32 OR 38 Super

I marvel at the recoil of my 32 compared to my 38 Super.  My 38 Super 1911s are just so pleasant.  Easy to load for and easy to shoot.  Dang 32 is a pain to load and it slings brass all over too.   Not getting rid of my 32s but if I wasn't a little crazy I would...

How about a 38 special 1911, kind of the best of both worlds.

What I remember about my 38 Specials, a S&W 52 and a Clark 1911,  is that while they shot good, I did not shoot them well.  I could feel the slide hit both ends.  They shot so good that I expected to shoot good matches with them.  I did not. I think it was driven by a personal lack of good follow through.  The 38 Super, while loaded to similar specifications, is not the same.  The slide cycles quicker and it seems to be more forgiving.

Totally.agree on the recoil difference between the super and special.. i actually like the almost 2 cycle recoil of the special. Especially in a 6" pistol but, the super is Very soft and accurate.. easy to build and mine has proven to be extremely reliable over the last 3 years as in 0 alibis.  I just finished an
 special for myself so we'll see how reliable it is for me. 

With all that said.  I most often shoot the 45 for CF will leave the super and special for fun matches.

I have shot a 38 super for years and my best season had it consistently being my high scorer. Of the 14 matches I shot that year only one was below 880, (879). the rest were between 880 and 893 with an average of 887. Nothing wrong with the caliber other than the brass is expensive. My pistol was compensated and would average 1 1/4" 10 shot group at 50 yards. I also had a 9mm that yielded similar results with Cheap brass.

2 cycle recoil, l love it!  More like a hit & miss engine though...

I have a Clark longslide 38 special, I like the 32 better. For me, though, it’s mostly the two stage trigger and ergonomics (grip angle) of the Euro guns (Pardini, Benelli, Matchgun) that I find superior.  

Sure wish Pardini would make a single stack 45/9/38 model

Dave Glenn wrote:I have shot a 38 super for years and my best season had it consistently being my high scorer. Of the 14 matches I shot that year only one was below 880, (879). the rest were between 880 and 893 with an average of 887. Nothing wrong with the caliber other than the brass is expensive. My pistol was compensated and would average 1 1/4" 10 shot group at 50 yards. I also had a 9mm that yielded similar results with Cheap brass.

Dave, If I remember right, you consistantly kicked my butt with that thing. Good times.  Paul

Dave Glenn wrote:I have shot a 38 super for years and my best season had it consistently being my high scorer. Of the 14 matches I shot that year only one was below 880, (879). the rest were between 880 and 893 with an average of 887. Nothing wrong with the caliber other than the brass is expensive. My pistol was compensated and would average 1 1/4" 10 shot group at 50 yards. I also had a 9mm that yielded similar results with Cheap brass.

Those are great scores and excellent groups. I’m building a Super for someone now. Really looking forward to the groups!
Jon