If you ever felt like shooting through a car door and seeing if could hit some red coolaid colored jugs I think this .38 super and various fmj and Hops JHP loads would be appropriate. That is where .38 super supposedly shined at the time. I don't think car doors are made like they were in the 30s but maybe a truck door could be had at your local place. Just a thought for a fun departure
Thanks Dan. I’m not sure that I could shoot up a car on any of the ranges I currently use, but I did a lot of that sort of testing in the past. I never tested the .38 Super in those days, but I think it would have done pretty well.
Darn, no range time today. I was hoping to hear what the difference is in the report sound what with all of the snow on the ground. Natural noise reduction so to speak.
Thank you, Howard, for another excellent - thorough, absolutely fact-based, very knowledgeable, well articulated, and totally unbiased - review. This .38 Super appears to be a very good, economical - but not low quality or cheap - rendition of the 1911A1. I’d feel entirely comfortable with it (presuming functionality and accuracy are excellent, during the impending range session) in all sorts of roles. It’s probably not a Wilson or a Les Baer, but I’m not Ken Hackathorn, and I am sure it would be entirely accurate for my level of proficiency. Unfortunately, I have very little experience with the .38 Super round; for some reason, it never was very evident to me, during my earlier years (and ammunition didn’t seem to be commonplace) . HOWEVER, ten rounds would doubtless be plenty for any defensive scenario I’d face, the cartridge potent, and 1911A1s are inherently VERY accurate.
Thanks Roy. I am quite a fan of that cartridge. I especially like the loads HOP is producing these days. In terms of power it is a significant step up from the 9 mm, and it’s also chambered in the classic 1911 handguns. What’s not to like?
I have no experience with the .38 Super. Having a gun that holds a few extra hot rounds in the mag seems like a pretty good idea, though. I believe that Frank Hamer, a Texas lawman (?) had his .38 Super taken from him by Bonnie and Clyde. --Old Guy
@@Ed-ig7fj How frequently will a lawful, civilian defensive encounter require more than 10 rounds to be successfully resolved? I’d respectfully suggest the answer is essentially never. If you know of one or more, I’d truly be interested in reading about them.
@@bhoward9378 Read what I stated. Did I ever mention a capacity “limit?” No, I certainly did not. Rather, my post Indicated that the likelihood of any lawful civilian defensive encounter requiring more than ten rounds - to be successfully and legally resolved - is so small that it is essentially nonexistent. MANY experts agree with that statement, I stand by it, and (if you disagree) I’d ask that you provide examples of eleven or more rounds being utilized in legal civilian defense. Moreover, please consider this. A LOT of civilians, who lawfully carry firearms for defensive purposes, use small (S&W J and K Frame, Ruger SP-101 or LCR, Kimber K6, Charter, Colt, etc.) revolvers, with five or six round capacities. Furthermore, the extremely popular micro-compact autoloaders (Hellcat, G43, P365, PPS, and so forth) unusually have capacities approximating 10 rounds, sometimes slightly less or more. OKay, you were: 1. Entirely wrong to state that I mentioned - or even intimated - any statutory capacity constraints. Instead, I accurately said that virtually all lawful civilian defensive encounters are successfully resolved with less than ten rounds (actually, less than five or six rounds). 2. The plain FACT is, a very substantial percentage of lawful defensive carriers routinely and successfully employ five and six shot compact revolvers or small semiautomatics, with capacities approximating 10 rounds . . . sometimes less. Next time, PLEASE read what I said and DO NOT attribute statements I never made to me.
Thanks HR! I have in my collection of 1911s a "United States Property" marked, 1918 manufactured Colt Model of 1911 US Army, and it is certainly one of my prize pieces. As it is now 105 years old, I keep shooting to a minimum with GI equivalent loads, but I still shoot it a couple times a year. That said...I would not recommend a surplus or CMP pistol for a person looking for a "shooting" 1911A1. Great for collectors, and you won't beat the price of an "authentic" 1911A1 from CMP, but as a shooting or carrying gun, I would highly recommend one of these modern "clones". IJ is a good one, and there are others. FWIW, a 1911 doesn't have to be a "Colt" to be a 1911 and experience all the 1911 goodness. These IJ models look to be a great value. I'll check out the video tomorrow!
I don't have an original Colt in my collection, but I do have a Remington Rand and used to have a Singer. I gave the Singer to my dad, and have no idea what became of it after he passed away. I would love to have it back.
@@johnt.chambers4204 Well, mine is a little unusual. it was issued to my father when he joined the Army tank corps in 1934. It is a Colt made and serial numbered frame but has a Savage replacement slide. Sometime between 1918 and 1934 it was arsenal refurbished and Parkerized. My father carried that pistol as a tank commander in North Africa and Europe through WW2. After the war, he was a Armored instructor at Ft. Knox until he retired in 1956. When he turned in his equipment, he was told the Model 1911 was "obsolete" and that he could purchase it if he desired. For $17. I have the pistol, the belt holster, (his WW2 shoulder holster seems to have been misplaced) the two-tone magazines it was issued with and all the paperwork transferring it to my father. In triplicate. So, the pistol is not "all original" and has replacement parts, some of which were 1911A1 parts (trigger, grip safety mainspring housing). But I 'restored' it with a 1911 trigger, grip safety and mainspring housing. The slide is a replacement with the "Flaming Bomb S" mark, but it is a 1911 pattern slide. It's worth $1 billion to me, but not to a purist collector. I will pass it down to my son.
I bought an Iver Johnson 1911A1 Carbine, just because it's so unusual. I haven't shot it yet. I'd like to get a standard barrel for it, so it won't stay limited to a carbine configuration.
