Welcome everyone to the 87th edition of ‘Hot Gat or Fudd Crap?’, one of our many series here on TFB. If you’re new to the series, this is where we look at the most obscure firearms that are actually for sale and ask the question – is this Gat a sweet deal or only has a Fudd appeal?  Each week the TFB staff weighs in with their thoughts, but readers get the final say in the poll at the bottom of each article.

In our last edition, our poll showed that you, the readers, decided that the custom M&P 9L was fudd crap.  

HFGC – Is This M&P 9L Competitive or Just Confusing — Poll Results

At this time the original auction has ended with the M&P selling for $950.  Congratulations to buyer Talyn999 who decided this (in his mind) was a hot gat.  

In this week’s edition of HGFC, we look at a custom Springfield 1911 in .38 Super. As is tradition, this Americana-themed gat is currently up for sale on GunBroker for $705 (current bid) with No Reserve.  

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP?

Patriotic Perfection or just Faded Glory?

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Patriotic Perfection or just Faded Glory?

Let’s see what the Staff had to say about this week’s offering:

“Steve Rodgers crawled out of his Captain America grave and said to stop… Just please stop.” – Adam S.

“It is a diecast 1:24 model, right?” – Giorgio O.

“It looks like Call of Duty is running out of ideas for new in-game weapon skins.” – Will P.

“The other guys at the VA are gonna be so jealous” – Daniel Y.

Selling this American-themed race gat is GunBroker seller lock-stock-and-barrel, located in Simi Valley CA.  Let’s see what they had to say about this custom 1911.  

Note: The item description has been shortened from the original listing to save space.  To see the full item description please visit the listing.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Patriotic Perfection or just Faded Glory?

Model: Custom 1911-A1

Year of Manufacture: 1980s

Caliber: .38 Super

Action Type: Removable Magazine Fed Single Action SA Semi-Automatic Pistol

Markings: The right side of the frame is marked with “SPRINGFIELD INC / GENESEO IL USA / NM86889”. The right side of the slide is marked with the crossed cannon logo, “SPRINGFIELD ARMORY”, and “SPRINGFIELD / Custom”. The left side of the slide is marked “MODEL 1911-A1 / CAL .38 SUPER”. The interior flat of the slide is marked “86889”. 

Barrel Length: 5 1/4” with Swaged Dual Port Compensator

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a “T” shaped blade that is dovetailed into the compensator parallel to the bore and also screw set. The rear sight is a Bomar square notch target sight and is dovetailed into the slide. The rear sight and the rear of the slide are serrated for glare reduction. The top of the slide is serrated.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece white-painted alloy with eagles holding shields with stars and stripes. The grips show some little scratches and scrapes through the painted finish. There are no chips or cracks. The front and back straps have sharp checkering. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with this gun is a 9-round magazine. The magazine shows some minor operational wear and rates in about Fine condition.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Patriotic Perfection or just Faded Glory?

While the gun is objectively interesting, the finish is far from that.  It’s a paint job that I think James Reeves could best in his backyard.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Patriotic Perfection or just Faded Glory?

While it’s not exactly a common cartridge, .38 Super has actually been produced since 1929.  It’s one of those lesser-known calibers that fly under the radar.  That is unless you’re a competitive pistol shooter.  So say what you will about the paint job, but I’m betting the gun’s a tack driver.

So is it worth it to purchase 1911 in a caliber that’s even more niche for ~$700?  Or would you just be better off sticking with legacy calibers and simpler paint schemes?  As always, I leave it up to you, the reader, to decide.

HOT GAT or FUDD CRAP? Patriotic Perfection or just Faded Glory?

What do you think? Is this Red, White and Blue 1911 a Hot Gat or just some proud Fudd Crap?  Be sure to let us know in the comments below, and cast your vote to let us know if this Springfield Armory Custom 1911-A1 .38 Super is a Hot Gat or Fudd Crap: