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Posted: 8/14/2023 6:06:06 PM EST
I work gunshows in north Texas, and a LOT of my customers are Hispanic.  Got a Mexican national (legal Green Card holder) through the Spanish 4473 & NICS hoops Sat night & he picked up his Smith & Wesson 9mm Sunday - w/ the whole family in attendance.

Had a .45 ACP RIA on the table this weekend, but didn't sell.  Several of my Hispanic customers asked if it was a .38 Super - and one called today, and wants me to order him one.

What are the best .38 Supers on the market - at different price points?
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:09:41 PM EST
[#1]
I have some Mexican friends in Mexico, they are only allowed to gun not chambered in military calibers, so they can own 38super. 38Super is not very popular in the US, ask your Mexican friend is he would like something in 40S&W?
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:10:29 PM EST
[#2]
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:11:57 PM EST
[#3]
Well,they do like the Horsey. I sold a Witness in Super years ago in Dallas.
Told me"It no have the horsey". They will buy Colt's quick.
I have a RIA 5" in Super that shoots better than i expected.

Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:14:46 PM EST
[#4]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I have some Mexican friends in Mexico, they are only allowed to gun not chambered in military calibers, such as 38super. 38Super is not very popular in the US, ask your Mexican friend is he would like something in 40S&W?
View Quote

I think it is the non military caliber thing because the prices I see have .38 super selling for the same or more as .45 ACP.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:14:48 PM EST
[#5]
1. Colt
2. Colt
3. Colt.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:15:25 PM EST
[#6]
I don't know if anybody besides colt and RIA are actively making any.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:16:48 PM EST
[#7]
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The thought did cross my mind
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:18:53 PM EST
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I don't know if anybody besides colt and RIA are actively making any.
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Iver Johnson makes a few in both sizes,Gov't and Commander.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:20:28 PM EST
[#9]
Colt Competition Stainless .38
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:22:13 PM EST
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Iver Johnson makes a few in both sizes,Gov't and Commander.
View Quote
Actually, I think Tanfoglio still does too.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:22:13 PM EST
[#11]
We like colts. If you swap the RIA to a colt, slap a cash price of $1300, you’ll sell it quick.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:22:39 PM EST
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I have some Mexican friends in Mexico, they are only allowed to gun not chambered in military calibers, such as 38super. 38Super is not very popular in the US, ask your Mexican friend is he would like something in 40S&W?
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I have some Mexican friends in Mexico, they are only allowed to gun not chambered in military calibers, such as 38super. 38Super is not very popular in the US, ask your Mexican friend is he would like something in 40S&W?

.38 Super is an illegal caliber in Mexico.  This may have been changed in 1971 (i.e., may be it was legal before that) but I can't verify that.

It has always been popular there however.

Pistols in Mexico.

Semi-automatic handguns of caliber no greater than .380 (9mm Browning, 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short, and 9 17mm). Left excepted are calibers .38 Super and .38 commander, and also calibers 9mm. [Such as] Mauser, Luger, etc., as well as similar models of the same caliber of the excepted, from other brands.

Revolvers of calibers no greater than .38 Special, left excepted is caliber .357 magnum.
Land tenure owners, common land owners and farmworkers outside urban zones, may keep and carry, upon registration, one weapon of those already mentioned, or a .22 caliber rifle, or a shotgun of any caliber, except those of a barrel length shorter than 25 inches (635mm) and of caliber greater than 12 gauge (.729" or 18.5 MM).


So (legally) a .380 pistol or a .38 special revolver.  If you can get the license.

Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:37:35 PM EST
[#13]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:  I have some Mexican friends in Mexico, they are only allowed to gun not chambered in military calibers, so they can own 38super. 38Super is not very popular in the US, ask your Mexican friend is he would like something in 40S&W?
View Quote


This isn't a Mexican customer.  Mexican customer already bought a 9mm.  This is a Hispanic customer wanting a .38 Super, which is a pretty common ask among Texas Hispanics.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:40:51 PM EST
[#14]
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if you're going to post a Vigilink, please post the entire link and not disguise it.

Don't know he's wanting to spend that much, but I'll run it past him.

https://www.mid wayusa.com/product/1024859698

Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:41:35 PM EST
[#15]
I love a .38 Super!  In spite of my non-Hispanic heritage.
Low budget, RIA
Medium budget Colt
High budget Colt
I built mine on a SS Caspian frame with the integral magwell and a Colt slide which I rust blued.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:43:08 PM EST
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:  I love a .38 Super!  In spite of my non-Hispanic heritage.
Low budget, RIA
Medium budget Colt
High budget Colt
I built mine on a SS Caspian frame with the integral magwell and a Colt slide which I rust blued.
View Quote


Pics?
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:44:26 PM EST
[#17]
.38 Super is one of those calibers that you can fall in love with very easily.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:44:38 PM EST
[#18]
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:47:55 PM EST
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Pics?
View Quote

I don't think any have survived.  I can try to take some tomorrow.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:53:21 PM EST
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I don't think any have survived.  I can try to take some tomorrow.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:  Pics?


