybe Hi Powers, about any good 1911, Sig P210/220/226/229, H&K P7M13, CZ 75's, Beretta 92's, S&W 41/52/952/5906 PPC, etc etc etc.

Nope, I don't like autos, but that DW 38 Super is nice.

Sorry for the HiJack, but let us know how it shoots.

[sheriff]

That's a nice lookin' 1911! Congratulations on your purchase.

[boolitdesigner]

Dec 8, 2017 6:50:02 GMT -5 paulg said:

 First order of business will be to slug the barrel and send it off to Fermin for measuring and recommendations on bullet choices.

This will take care of it:
mp-molds.com/e-shop/molds/hollow-points-molds/mp-359-125-hp-pb-2-cavity
See if Fermin agrees.................