38 super gun wanted, what to buy?

[Eric Freel]

I had a Rock Island 38 super that had ben built up. The gun was stolen and now I am looking for a replacement. I am looking for a less than $700 38 super to replace it with. Why 38 super? I have a lot of ammo for it and my reloading is set up too, I would hate to gear up for a diffrent caliber.

The two new guns I have in mind are an EAA Elite and the Taurus pt1911. They cost roughly the same. I have concerns over both of them though. The Taurus is a series 80 design and it has this hammer lock device. The EAA at least the one I had was full of reliability problems. Which of these guns would serve me better for daily use? Is there a better choice in 38 super for the under $700 price range? Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

The NEW model EAA's are nice. They have also been used to win several IPSC World Champinships (albeit highly modified)....

[Joe Simone]

What do you intend to use gun for?

[Eric Freel]

Its a daily carry gun, also for occasional matches.

[Joe Ford]

For a daily carry, Colt makes and alloy frame commander 1911 in 38 super. Your bullets will probably work for 9mm. The money you save initially on your stockpile of 38 super will get used up. 9mm may be a much better option. But If I wanted a carry 38 super it would be the Colt LWT Commander. If I wanted a fun gun it would be a steel framed Witness, they are built like tanks and seem to run and run and run.

[Ernie Johnson]

There's some pretty good factory JHP's for .38 Super out there. Bullets should be the same for either 9mm or Super and brass for a 9MM is relatively cheap.

I know DR says he likes what he calls the "SUPER .38" which is different from the "38 Super" in chambering.

[E. Spears]

Originally Posted by Ernie Johnson

I know DR says he likes what he calls the "SUPER .38" which is different from the "38 Super" in chambering.

What's the difference??

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

Originally the .38 Super head spaced on the semi-rim, not the case mouth. So, the accuracy really sucked...

Then Nonte came up with a chamber reamer that allowed the case to headspace on the case mouth.

Then John Nowlin, Sr. came up with the "SUPER .38" chamber reamer that made the cartridge SUPER accurate. Actually, it's the most accurate pistol caliber I've ever used. On several of the race guns I've built, they would shoot clover leaf groups at 25 yds. with match ammo!

[Eric Freel]

Good news, The gun was recovered a week later. The police are holding it until the case has run through court. I might get it back next month!