[Hammerslagger]

Responding to the questions posed by post #7, and going back up this thread to post #3:

The .38 Super is a different cartridge than the .38 ACP (aka .38 Auto) which is the .38 Super's parent. In fact, dimensionally the cartridges are almost exactly the same going back for about 80 years. Originally, the Super was developed for use in the Colt 1911-A1 type commercial pistol which was much stronger than any pistol chambered for .38 ACP.

The Super did not get a "+P" designation until about 1974 when its historical pressure and usual velocity (thus power) were significantly reduced (not increased) by SAAMI as compared to what was typically being loaded prior to WW II and a little after. CIP came along and further "neutered" it.

Some persons or lawyers appear to have believed that a "+P" marking on the packaging and case head might dissuade a person too ignorant to know the difference, from using Super in a .38 ACP pistol.

As to post #7 questions about about 1911 type pistols. Those in caliber .45 have the thinnest barrels and shoot the heaviest bullets. I have seen more than one 1911 type .45 ACP barrel crack from long use with hot loads. Almost everything has a "service life" or mean time before failure. Items subjected to significantly heavier stresses tend to fail earlier than the same items subjected to lighter stresses.

The 1911 type pistol was designed to be made from parts machined from metal that had been subjected to forging. There have been some metallurgical improvements to some parts since the WW I era. Metal working technology developments (aka cheaper ways to make things that are "good enough" as opposed to being "the best" design) lead to both "various types of cast" and "MIM" (sintered) parts being used in these and most other firearms. Few, if any, 1911 type pistols being made today are 100% machined from forged metal (save the grips) as were guns prior to about 1950.

As to the type 1911 model "R1" being made by a division of the "three headed dog"; I have not had an opportunity to closely examine (i.e. disassemble and examine) one. therefore, I can not have knowledge or have an opinion as to "how or where" its various parts are made. However, I (and likely a lot of other persons) would be most interested to get some independent and definitive information. Rumors (that are nothing more than rumors; and not credible, in and of themselves) are out "on the street" about how and where some parts of the R1 are made. If anyone here, reading this, has one; I believe that many persons would be interested in your findings from a close complete tear down inspection.

The Ithaca name and blueprints were recently purchased from bankruptcy and moved to Ohio. The new Ithaca company is making a 1911 type pistol that they claim is 100% USA made; but they advised me that it uses an investment cast frame, but does have a forged slide.

Hope some of this is informative.