I just saw a used, recent production, Colt 1911A1 38Super+P at one of the shops in my area. Took all my will power not to snatch it up. If it's still there next time I stop by, that might not be the case!
Never shot a .38 Super; I remember my dad referring to it as a cartridge for old-timey spies and assassins 🤣 Always love the 1911 though; I have a 1943 Colt and a new-ish Ruger SR1911, both in .45. The Colt is especially cool since it was brought home by the officer who carried it in the Pacific after the war and thereby avoided four extra decades of military circulation and abuse. It's almost too cool to shoot. Almost.
I love the 1911 style I have a colt 45 Springfield 9mm and a ria 38 super and I’m waiting for the iver Johnson 38 super so I can give one to my son who live in California because this 1911 are California compliant thanks for the review
I have to admit i was never a fan of low budget 1911...but after all these great reviews and finding a 38 super , i gave in and.baught a rock island . Will be picking up in a week or so. Crossing my fingers that shes a keeper 😂
I hope so. I’ve had good luck with some budget 1911s and not such good luck with others. RIA is usually pretty good, but the 38 Super cartridge can be a little finicky when it comes to cycling.
Have you noticed the prices going up on the Auto Ordnance? I purchased one about six years ago and paid $525, it just did not have the features I wanted so like a few others it simply sat unused until I sold it a year ago. But I had no complaints about it, what is the controversy? I probably just missed it.
@@granddad-mv5ef AO had a poor-to-spotty reputation for quality when Numrich Arms (Gun Parts Corp) first introduced them in the early 1980s at the SHOT Show. I was there and handled some of them. They were a rough-as-a-cob kluge job and a rather unimpressive attempt to mimic the plain Jane WWII 1911A1. Over the years I did not see much improvement in their design and manufacture (cast frame, milled slide) and lost all interest in them because they would not cycle anything but ball ammo. During this same time you could get a better deal and better quality from imported Armscor/RIA guns. In recent years the Turkish imports, with their forged receivers and slides, have been the best deal going. AO did improve its game once Kahr bought the company, but that change came at added cost. As it now stands, I cannot see the point in paying near-Colt prices for a pistol that will not hold its value or ever achieve the mystique that any Colt has.
@@johnshacklett2265 I think the Turkish 1911 pistols with their forged steel frames and receivers cannot be beat for quality and price, but the Filipino cast frame guns are also solid deals. There are many import names to choose from and quality does vary somewhat, so caveat emptor!
Thank you hrfunk. I wonder who is the mfr for these Iver Johnson 1911s. The logo & name from the original company are just trade symbols now, as the current Iver Johnson company is an importer & not maker. I wonder if these are made by the same factory as Tisas 1911s. Can you build up the spring housing to add the arch, for better fit in your hand? It may seem blasphemous, but something like a hogue grip sleeve trimmed appropriately may fill the hand better. But I understand if you're looking for a close replica to your 1980s era model, you don't want to have to customize it.
Made in the States? Didn't catch that. My Super, years ago, was a beautiful, 4 digit, commercial model Colt in original packaging that I traded for from a 45 shooter in Great Falls, My. Rather than butcher the thing up, we took it out with the one box of (then) very scarce 38 Super ammo, function fired it, and this then very young Airmen with wife and three kids tripled my investment by moving it on to an appreciative Colt collector over at the fall Missoula gun show that year, circa 1976. Sigh......
Fully concur with your evaluation and description of the small parts and details of both the Iver Johnson and Tsis pistols compared to original 1911 and 1911A1s. As a nit picker the only imperfection I could pick up on the cloned 2 pistols is the hammer spurs, the manufacturers seem to have struggled with the aesthetics of that feature and neither got it quite right, though the function is assuredly fine. On modern 1911s I prefer the longer full length recoil spring guide rod as a modernizing trait, but a GI type pistol should authentically retain the short plug and closed cap. And as we all know, the M18 was not the first modular service sidearm. Any 2Lt could drop in on the Batallion Armorer and order that his modular M1911A1 sidearm be refitted with a flat mainspring housing without a lanyard loop, a long trigger, wide spur hammer, and walnut stocks replacing the plastic. The demand would be immediately complied with.
I have a RIA Gov't in 38 Super, and will never part with it. Put some Trijicon tritium sights and Altamont rosewood grip panels. Very accurate pistol, even out to 40+ yards.
Chief, Nice pistol for sure. Iver Johnson is a great company and known for great quality firearms. A friend of mine has an old Iver Johnson M-1 Carbine. Thank you for the video, great caliber as well.
I hope we get to see a range review soon. I have a beautiful Iver Johnson Two Tone Eagle XL with a 6" barrel and corresponding long slide, I hope I can get it to a range soon .
Many of todays big name shooters, seem to all gravitate to same the same platform (1911) however with 9mm round, maybe G-men were ahead of the day, back in the day? Thank you for any videos concerning the 1911A1 🇺🇸
I prefer a curved mainspring housing also, the corner of the flat one digs into my bear paws. It's manageable, but after shooting a box of hotter .45 loads I really start feeling it.
HR, thanks for another great video. It is 16 Deg. here near Wash., D. C., and I am not hitting the range either. Watching your videos is the next best thing! --Old Guy
Well, it is not really an A1 variant. One of the distinguishing features of that type is the curved mainspring housing. In addition, the trigger is a little long for an A1.
Chief the .38 Super has been a friend for decades and always respected the caliber, especially with real hot Super ammo. I own 2 myself a Dan Wesson Guardian LW Commander and my fancy BBQ GUN a Colt 1911 engraved 5". Buffalo Bore 115 grain is hot stuff, too, JHP defensive ammo. I have some mint SUPER VEL I found remember that brand really hot for the time period. Nice review on a classic caliber and pistol. I believe it's under appreciated as is the .357 SIG.
being a former buckeye myself up till 2 years ago.i remember not so fondly those days that kept us all inside when it was too cold to even look outside let alone go outside. Cant wait till the shooting range session with the IJ 1911. ive shot a lot of different calibers but the .38 super is one that i havent really heard a lot about and certainly havent had the chance to shoot one
12 degrees Is that a compass reading. It's going to be in the mid 80's here a temp for our high. Snow...that's not beach sand but kinda looks like it yep I've seen it. My freezer is at 4 degrees. 12 must be real cold. Well had to tell you while you have 12 degrees sometimes we here in Florida have winds over 100MPH with 12 foot plus water surge on our coasts. I think I'd favor 12 degrees.
That is a nice looking 1911A1 I think that if John Browning lived longer, he would have probably changed his design to include better sights, beveled mag well, etc.
My praise to you for continuing your Marine color combination in your attire. I bet it's not by chance. Something about that khaki and olive uniform, that continues to turn a Marine on. Semper Fi.
Never knew anything about .38 Super, until later in life. Still know very little. It must be Super though. All 1911 pistols I have, are in a caliber .45 Auto. As They should be.
Great video, as always. I recognize the logo on the magazine base plate. It's a Metalform magazine. They're what my RIA 1911 A1-FS, chambered in 10mm, came with. Good magazines. I've just recently had to hand fit a new 40s&w barrel. With almost no movement at all in the lock up, the accuracy is incredible. Planning on getting a 22 TCM conversion kit in the future, which will then allow me to hand fit 38 super, and 9mm barrels. Love the versatility of the 1911. John Moses Browning was indeed, a true genius!
Good morning HR. That's not a bad looking 1911. Anxious to see how it shoots. Warmer weather coming next week. I've seen the old revolvers marked Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works. Never seen a mention of their bicycle. Other firearm companies had secondary products like Remington typewriters. Good hunting if you make it to a gun show, maybe you'll find something for a future video.
It’s hard to go wrong with a Tisas. If you don’t like it you’re not going to be out much. You’ll also probably be able to resell it for about the same price you paid.
1911 / ALL Steel - designed to be as rugged, reliable & accurate as anything made before or since, nothing else made before or since retains all 3 qualities, especially so if it has any plastic or aluminum parts, which btw, I am not dead-set against,.....if they were priced accordingly, but, it's about the other way round....lol
S.A.M is located in Cebu City on the island of Cebu in the Southern Philippines. I bought two of their 1911 45ACP pistols in 2016; a full size and a Commander size. They were imported by American Tactical Importers (ATI) and cost $400 each. They are well made and I've been quite happy with them. Accuracy and reliability have been everything I could ask for in a basic 1911. When you have the chance to shoot your Iver Johnson, I think you'll be pleased with the results.
@@Allenmar73 I shot the SAM "Military" full size model today. Perfect function and hitting an 8 inch steel disk at 25 yards was easy. I have full confidence in it and it's one of my home defense pistols.
What's ironic is that Iver Johnson is famous for rifles in the .30 cal. range. The most famous was the M1941 Johnson rifle - a favorite of Marines in the Pacific Theater. It was the same rifle USMC Captain Hugo Dunlap used at Iwo Jima and was awarded the Medal of Honor. The M1941 Johnson machine gun was a legendary LMG used by The famous "Devil's Brigade." But they are most famous for every iteration of M1 .30 carbine you can imagine. That said, if this 1911.38 super has the that kind of pedigree you "should" have a great, dependable shooter.
No. That’s a carbine offered by Iver Johnson. It’s essentially a 1911 with a 16” barrel and a detachable shoulder stock. It’s kind of cool. I wouldn’t mind shooting one.
Unless I'm mistaken, the IJ also doesn't include the modern trigger safety (sometimes referred to by "Series 80"). My Metro Arms American Classic II has the trigger safety and some nice upgrades over the "plain Jane" 1911. Looking forward to the shooting video for this one, chief. Be well, sir!
Interesting. As basic 1911s go, not bad. I have a Rock Island and a buddy has a basic Springfield. None are 100% accurate, but not bad. A 1911 story for you: I used to visit with Ivan Holbrook at Washington Arms Collectors shows. He was Navy in Vietnam, was in the act of rescuing a wounded Marine officer, when charged by three NVA with AKs. Using the Marine’s 1911 he fired three shots for three center hits and three one shot stops. The Marine later gave him the gun. I’ve read the citation and the gun was on display (not for sale). Ivan loved to say “use a gun that works!” He became expert on 1911s and the M1 Garand. Had a mint Singer 1911 on display for which he’d turned down incredible money.
I have carried a 1911 every day as my off-duty carry for almost 50 years. This video and this IJ .39 Super speak to me! After the shooting portion of the review is over, I want Chief Funk to answer one question for me; Would he take this pistol down to the edgy part of town and kick a door looking for a fugitive with this pistol? That's my test for it being "a good gun."
Great video on my favorite pistol. Wasn't Iver Johnson one of the contractors who made 1911's in WW2? I may be mistaken about that and it may have been the M-1 carbine I'm thinking of.
I'd really try .38 Super but it's a pain to get anything .38 Super over here. Would have to import and pay proofing, getting the brass, let alone reloading tools for it. Even .357 Sig and 10mm is rare here but it's still some bit of ammo sold at least on the same continent. I wonder if even having someone custom make 7.5mm FK loading tools would be cheaper. I wish I could have 5.7x28mm since it gets cheaper now. No issues with stocks/'braces' over here.
