Posted on 12/14/2005 8:50:07 AM PST by kiriath_jearim
Detonics CombatMaster
A famous name in handgun history is back in business
By Walt Rauch
To begin with, my review of the new Detonics 1911 is qualified by the fact that I have not routinely carried or used any of the very good compact 1911s for personal defense for many years. In fact, I have not done so since I last owned an original Detonics back in 1977.
It's not that these guns are not good for the job; it's just that they require more attention for their upkeep than I care to devote to a gun. As I've written in the past, the micro 1911 must have fresh springs, recoil and magazine to ensure that the gun will cycle reliably.
Simply put, when the 1911 platform is decreased in size, there's less margin for error, or, perhaps better put, they are unforgiving of neglect of these two areas. Knowing this, why do I now think I might well wind up owning the subject of this review, the Detonics USA pistol?
I have two reasons. The first is simply nostalgia; I owned and carried an original Detonics off and on from 1976 through 1979. I bought and sold the gun twice to finance another "must-have" gun, like others have done.
SPECIFICATIONS Detonics CombatMaster MANUFACTURER: Detonics USA CALIBERS: .45 ACP, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, .38 Super, 9mm Parabellum BARREL LENGTH: 3 1/2 inches OVERALL LENGTH: 7 inches WEIGHT: 34 ounces CAPACITY: 6 + 1 HEIGHT: 4 3/4 inches WIDTH: 1 1/4 inches GRIPS: Cocobolo with reptilian surface FINISH: Checkered rosewood with logo engraved SIGHTS: Low-profile fixed combat PRICE: $1,200
The second reason is the Detonics captive tri-coil spring system, which uses three rather than the more common two recoil springs on a full-length guide rod.
(Excerpt) Read more at handgunsmag.com ...
Great news, I always thought it was unfortunate Detonics missed out on the CCW compact handgun revolution.
I bought one of those new from a friend who had
a FFL when they were first introduced for about
$350.00. Needless to say, I wish I had not sold
it and still had it. Nice little shooter with a
mild recoil for a .45.
Ping!
I know people who love the Ultra Carry, but I finally had to give up on the idea of mine ever being reliable enough for a carry piece. For a time, I thought a Wilson mag had cured it of its fussiness, but alas no. So I've gone back to one of my Sigs for carry, much as it pains me.
Not offered in 10mm? Good gravy they offer it "38 stupid" and "40 Short and Weak" and almost everything else why not 10? (running and ducking for cover)
Oh well guess I'll have to take a pass on it. More for everyone else ;-)
Needless to say...I would be all over one (or two) if they offered it in 10mm.
"Any caliber may fail to expand but a .45 never shrinks."
Very true for a .45. With the penetration of a 10mm, "Two holes bleed faster than one." ;^)
For those who dislike condition one.
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