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The .38 Super has a long history of being the cartridge that serious 1911 people gravitate toward, and this Iver Johnson 1911A1 gives you a solid platform to run it from. It delivers the classic government-size 1911 experience with all-steel construction, a 5" barrel, and a matte blued finish that looks sharp without being flashy. The 1045 steel frame and 4140 steel slide give the gun real substance in the hand, and that weight works in your favor by smoothing out the already-manageable recoil of the .38 Super cartridge.
The setup is pure GI throughout: a fixed post front sight over a dovetail-mounted rear, a serrated slide, and a grip safety combined with a thumb safety. The slightly beveled magwell is a practical touch that speeds up reloads without requiring you to funnel through a flared competition-style opening. The double-diamond checkered walnut grips look the part and give you a sure, natural hold without feeling like sandpaper after a long session.
Why .38 Super? Because it feeds exceptionally well in the 1911 platform, the straight-walled case is naturally at home in a gun designed around the .45 ACP's overall length, and the ballistics are genuinely impressive. You get higher velocity and more energy than standard 9mm loads in a cartridge that stays very controllable, especially in a heavy all-steel gun. It has a loyal following in competition shooting and among those who just appreciate a capable, higher-pressure semi-auto round with real history behind it.
Iver Johnson's 1911s are manufactured by Shooters Arms Manufacturing in the Philippines to Iver Johnson's specifications, and the guns have developed a reputation for solid fit, good reliability, and honest value in the 1911 market. The pistol ships with one 9-round Mec-Gar magazine, which is a quality-name mag right out of the box. If you've been looking for a classically styled, all-steel 1911 in .38 Super without spending custom-shop money, this one is worth a hard look.
The .38 Super's overall cartridge length is close to the .45 ACP, which means it feeds naturally and reliably in a standard 1911 without any of the magazine-spacer workarounds sometimes needed with 9mm. Ballistically, it pushes similar-weight bullets faster than standard 9mm loads, making it a capable round for both range use and serious applications. It has a dedicated following in IPSC competition and among those who just appreciate a high-velocity semi-auto round with real heritage.
Iver Johnson's 1911s are Series 70 designs, meaning there is no firing pin block safety in the trigger mechanism. This gives the trigger a cleaner, more direct feel that many 1911 fans prefer. It also means the pistol relies on its grip safety and thumb safety for passive safety functions, just like the original GI 1911 configuration.
Iver Johnson Arms imports these pistols from Shooters Arms Manufacturing (S.A.M.) in the Philippines, built to Iver Johnson's specifications. S.A.M. has a solid reputation for producing reliable, well-fitted 1911s, and the Iver Johnson line has earned generally positive marks for fit, finish, and function at its price point.
Yes. Because it is a true government-size 1911 with a 5" barrel and standard GI external dimensions, it fits the vast majority of holsters, grips, and accessories made for government-frame 1911s. The grip panels are standard 1911 width, so aftermarket grip options are plentiful if you ever want to change from the walnut panels.
The pistol ships with one 9-round Mec-Gar magazine, which is a well-regarded manufacturer used by a number of major gun companies as OEM. Most standard .38 Super 1911 magazines from reputable brands will work fine, just make sure you are using magazines specifically made for .38 Super rather than .45 ACP or 9mm, as the cartridge dimensions are distinct.
Generally speaking, .38 Super in a heavy all-steel government-frame 1911 like this one produces a lighter, faster recoil impulse compared to .45 ACP. The 42-oz steel frame soaks up a good portion of the felt recoil, and most people who have shot both find the .38 Super noticeably more manageable for fast follow-up shots. It is one of the reasons the cartridge has historically been popular in competition.
| UPC | 610406807648 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1911A1938 |
| Action | |
| Barrel Length | 5" |
| Caliber/Gauge | .38 Super Auto |
| Capacity | 9 + 1 |
| Color | Black |
| Length | 10.2500 |
| Number of Magazines | 1 |
| Safety | Grip/Thumb |
| Sights | GI Fixed Post Front/Fixed Rear Dovetail |
| Sights Type | GI Fixed Post Front/Fixed Rear Dovetail |
| Slide Description | Serrated |
| State Restriction (CA) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
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