I don't think any have survived.  I can try to take some tomorrow.


Not needed.  I always like to look at pretty guns, particularly ones that folks have built, and ATF always wants more data points.  
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:53:27 PM EST
[#21]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I don't know if anybody besides colt and RIA are actively making any.
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LaLast I knew Taurus offered one. It even had gold controls and fake pearl grips for maximum pimp factor.

Hate to actually recommend Taurus but without building your own there aren't many options for the caliber.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:55:53 PM EST
[#22]
So - I just did a survey of my 7 different distributors, and only two have .38 Supers in stock.

All Tanfoglios, not 1911s.  PSA lists 12 - all out of stock.  Need to call RIA anyway, will see if they can sell me a single.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:57:14 PM EST
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


LaLast I knew Taurus offered one. It even had gold controls and fake pearl grips for maximum pimp factor.

Hate to actually recommend Taurus but without building your own there aren't many options for the caliber.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:  I don't know if anybody besides colt and RIA are actively making any.


LaLast I knew Taurus offered one. It even had gold controls and fake pearl grips for maximum pimp factor.

Hate to actually recommend Taurus but without building your own there aren't many options for the caliber.


Taurus doesn't list any .38 Supers:

https://www.taurususa.com/pistols/taurus-1911
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:59:16 PM EST
[#24]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Well,they do like the Horsey. I sold a Witness in Super years ago in Dallas.
Told me"It no have the horsey". They will buy Colt's quick.
I have a RIA 5" in Super that shoots better than i expected.

View Quote



Link Posted: 8/14/2023 6:59:35 PM EST
[#25]
DanWesson has two models in 38 Super.

This years Heirloom model has the engraving and is 38 Super.


Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:00:08 PM EST
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


if you're going to post a Vigilink, please post the entire link and not disguise it.

Don't know he's wanting to spend that much, but I'll run it past him.

https://www.mid wayusa.com/product/1024859698

https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/Primary/205/205597a1.jpg
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


if you're going to post a Vigilink, please post the entire link and not disguise it.

Don't know he's wanting to spend that much, but I'll run it past him.

https://www.mid wayusa.com/product/1024859698

https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/Primary/205/205597a1.jpg


He probably doesn’t want to spend that much only because he hasn’t seen it.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:01:02 PM EST
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

LaLast I knew Taurus offered one. It even had gold controls and fake pearl grips for maximum pimp factor.

Hate to actually recommend Taurus but without building your own there aren't many options for the caliber.
View Quote

Any 9mm 1911 can be converted to .38 Super with a barrel & magazine change.  Shorten the ejector, and you may have to tweak the extractor, (but maybe not).  This will also work on a 10mm, though my Delta Elite has been reliable, I consider it a range toy with the non-10mm barrel installed.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:01:35 PM EST
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Taurus doesn't list any .38 Supers:

https://www.taurususa.com/pistols/taurus-1911
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:  I don't know if anybody besides colt and RIA are actively making any.


LaLast I knew Taurus offered one. It even had gold controls and fake pearl grips for maximum pimp factor.

Hate to actually recommend Taurus but without building your own there aren't many options for the caliber.


Taurus doesn't list any .38 Supers:

https://www.taurususa.com/pistols/taurus-1911

Must be discontinued. A friend of mine has one.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:05:23 PM EST
[#29]
I bought an Armscor 1911 in .38 Super years ago.  It shot fine, though the tiny GI sights sucked.  I did buy and fit a 9mm barrel to it to shoot it more inexpensively.  Other than the sights it was a fine gun.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:09:09 PM EST
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I have some Mexican friends in Mexico, they are only allowed to gun not chambered in military calibers, so they can own 38super. 38Super is not very popular in the US, ask your Mexican friend is he would like something in 40S&W?
View Quote


38 Super has been illegal in MX for about 50 years.

All guns are basically illegal.

Tell your Mexican customers to buy a 1911 in 45 like the real Mexicans.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:11:06 PM EST
[#31]
Colts.

Seriously - they'll sell to that customer base. I don't understand it but power to them. They'll happily pay Colt pricing too.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:14:09 PM EST
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I have some Mexican friends in Mexico, they are only allowed to gun not chambered in military calibers, so they can own 38super. 38Super is not very popular in the US, ask your Mexican friend is he would like something in 40S&W?
View Quote

Not true.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:15:12 PM EST
[#33]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


38 Super has been illegal in MX for about 50 years.

All guns are basically illegal.

Tell your Mexican customers to buy a 1911 in 45 like the real Mexicans.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:  I have some Mexican friends in Mexico, they are only allowed to gun not chambered in military calibers, so they can own 38super. 38Super is not very popular in the US, ask your Mexican friend is he would like something in 40S&W?


38 Super has been illegal in MX for about 50 years.

All guns are basically illegal.

Tell your Mexican customers to buy a 1911 in 45 like the real Mexicans.


My Mexican National customers typically buy 9mm Smiths.

It's my US citizen Hispanics interested in .38 Specials Supers.  (oops)

Calibers legal in Mexico, and who can own them, have already been listed in this thread.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:43:41 PM EST
[#34]
I have sold .38 Super COLTS to my Hispanic customers for years. Make sure they are Stainless, Nickel or hard chrome. Gold accents everywhere along with gold and silver grip panels. If you do go with Blued make sure it is COLT shiny blue with gold accents with the afore mentioned grip panels. IF they want something less expensive run other models past them and have them pay up front and make sure it has gold and silver accents, etc. IF you get anything Hard chromed be prepared to take a Dremel to it so stuff will fit again. Good luck with your future customers..
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:46:02 PM EST
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
38 Super has been illegal in MX for about 50 years.

All guns are basically illegal.
View Quote


Not anymore.

Because of the Cartels, the Mexican government altered the former gun laws, albeit slightly, to allow more private ownership and carry at the local level.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 7:50:17 PM EST
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


if you're going to post a Vigilink, please post the entire link and not disguise it.

Don't know he's wanting to spend that much, but I'll run it past him.

https://www.mid wayusa.com/product/1024859698

https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/Primary/205/205597a1.jpg
View Quote

Orale!
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:00:01 PM EST
[#37]
Glock 19
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:04:12 PM EST
[#38]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:  Glock 19
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How's that project going?  What magazine did you get to fit?
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:08:21 PM EST
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


How's that project going?  What magazine did you get to fit?
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:  Glock 19


How's that project going?  What magazine did you get to fit?
The .38 has been done, it uses Witness mags.  The .45 is also done, uses Para mags.  I'm working on the 10mm now.  I do want to go back and rebuild the .38 using Para mags eventually.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:08:36 PM EST
[#40]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
[b]Quoted:
Glock 19
View Quote
Sucks!
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:09:17 PM EST
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Sucks!
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
[b]Quoted:
Glock 19
Sucks!
It comes into its own in .38 Super though.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:10:15 PM EST
[#42]
Les Baer sells .38 Super in several configurations.
Les Baer Pistols with price list
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:18:40 PM EST
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Not anymore.

Because of the Cartels, the Mexican government altered the former gun laws, albeit slightly, to allow more private ownership and carry at the local level.
View Quote

Lol, where do you guys come up with this?
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:23:25 PM EST
[#44]
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:26:01 PM EST
[#45]
Someone already mentioned the Colt Competition .38 Super.   I second that recommendation.  I’ve got one and it’s a great pistol.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:29:00 PM EST
[#47]
TISAS had that chromed 38 Super but they'd own the segment with some more aggressive production.
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:31:24 PM EST
[#48]
I used to have a Colt 1911 in .38 super and the ammo was never all that cheap, even 20 years ago.

During a road trip I found a gun shop near orchards that I guess got a lot of hispanic/migrant business.

Had Winchester white box for $7.99 for 50 rounds of .38 super. All the local places wanted twice that much.

Ended up buying like 10 boxes.

Recently I was cleaning out my parents garage and found an empty box with the price tag.

Just made me shake my head when compared to how much it cost today.

Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:38:14 PM EST
[#49]
Highly polished colts with the Virgin Mary on the grips will sell quickly . Gold and silver inlays are gtg . The more bling the better . Mexican flag is gtg . Think shiny , flashy , over the top style stuff . And make it very expensive ! Some of them will look like beggars but will pull out a wad of cash that would choke a burro . And get up to date on texican slang . Don’t overly insult them , but if you can get their friends to fuck with them about being “pinche” , you will make more profit !
Link Posted: 8/14/2023 8:43:20 PM EST
[#50]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Highly polished colts with the Virgin Mary on the grips will sell quickly . Gold and silver inlays are gtg . The more bling the better . Mexican flag is gtg . Think shiny , flashy , over the top style stuff . And make it very expensive ! Some of them will look like beggars but will pull out a wad of cash that would choke a burro . And get up to date on texican slang . Don’t overly insult them , but if you can get their friends to fuck with them about being “pinche” , you will make more profit !
View Quote


I'll make more profit if they come back.
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