Good morning Sir,nice video and nice pistol in 38 Super,I wish you can make a rango review soon!!,remember to try 130gr FMJ in your test!! Thank you,best regards Sir.
@@hrfunk thanks! Picked it up today, haven’t had a chance to fire it yet but it seems pretty well made. Do you know if it has a titanium or steel firing pin? Can’t seem to find that anywhere.
Measuring the wire thickness of the spring and counting coils and comparing to other springs with 'known' weights can be useful. Overall spring length can be misleading when comparing brand new and used springs
HR I would pass on it for several reasons. It is IMHO ugly with the large logos. But that's me and perhaps Tisas will come out with one, Love the videos
I dont know what you tube's problem is, so what if you take the gun apart? give me a break. what are they gonna think of next? they need to stop all the nonsense. otherwise, great video. would like a commander sized w/ night sights in 38 super. and maybe the wilson 10 round mags. I think both the Turkish and Filipino guns are very well made.
I’d have to give this IJ a hard pass, for their price, knowing what TISAS is capable of manufacturing with Modern equipment and forged frame and slide.
Interestingly, Tisas is supposed to be coming out with two .38 Super chambered models this year. One is a full-size 1911 and the other is Commander length. I believe both are going to feature a high polish chrome finish.
I didn't know that Iver Johnson 1911 could be have in 38 super auto I will try to to find one cause now I have seen it I want one so badly, it's our caliber choice here in my country by the way and not too much guns offers the 38 super than just a few and among those few the 1911 rocks!! Saludos
Bring back deep bluing as a finish option...
I Like real parkerizing too.
Tired of everything cerakoted
The Symbol on the bottom of the magazine that shipped with the Iver was for Metalform.
Thanks. Several other viewers already told me that.
I prefer the arched mainspring house as well.
Colt makes a 1911 classic model in 38 super. It’s blued and has nice Colt role markings or stamping.
If you ever felt like shooting through a car door and seeing if could hit some red coolaid colored jugs I think this .38 super and various fmj and Hops JHP loads would be appropriate. That is where .38 super supposedly shined at the time. I don't think car doors are made like they were in the 30s but maybe a truck door could be had at your local place. Just a thought for a fun departure
Thanks Dan. I’m not sure that I could shoot up a car on any of the ranges I currently use, but I did a lot of that sort of testing in the past. I never tested the .38 Super in those days, but I think it would have done pretty well.
Great vid, chief
Always enjoy a 1911 review.
Darn, no range time today. I was hoping to hear what the difference is in the report sound what with all of the snow on the ground. Natural noise reduction so to speak.
Sorry. My video equipment does not play nice in snow and cold weather.
We can talk 1911s all day, especially those I don't own.
That sounds like a great way to spend the day!
Although not a 1911 fancier, that's a good review. Thank You.
Thanks Mort!
Nice review! Thanks for the video!
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
Plus p 45 acp like HST in that duty length barrel would be my top choice and just devastating with 230gr.
Looking forward to range results on that .38 super 1911.
Seems a little high priced for what you get. Don’t believe Tisas makes. 38 super, but is more pistol for less with two mags
Tisas is supposed to be coming out with two pistols this year that will be chambered for the .38 Super cartridge.
The plastic case that it came with is identical to the case my Kimber 1911 came in.
A lot of those cases are pretty generic. I suspect many manufacturers obtain them from the same source.
Thank you, Howard, for another excellent - thorough, absolutely fact-based, very knowledgeable, well articulated, and totally unbiased - review. This .38 Super appears to be a very good, economical - but not low quality or cheap - rendition of the 1911A1. I’d feel entirely comfortable with it (presuming functionality and accuracy are excellent, during the impending range session) in all sorts of roles. It’s probably not a Wilson or a Les Baer, but I’m not Ken Hackathorn, and I am sure it would be entirely accurate for my level of proficiency.
Unfortunately, I have very little experience with the .38 Super round; for some reason, it never was very evident to me, during my earlier years (and ammunition didn’t seem to be commonplace) . HOWEVER, ten rounds would doubtless be plenty for any defensive scenario I’d face, the cartridge potent, and 1911A1s are inherently VERY accurate.
Thanks Roy. I am quite a fan of that cartridge. I especially like the loads HOP is producing these days. In terms of power it is a significant step up from the 9 mm, and it’s also chambered in the classic 1911 handguns. What’s not to like?
I have no experience with the .38 Super. Having a gun that holds a few extra hot rounds in the mag seems like a pretty good idea, though. I believe that Frank Hamer, a Texas lawman (?) had his .38 Super taken from him by Bonnie and Clyde. --Old Guy
@@Ed-ig7fj
How frequently will a lawful, civilian defensive encounter require more than 10 rounds to be successfully resolved? I’d respectfully suggest the answer is essentially never. If you know of one or more, I’d truly be interested in reading about them.
@@roykiefer7713 Why 10? If you'd limit civilians to 10 rounds, would you also limit the police and military to 10 rounds. Why or why not?
@@bhoward9378
Read what I stated. Did I ever mention a capacity “limit?” No, I certainly did not. Rather, my post Indicated that the likelihood of any lawful civilian defensive encounter requiring more than ten rounds - to be successfully and legally resolved - is so small that it is essentially nonexistent. MANY experts agree with that statement, I stand by it, and (if you disagree) I’d ask that you provide examples of eleven or more rounds being utilized in legal civilian defense.
Moreover, please consider this. A LOT of civilians, who lawfully carry firearms for defensive purposes, use small (S&W J and K Frame, Ruger SP-101 or LCR, Kimber K6, Charter, Colt, etc.) revolvers, with five or six round capacities. Furthermore, the extremely popular micro-compact autoloaders (Hellcat, G43, P365, PPS, and so forth) unusually have capacities approximating 10 rounds, sometimes slightly less or more.
OKay, you were:
1. Entirely wrong to state that I mentioned - or even intimated - any statutory capacity constraints. Instead, I accurately said that virtually all lawful civilian defensive encounters are successfully resolved with less than ten rounds (actually, less than five or six rounds).
2. The plain FACT is, a very substantial percentage of lawful defensive carriers routinely and successfully employ five and six shot compact revolvers or small semiautomatics, with capacities approximating 10 rounds . . . sometimes less.
Next time, PLEASE read what I said and DO NOT attribute statements I never made to me.
That was good info. Didn't know iver Johnson was putting 38 super 1911's on the market.
I picked up a Taurus 1911 (hear me out 😅) a few months back and was pleasantly surprised. I did a review of it on my channel..
Good. I am glad it’s working out for you. My experience with Taurus has been rather hit and miss over the years. Probably more misses than hits.
Sorry I didn't get to watch the live edition. I just got home from work. I wanted to ask you what holster do you use to carry your 1911
Several. Lately, I have been using a leather Tagua outside the waistband model.
Thanks for the video, I had a Iver Johnson HP-18 12g semi - auto Shotgun, I am curious how this 1911 A1 shoots!
Stay tuned!
I have a iver Johnson 10 mm long slide 1911 and love it
Actually a pretty sharp looking pistol can’t tell about the fit.
The fit is pretty good for a standard production 1911. It is not like a premium pistol, but not bad.
Thanks HR!
I have in my collection of 1911s a "United States Property" marked, 1918 manufactured Colt Model of 1911 US Army, and it is certainly one of my prize pieces. As it is now 105 years old, I keep shooting to a minimum with GI equivalent loads, but I still shoot it a couple times a year.
That said...I would not recommend a surplus or CMP pistol for a person looking for a "shooting" 1911A1. Great for collectors, and you won't beat the price of an "authentic" 1911A1 from CMP, but as a shooting or carrying gun, I would highly recommend one of these modern "clones". IJ is a good one, and there are others.
FWIW, a 1911 doesn't have to be a "Colt" to be a 1911 and experience all the 1911 goodness. These IJ models look to be a great value.
I'll check out the video tomorrow!
I don't have an original Colt in my collection, but I do have a Remington Rand and used to have a Singer. I gave the Singer to my dad, and have no idea what became of it after he passed away. I would love to have it back.
@@johnt.chambers4204 Well, mine is a little unusual. it was issued to my father when he joined the Army tank corps in 1934. It is a Colt made and serial numbered frame but has a Savage replacement slide. Sometime between 1918 and 1934 it was arsenal refurbished and Parkerized.
My father carried that pistol as a tank commander in North Africa and Europe through WW2. After the war, he was a Armored instructor at Ft. Knox until he retired in 1956.
When he turned in his equipment, he was told the Model 1911 was "obsolete" and that he could purchase it if he desired. For $17.
I have the pistol, the belt holster, (his WW2 shoulder holster seems to have been misplaced) the two-tone magazines it was issued with and all the paperwork transferring it to my father. In triplicate.
So, the pistol is not "all original" and has replacement parts, some of which were 1911A1 parts (trigger, grip safety mainspring housing). But I 'restored' it with a 1911 trigger, grip safety and mainspring housing. The slide is a replacement with the "Flaming Bomb S" mark, but it is a 1911 pattern slide.
It's worth $1 billion to me, but not to a purist collector.
I will pass it down to my son.
I bought an Iver Johnson 1911A1 Carbine, just because it's so unusual. I haven't shot it yet. I'd like to get a standard barrel for it, so it won't stay limited to a carbine configuration.
Since I'm left-handed, I've always favored M1911s with ambidextrous safeties, but I might make an exception for this.
The nice thing is that you can always add an ambi safety.
I just saw a used, recent production, Colt 1911A1 38Super+P at one of the shops in my area. Took all my will power not to snatch it up. If it's still there next time I stop by, that might not be the case!
Umm, where’s the shop?
@@hrfunk 😁 Northern KY, not far from Cincinnati!
@@toddschutter6535 Darn it! That’s a good 4 hours away. Well, time for a road trip!
@@hrfunk Just let me know, I'll have them put it on layaway tonight on my way home!
Thanks! In all honesty, I probably won’t make it there. I do appreciate your assistance.
The factory magazine was made by Metalform. That's their logo on the baseplate, not Iver Johnson's.
Thanks. A couple of other viewers already pointed that out.
Never shot a .38 Super; I remember my dad referring to it as a cartridge for old-timey spies and assassins 🤣 Always love the 1911 though; I have a 1943 Colt and a new-ish Ruger SR1911, both in .45. The Colt is especially cool since it was brought home by the officer who carried it in the Pacific after the war and thereby avoided four extra decades of military circulation and abuse. It's almost too cool to shoot. Almost.
I love the 1911 style I have a colt 45 Springfield 9mm and a ria 38 super and I’m waiting for the iver Johnson 38 super so I can give one to my son who live in California because this 1911 are California compliant thanks for the review
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
I have to admit i was never a fan of low budget 1911...but after all these great reviews and finding a 38 super , i gave in and.baught a rock island . Will be picking up in a week or so. Crossing my fingers that shes a keeper 😂
I hope so. I’ve had good luck with some budget 1911s and not such good luck with others. RIA is usually pretty good, but the 38 Super cartridge can be a little finicky when it comes to cycling.
I have the 3 inch thrasher .45 and a eagle xl 6 inch barrel just as good as tisas and rock island but cost a little more,
I like mine. Now if you really want to have some controversy, try an Auto Ordnance 1911.
