Clark 38 Wad Gun Experts

Can anyone tell me what twist these barrels are?
Are they a step forward or backwards from a 52?
Thanks.

Forwards x 100

The two piece barrels are stubbed Douglas 10 twist.
Otherwise 16 twist.

Jon

Is magazine tuning a pita, or relatively straight forward? I see both Triple K and Clarks has them available, but don't want to start an impossible project.

Mr. Eulette,
In what way exactly are these X100 better?
If twist is the factor, could a barrel with a better twist be had??
I'm sure you are correct and am not questioning your knowledge only trying
learn from one of the best.

G

Brent375hh wrote:Is magazine tuning a  pita, or relatively straight forward? I see both Triple K and Clarks has them available, but don't want to start an impossible project.

Not a problem. I have original Colt mags and Triple Ks and they all work.  Never really had to mess with them except for a very slight bending of the fingers that hold the top round in place.

Gary Collette wrote:Mr. Eulette,
In what way exactly are these X100 better?
If twist is the factor, could a barrel with a better twist be had??
I'm sure you are correct and am not questioning your knowledge only trying
learn from one of the best.

G

1911 has availability of parts that far surpasses the 52. In this case primarily barrel availability. 1911 is easier to work on and build in comparison to the 52. 52 grip is larger and 1911 can be had with flat or arched mainspring housing as well as varying grip thicknesses. 52 trigger harder to work on. 52 has to be custom built to come close to a 1911. The 52 can shoot good if you are really good at reloading ammunition and find the right ammunition barrel combination. 1911 doesn't require the effort to accomplish this.
1911 magazine tuning can be a pain, but the more you do the easier it becomes to tune them to function reliably. Triple K mags work great once modified. I've personally never had one work out of the box. I spend about an hour a magazine to get them serviceable. Original Colt magazines require very little effort to tune.
BE is all about the 45, if you can't shoot the 45 well you'll never climb the classification ladder. The 1911 38 has the same grip as the 1911 45, so the transition from CF to 45 match only requires a different heavier trigger pull and a little more recoil.
I build my 38's just as tight as I build my 45's. They can run tight when built right, they don't have to be loose.
So having said this, if I don't practice much I can normally shoot the 38 better than the 45. If I practice I can shoot the 45 better than the 38 because the larger bullet diameter does make a difference.
If I had to sell all my pistols and keep one, I'd most likely keep a 38
Jon

Jon,
All good points and solid logic.
The 52-2 i have is fun to shoot and I am enjoying it a lot.
A 38 wad 1911 sounds like another addition that I could 
get a lot of enjoyment out of.
Hope this isn't a hijack of the thread.
Question, When building a 38-1911 do you start with and existing pistol
such as frequently done with 45ACP and if so is a 9MM suggested or even
required?
You have the hook in my mouth and lets see if you can set it!!

Thanks, G

Jon,
All good points and solid logic.
The 52-2 i have is fun to shoot and I am enjoying it a lot.
A 38 wad 1911 sounds like another addition that I could 
get a lot of enjoyment out of.
Hope this isn't a hijack of the thread.
Question, When building a 38-1911 do you start with and existing pistol
such as frequently done with 45ACP and if so is a 9MM suggested or even
required?
You have the hook in my mouth and lets see if you can set it!!

Thanks, G

I own and shoot a 52-2 and can say that the 52 isn’t as accurate as my 45.  Close, but not quite.  Here are two targets one from the 52 and the other shot with the 45.  The 52 was shot with Magtech factory and the 45 was with my reloads. Getting a GOOD reload for the 38 is a process.  I’m close, but I’m not there.  But the 45 I have IS. more accurate.  

9mm or 45 receiver both work fine. Feed ramps are overrated lol.
Jon

50Y tested with machine rest. Remington 148gr HBWC, Fiocchi 38 WC specific brass.

AP

With Remington bullets non existing, what is the second best choice. Not that it will be available, unless it is a bullet mold.

I was kind of hoping someone would just tell me to buy a x brand 38 Super and show me their cast bullet load for it in the 700 fps range. I have to think it has been done as well.

Brent375hh wrote:With Remington bullets non existing, what is the second best choice. Not that that will be available, unless it is a bullet mold.
I was kind of hoping someone would just tell me to buy a x brand 38 Super and show me their cast bullet load for it in the 700 fps range. I have to think it has been done as well.

I've had good luck with Zero, Precision Delta and Hornady 148 grain HBWCs.