Rock Island Armory .38 Super — Steel!

Published on May 14, 2026
Duration: 2:23

This video features a shooting demonstration of a Rock Island Armory .38 Super 1911 pistol with an all-steel construction and classic design, noted for its nickel finish and custom grips. The presenter expresses a strong liking for the .38 Super cartridge, highlighting its ballistic potential with 130-grain bullets exceeding 1000 feet per second, and questions why it's not more popular as a carry gun, suggesting lightweight commander-style variants.

Quick Summary

The Rock Island Armory .38 Super 1911 is an all-steel pistol with a classic design and nickel finish. The .38 Super cartridge offers impressive ballistics, launching 130-grain bullets over 1000 fps, making it a viable, though underutilized, option for concealed carry, especially in commander-style firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to Rock Island Armory .38 Super
  2. 00:11Custom Grips and Classic Design
  3. 00:22Viewer Request: Let's Shoot It!
  4. 00:30Safety Gear and Initial Shooting Attempt
  5. 01:05Rematch and Sight Modification
  6. 01:41Appreciation for .38 Super Ballistics
  7. 01:54.38 Super as a Carry Gun
  8. 02:03Concluding Remarks and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Rock Island Armory .38 Super pistol shown?

The Rock Island Armory .38 Super pistol featured is an all-steel, 5-inch barrel model with a classic 1911 design. It has a nickel finish and was fitted with custom 'muy grande' grips.

What makes the .38 Super cartridge noteworthy according to the video?

The .38 Super cartridge is highlighted for its strong ballistic performance, capable of propelling a 130-grain bullet at speeds of 1000 feet per second or more, making it a potent option.

Why does the presenter suggest the .38 Super is underutilized as a carry gun?

The presenter believes the .38 Super is not as popular for concealed carry as it should be, especially considering lightweight commander-style variants that offer good performance in a carry-friendly package.

What shooting challenge did the presenter face during the video?

The presenter encountered difficulty seeing the sights due to their shiny nature and the bright sunlight. This issue was temporarily addressed by marking the sights with a black Sharpie pen.

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