Have you noticed the prices going up on the Auto Ordnance? I purchased one about six years ago and paid $525, it just did not have the features I wanted so like a few others it simply sat unused until I sold it a year ago. But I had no complaints about it, what is the controversy? I probably just missed it.
@@granddad-mv5ef AO had a poor-to-spotty reputation for quality when Numrich Arms (Gun Parts Corp) first introduced them in the early 1980s at the SHOT Show. I was there and handled some of them. They were a rough-as-a-cob kluge job and a rather unimpressive attempt to mimic the plain Jane WWII 1911A1. Over the years I did not see much improvement in their design and manufacture (cast frame, milled slide) and lost all interest in them because they would not cycle anything but ball ammo. During this same time you could get a better deal and better quality from imported Armscor/RIA guns. In recent years the Turkish imports, with their forged receivers and slides, have been the best deal going. AO did improve its game once Kahr bought the company, but that change came at added cost. As it now stands, I cannot see the point in paying near-Colt prices for a pistol that will not hold its value or ever achieve the mystique that any Colt has.
@@granddad-mv5ef the price
Yes, just noticed the price on the AO 1911 has gone up considerably. Too bad as i'm in the market for my first 1911.
@@johnshacklett2265 I think the Turkish 1911 pistols with their forged steel frames and receivers cannot be beat for quality and price, but the Filipino cast frame guns are also solid deals. There are many import names to choose from and quality does vary somewhat, so caveat emptor!
Thank you hrfunk. I wonder who is the mfr for these Iver Johnson 1911s. The logo & name from the original company are just trade symbols now, as the current Iver Johnson company is an importer & not maker. I wonder if these are made by the same factory as Tisas 1911s.
Can you build up the spring housing to add the arch, for better fit in your hand? It may seem blasphemous, but something like a hogue grip sleeve trimmed appropriately may fill the hand better. But I understand if you're looking for a close replica to your 1980s era model, you don't want to have to customize it.
You don't have to. Curved main spring housings aren't too expensive and are readily available.
I doubt they were manufactured in the same factory. The.Iver Johnson pistols, come from the Philippines. Tisas are manufactured in Turkey.
Made in the States? Didn't catch that. My Super, years ago, was a beautiful, 4 digit, commercial model Colt in original packaging that I traded for from a 45 shooter in Great Falls, My. Rather than butcher the thing up, we took it out with the one box of (then) very scarce 38 Super ammo, function fired it, and this then very young Airmen with wife and three kids tripled my investment by moving it on to an appreciative Colt collector over at the fall Missoula gun show that year, circa 1976. Sigh......
Phillipines ?
Too bad Darreld. Those old Colts in .38 Super were/are very cool.
Great, as usual. You are one of a small cadre of experts who shape my tastes. Always quality information from you.
Thank you!
Nice looking 1911👍
Fully concur with your evaluation and description of the small parts and details of both the Iver Johnson and Tsis pistols compared to original 1911 and 1911A1s. As a nit picker the only imperfection I could pick up on the cloned 2 pistols is the hammer spurs, the manufacturers seem to have struggled with the aesthetics of that feature and neither got it quite right, though the function is assuredly fine. On modern 1911s I prefer the longer full length recoil spring guide rod as a modernizing trait, but a GI type pistol should authentically retain the short plug and closed cap. And as we all know, the M18 was not the first modular service sidearm. Any 2Lt could drop in on the Batallion Armorer and order that his modular M1911A1 sidearm be refitted with a flat mainspring housing without a lanyard loop, a long trigger, wide spur hammer, and walnut stocks replacing the plastic. The demand would be immediately complied with.
Magazine has the "Metal Form" brand and is American made
Thanks. Several others mention that as well.
I have a RIA Gov't in 38 Super, and will never part with it. Put some Trijicon tritium sights and Altamont rosewood grip panels. Very accurate pistol, even out to 40+ yards.
Iver johnson..... I remember the PPK 22cal knock offs ....in the same vain as the Jennings . saturday night spec. "rib gun" LOL.
I Sure Was Hoping For Some Snow Testing On The Range Too See It’s Cold Weather Performance and Reliability 🥶😩😩 HrFunk
Sorry Chris! I’m sure I would have survived, but I’m not sure my video recording equipment would have.
Chief, Nice pistol for sure. Iver Johnson is a great company and known for great quality firearms. A friend of mine has an old Iver Johnson M-1 Carbine. Thank you for the video, great caliber as well.
Thanks Travis!
I hope we get to see a range review soon. I have a beautiful Iver Johnson Two Tone Eagle XL with a 6" barrel and corresponding long slide, I hope I can get it to a range soon .
Many of todays big name shooters, seem to all gravitate to same the same platform (1911) however with 9mm round, maybe G-men were ahead of the day, back in the day? Thank you for any videos concerning the 1911A1 🇺🇸
You’re welcome Mark!
I prefer a curved mainspring housing also, the corner of the flat one digs into my bear paws. It's manageable, but after shooting a box of hotter .45 loads I really start feeling it.
I have never understood. Why so many shooters prefer the flat version. I just know that is definitely the more popular option. Thanks for watching!
Nice review! I've always been fond of the plain Jane 1911s. They are as they were (some times).
HR, thanks for another great video. It is 16 Deg. here near Wash., D. C., and I am not hitting the range either. Watching your videos is the next best thing! --Old Guy
Well, it is not really an A1 variant. One of the distinguishing features of that type is the curved mainspring housing. In addition, the trigger is a little long for an A1.
I mentioned those things in the video.
@@hrfunk Sorry, I didn't get to the end. Got sidetracked.
