First Impressions of Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition ARMSFAC38SUPER1N 37% Off
The .38 Super, a cartridge with a dedicated following, occupies a unique space in the world of pistol ammunition. With its blend of higher velocity and manageable recoil, it’s a favorite among competitive shooters and those seeking a potent self-defense round. The Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition promises a reliable and affordable entry point into this caliber, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, especially with the attractive 37% discount.
My need for this ammunition stemmed from a desire to rigorously test a recently acquired 1911 chambered in .38 Super. I was looking for consistent performance and reliable feeding, essential for both accuracy and defensive scenarios. Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the neatly organized box of 50 rounds. The brass casings looked clean and well-made, and the Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets appeared uniform, instilling confidence in their quality.
Compared to other .38 Super ammunition I’ve used, like offerings from Underwood or Buffalo Bore (which are usually geared toward maximum power), the Armscor rounds seemed more focused on balanced performance and affordability. I chose this over other brands primarily due to the attractive price point and Armscor’s reputation for producing reliable, if not exceptionally high-performance, ammunition. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was intrigued by the promise of a budget-friendly .38 Super option, hoping that it would deliver acceptable accuracy and reliability without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition ARMSFAC38SUPER1N 37% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Armscor .38 Super ammunition at my local shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment with distances ranging from 7 yards to 25 yards. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal shooting conditions. The ammunition fed smoothly into my 1911 magazines, and I experienced no issues with loading or chambering.
On the first few magazines, I focused on functionality and felt recoil. I noticed the recoil was manageable, certainly less snappy than some hotter .38 Super loads I’ve fired. There were no malfunctions, no failures to feed, and no failures to eject, which was a promising start.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the Armscor .38 Super ammunition continued to perform reliably. I’ve now fired over 500 rounds with only a single light primer strike. This one-off occurrence is within acceptable limits considering the sheer volume. There were no signs of excessive wear and tear on my firearm attributed to this ammunition.
Cleaning my firearm after each range trip was straightforward, and the Armscor ammunition didn’t seem to produce an unusual amount of residue. Compared to my previous experiences with premium .38 Super ammunition, the Armscor rounds offer comparable reliability at a fraction of the cost. While they might not deliver the absolute pinnacle of accuracy or ballistic performance, they certainly exceed expectations for budget-friendly ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition ARMSFAC38SUPER1N 37% Off
Specifications
The Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition boasts the following specifications:
- Caliber: .38 Super. This is a higher-velocity cartridge known for its flat shooting trajectory.
- Bullet Weight: 125 grain. This weight offers a good balance of recoil and energy transfer.
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). FMJ bullets are ideal for target practice and general range use due to their consistent feeding and minimal expansion.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases allow for reloading, adding to the value for handloaders.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1357 ft/s. This velocity contributes to the cartridge’s flat trajectory and significant energy.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are the standard for modern pistol ammunition.
- Number of Rounds: 50. Standard box size for pistol ammunition.
These specifications translate to a cartridge designed for reliability, adequate power, and ease of use. The 125-grain FMJ bullet, combined with a muzzle velocity of 1357 ft/s, provides a balance of manageable recoil and sufficient energy for target shooting and self-defense scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition performs admirably for its price point. Accuracy is more than adequate for practical shooting distances. I was able to consistently achieve groupings of 3-4 inches at 25 yards, which is acceptable for general practice.
The ammunition’s reliability is its strongest attribute. As noted earlier, I experienced only one light primer strike out of over 500 rounds fired. The primary weakness lies in its ballistic consistency compared to more expensive options. The Armscor offering consistently meets expectations, providing reliable function and acceptable accuracy for range use and recreational shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Armscor ammunition is straightforward and functional. The brass casings are clean and well-formed, while the FMJ bullets are consistently shaped. The weight of the cartridge is standard for .38 Super, contributing to a manageable recoil impulse.
There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition; it loads and shoots like any other quality .38 Super cartridge.
Durability & Maintenance
Given that this is ammunition, durability isn’t a primary concern in the traditional sense. The brass casings are reloadable, extending the value proposition for those who handload. Cleaning my firearm after using this ammunition was simple, with no excessive fouling or residue observed.
Accessories and Customization Options
As ammunition, there are no accessories that come directly with the Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition. However, the reloadable brass casings allow for customization in terms of bullet selection, powder charge, and primer type for handloaders. The ammunition is compatible with any firearm chambered in .38 Super that meets SAAMI specifications.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition ARMSFAC38SUPER1N 37% Off
Pros
- Excellent value for the price. The 37% discount makes this ammunition exceptionally affordable.
- Reliable feeding and ignition. Consistent performance with minimal malfunctions.
- Reloadable brass casings. Adds value for handloading enthusiasts.
- Manageable recoil. Suitable for extended range sessions and shooters of varying experience levels.
- Decent accuracy for target practice. Adequate for general recreational shooting.
Cons
- Not the most ballistically consistent .38 Super ammunition available. More expensive options offer tighter groupings and lower velocity deviations.
- May not be ideal for precision competition. For ultimate accuracy, premium ammunition is recommended.
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition ARMSFAC38SUPER1N 37% Off?
The Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition is perfect for recreational shooters, target practice enthusiasts, and those seeking an affordable option for familiarizing themselves with the .38 Super caliber. It’s also well-suited for reloaders looking for a supply of reloadable brass.
Competitive shooters demanding the utmost accuracy should consider premium ammunition from brands like Underwood or Buffalo Bore. Those seeking a dedicated self-defense round with enhanced terminal ballistics may also want to explore other options with expanding bullet designs.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of reloading dies for those who plan to reload the brass casings.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition ARMSFAC38SUPER1N 37% Off
The Armscor Precision Inc .38 Super 125 Grain FMJ Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition offers exceptional value for the money, especially with the 37% discount. While it might not be the absolute pinnacle of performance, its reliability, decent accuracy, and reloadable brass make it a compelling option for a wide range of shooters.
The price is definitely justified, making this an accessible choice for .38 Super enthusiasts on a budget. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable option for target practice and general range use. If you’re looking to stock up on .38 Super ammunition without breaking the bank, the Armscor offering is definitely worth considering.