2011 question

[deadcoyote]

I have a little spare funds, started looking at buying a 2011 in .38 super. I know 2011 is a specific model, how about a double stack 1911 platform in .38 super. I know STI doesn’t make them anymore, it seems like I could buy a used open gun for a decent price.

I don’t want an open style pistol, more a Limited gun with sights. I’ve seen Jem customs website, prices seem decent but I’d still have to have someone build everything. Basic point of all this is:

A. What companies still make a factory double stack .38 super 1911?
B. If I buy a frame and go from there what companies frames are good but affords and what design differences and issues do I need to know about? I assume this is like anAR 10 platform from what I’ve read so far, a lot of different cuts and styles and types.

Edit to add: I’m roster exempt so that aspect isn’t an issue.

[IVC]

You have two primary styles: 2011, which has a frame without the grip, and a double-stack 1911, which has the usual 1911 frame, just wider.

The norm these days would be a 2011 platform because you have much more choice in every component. Nighthawk and Wilson make double-stack 1911s if you are set on going that route.

Either way, when you build a custom gun at that level, you'll be able to pick the caliber. 38 Super is just one of many choices, so any manufacturer who offers custom guns should be able to accommodate you. You also have a choice of 38 Super Comp, which is very similar to 38 Super, but is (almost) rimless. This helps with feeding from the magazine and would be the norm for Open guns until about a few years back. Modern Open guns are mostly "9 Major," which is regular 9mm brass loaded to much higher (out of SAAMI spec) pressures. The primary (and likely the only) reason for popularity of 9 Major is brass availability.

Limited guns are usually not built in 38 Super, at least not for USPSA. This is purely because there is a bullet diameter requirement of at least .40 to score major in Limited (no such restriction in Open, so 9mm bullet for 38S/SC/9 major maximizes capacity).

I assume you reload if you're looking at 38 Super. Otherwise it tends to get expensive and quite limited. South and Central American markets drive some demand for 38 Super (where "military calibers" such as 9mm are prohibited), otherwise you're looking at specialized loads for USPSA Open with very slow powders designed to work the compensator.

Someone else can chime in with some additional brands.

[JTROKS]

Unless you’re really hell bent for 38 Super due to nostalgic reasons, the 9mm will be more reliable in double stack mags. Unless you reload 38 Supercomp, which is a rimless version of the 38 Super and very reliable as it stacks straight. 38 Super +P edges 9mm +P loads only by a small margin. 38 Super +P/Major loads is where it shines in power, jumps into the lower 357 magnum level. I still have 2 open raceguns in 38 Super, but hardly shoot them anymore. Not selling either due to memories and my kids think they are so cool to shoot.

[dummykid]

Atlasgunwork has .38 super open guns. Just give them a call and they can custom for u


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[Mute]

Being roster exempt, the world is your oyster. Atlas Gunworks is the first that comes to mind for factory ready. Also, Nighthawk will upgrade any of their single stacks to a double stack, so pick the one you want that's available in .38 super. Of course there's always SVI as well, though that's more build to order than factory ready options.

[RugerNo1]

[deadcoyote]

Just a range toy. I used to shoot uspsa and am familiar with major and minor etc. I typically just used basic pistols in USPsA.

[Haplo]

I think you can convert a 9mm STI to .38 super pretty easily