Good looking pistol. My uncle is a big fan of Iver Johnson, he's been shooting them since the 50s. Great video 👍👍
Chief the .38 Super has been a friend for decades and always respected the caliber, especially with real hot Super ammo. I own 2 myself a Dan Wesson Guardian LW Commander and my fancy BBQ GUN a Colt 1911 engraved 5". Buffalo Bore 115 grain is hot stuff, too, JHP defensive ammo. I have some mint SUPER VEL I found remember that brand really hot for the time period. Nice review on a classic caliber and pistol. I believe it's under appreciated as is the .357 SIG.
Thanks Sergeant Major. I need a BBQ gun like that!
being a former buckeye myself up till 2 years ago.i remember not so fondly those days that kept us all inside when it was too cold to even look outside let alone go outside. Cant wait till the shooting range session with the IJ 1911. ive shot a lot of different calibers but the .38 super is one that i havent really heard a lot about and certainly havent had the chance to shoot one
I hope you went somewhere nice and warm. I’ll complete the live-fire eval as soon as it’s fit to venture outside.
@@hrfunk i live in the south now.nice and warm even this time of year
👍👍good looking 1911, appreciate the review.
12 degrees Is that a compass reading. It's going to be in the mid 80's here a temp for our high. Snow...that's not beach sand but kinda looks like it yep I've seen it. My freezer is at 4 degrees. 12 must be real cold. Well had to tell you while you have 12 degrees sometimes we here in Florida have winds over 100MPH with 12 foot plus water surge on our coasts. I think I'd favor 12 degrees.
Between the two, I think I’ll stick with the cold. At least I can stay inside and avoid any discomfort.
That is a nice looking 1911A1
I think that if John Browning lived longer, he would have probably changed his design to include better sights, beveled mag well, etc.
My praise to you for continuing your Marine color combination in your attire. I bet it's not by chance. Something about that khaki and olive uniform, that continues to turn a Marine on. Semper Fi.
Never knew anything about .38 Super, until later in life. Still know very little. It must be Super though. All 1911 pistols I have, are in a caliber .45 Auto. As They should be.
Variety is the spice of life!
Great video, as always. I recognize the logo on the magazine base plate. It's a Metalform magazine. They're what my RIA 1911 A1-FS, chambered in 10mm, came with. Good magazines. I've just recently had to hand fit a new 40s&w barrel. With almost no movement at all in the lock up, the accuracy is incredible. Planning on getting a 22 TCM conversion kit in the future, which will then allow me to hand fit 38 super, and 9mm barrels. Love the versatility of the 1911. John Moses Browning was indeed, a true genius!
Absolutely! Thanks for the help with that magazine. I thought the logo was an odd rendering of the Iver Johnson owl.
Those are Metal Form magazines sir
Thank you. Someone else mentioned that also.
They are decent mags for do have a few of them
Good morning HR. That's not a bad looking 1911. Anxious to see how it shoots. Warmer weather coming next week. I've seen the old revolvers marked Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works. Never seen a mention of their bicycle. Other firearm companies had secondary products like Remington typewriters. Good hunting if you make it to a gun show, maybe you'll find something for a future video.
Thanks John. I’m not sure the bicycle business made it into the 20th century.
Always wanted a 1911. Never even fired one. I'm missing out. What is a good basic 1911? Something to cut my teeth on.
It’s hard to go wrong with a Tisas. If you don’t like it you’re not going to be out much. You’ll also probably be able to resell it for about the same price you paid.
1911 / ALL Steel - designed to be as rugged, reliable & accurate as anything made before or since, nothing else made before or since retains all 3 qualities, especially so if it has any plastic or aluminum parts, which btw, I am not dead-set against,.....if they were priced accordingly, but, it's about the other way round....lol
What's with the rose gold guns in the thumbnails?
Rose gold?
S.A.M is located in Cebu City on the island of Cebu in the Southern Philippines. I bought two of their 1911 45ACP pistols in 2016; a full size and a Commander size. They were imported by American Tactical Importers (ATI) and cost $400 each. They are well made and I've been quite happy with them. Accuracy and reliability have been everything I could ask for in a basic 1911. When you have the chance to shoot your Iver Johnson, I think you'll be pleased with the results.
@@Allenmar73 I shot the SAM "Military" full size model today. Perfect function and hitting an 8 inch steel disk at 25 yards was easy. I have full confidence in it and it's one of my home defense pistols.
What's ironic is that Iver Johnson is famous for rifles in the .30 cal. range. The most famous was the M1941 Johnson rifle - a favorite of Marines in the Pacific Theater. It was the same rifle USMC Captain Hugo Dunlap used at Iwo Jima and was awarded the Medal of Honor. The M1941 Johnson machine gun was a legendary LMG used by The famous "Devil's Brigade." But they are most famous for every iteration of M1 .30 carbine you can imagine. That said, if this 1911.38 super has the that kind of pedigree you "should" have a great, dependable shooter.
We shall see!
How would you compare the build and fitment quality to the Tisas? Pretty close aren’t they?
I would say yes. Pretty close.
I got a glimpse of pistol stock in that manual. Did you get one or ever shoot a 1911 with one?
No. That’s a carbine offered by Iver Johnson. It’s essentially a 1911 with a 16” barrel and a detachable shoulder stock. It’s kind of cool. I wouldn’t mind shooting one.
I couldn't agree more with your opinion on the Full Length Guide Rod... a waste of time.
I also agree and prefer a true Arched A1 Mainspring Housing.
Unless I'm mistaken, the IJ also doesn't include the modern trigger safety (sometimes referred to by "Series 80"). My Metro Arms American Classic II has the trigger safety and some nice upgrades over the "plain Jane" 1911. Looking forward to the shooting video for this one, chief.
Be well, sir!
Correct. This one is a Series 70.
Interesting. As basic 1911s go, not bad. I have a Rock Island and a buddy has a basic Springfield. None are 100% accurate, but not bad. A 1911 story for you: I used to visit with Ivan Holbrook at Washington Arms Collectors shows. He was Navy in Vietnam, was in the act of rescuing a wounded Marine officer, when charged by three NVA with AKs. Using the Marine’s 1911 he fired three shots for three center hits and three one shot stops. The Marine later gave him the gun. I’ve read the citation and the gun was on display (not for sale). Ivan loved to say “use a gun that works!” He became expert on 1911s and the M1 Garand. Had a mint Singer 1911 on display for which he’d turned down incredible money.
Now that’s a great story!
I have carried a 1911 every day as my off-duty carry for almost 50 years. This video and this IJ .39 Super speak to me! After the shooting portion of the review is over, I want Chief Funk to answer one question for me; Would he take this pistol down to the edgy part of town and kick a door looking for a fugitive with this pistol? That's my test for it being "a good gun."
Stay tuned and I’ll let you know!
Don't a1's have the curved mainspring housings?
Yes. I discussed that in the video.
Great video on my favorite pistol. Wasn't Iver Johnson one of the contractors who made 1911's in WW2? I may be mistaken about that and it may have been the M-1 carbine I'm thinking of.
I honestly don’t remember. I’ll have to look it up.
Not looking for a 38 ACP 1911 but definitely with you in that strange group of people that prefer the arched mainspring housing. Good work! Thank you
You’re welcome, Eric. Thanks for watching!
@peter Yes, I got it wrong. It should have been “38 Super” not “ACP”. Two completely different cartridges.
I'd really try .38 Super but it's a pain to get anything .38 Super over here. Would have to import and pay proofing, getting the brass, let alone reloading tools for it. Even .357 Sig and 10mm is rare here but it's still some bit of ammo sold at least on the same continent. I wonder if even having someone custom make 7.5mm FK loading tools would be cheaper. I wish I could have 5.7x28mm since it gets cheaper now. No issues with stocks/'braces' over here.
It’s unfortunate that getting different cartridges and firearms is so difficult for you. Is there any chance that will improve in the future?
I'm embarrassed to admit that I had never heard of .38 Super before this video. Interesting review.
Thanks! The .38 Super cartridge has a long and colorful history that stretches back to around 1900. It’s worth looking up.
Is the main spring housing made of steel or polymer?
Steel
4 pound trigger..nice...but..how many rounds thru it before you recieved it for review, maybe this is now " broken in" ?
I don’t know, but I suspect quite a few.
Drives me crazy the amount of stampings many companies place on 1911 slides. They ruin an otherwise beautiful gun by doing so.
Nice looking firearm. But then...I love ALL 1911's! JMBrowning was a genius!
Good morning Sir,nice video and nice pistol in 38 Super,I wish you can make a rango review soon!!,remember to try 130gr FMJ in your test!! Thank you,best regards Sir.
You’re welcome! I’m going to get that test completed as soon as I can. Stay tuned!
Pretty nice looking piece! Just not real excited about 38 Super in a 1911. Will look forward to the performance at the range. Good video HR!
How does it compare to Tisas?
I like the IJ, but I think the Tisas is a better pistol.
@@hrfunk thanks! Looking at getting a Tisas tomorrow.
Be sure to let me know what you think of it!
@@hrfunk thanks! Picked it up today, haven’t had a chance to fire it yet but it seems pretty well made. Do you know if it has a titanium or steel firing pin? Can’t seem to find that anywhere.
👍
Is there a way to determine the weight of the recoil spring?
Measuring the wire thickness of the spring and counting coils and comparing to other springs with 'known' weights can be useful.
Overall spring length can be misleading when comparing brand new and used springs
Probably, but I don’t know what it is. I just tend to go with whatever rating is assigned by the manufacturer.
I'll bet a quick call to Wolff and providing the model, caliber, and barrel length, they could tell you the recommended spring.
I have ATI from the Philippines and want to know the weight.
I agree. If you check with Wolfe or BH Springsoultions, they should be able to tell you just what spring you need.
HR I would pass on it for several reasons. It is IMHO ugly with the large logos. But that's me and perhaps Tisas will come out with one, Love the videos
FYT!!
I dont know what you tube's problem is, so what if you take the gun apart? give me a break. what are they gonna think of next? they need to stop all the nonsense. otherwise, great video. would like a commander sized w/ night sights in 38 super. and maybe the wilson 10 round mags. I think both the Turkish and Filipino guns are very well made.
I hate but billboard roll marks
Some bother me more than others.
I’d have to give this IJ a hard pass, for their price, knowing what TISAS is capable of manufacturing with Modern equipment and forged frame and slide.
Interestingly, Tisas is supposed to be coming out with two .38 Super chambered models this year. One is a full-size 1911 and the other is Commander length. I believe both are going to feature a high polish chrome finish.
So tacky compared to the SDS styled same thing.
I take it you’re referring to the markings?
Howard your getting Soft . Wars aren't always fought in Climate controlled situations. lol
Tell that to my camera equipment!
If it anit got a pony, it's a phony...🤠👉
Aw come on Mark. Even I don’t go that far!
I didn't know that Iver Johnson 1911 could be have in 38 super auto I will try to to find one cause now I have seen it I want one so badly, it's our caliber choice here in my country by the way and not too much guns offers the 38 super than just a few and among those few the 1911 rocks!! Saludos
De nada Alejandro! I hope you can find one.