RARE Detonics Combat Master MK V Mark 5, Brushed Stainless 3-1/2” Semi-Automatic Pistol, Seattle Made
LSB#: 150825JL03
Make: Detonics, with a Caspian frame.
Model: Combat Master Mark V
Serial Number: CR12099
Year of Manufacture: 1977-1985
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action Pistol with Half-Cock and Slide Safeties, Removable Magazine Fed.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “DETONICS .45 / COMBAT MASTER”. The bottom of the slide is etched “2099” and stamped “S / L”. The right side of the frame is marked “DETONICS .45 / SEATTLE. WA. / CR12099”. The bottom of the barrel is etched “2099”. Both grip panels are marked “19” in green ink on the back. The belt clip grip insert is marked “BROWNE & PHAM / MAKERS / ATLANTA, GA.” The bottom of the magazine is marked “DETONICS .45 A.C.P.”
Barrel Length: 3-1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge-style fore-to-aft blade that is integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch with two red dots, that is dovetailed onto the slide approximately 1-3/8” from the rear of the slide and secured with a hexagonal set screw.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The point checkered hardwood panels are finished in a light honey brown and have light variations of tone. The right grip panel has two very light compression marks as photographed. The lines and checkering is sharp. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Matte Stainless Steel Slide & Frame, Black Hard Rubber Mainspring Housing, Hammer, Trigger, Barrel, Slide Stop and Slide Safety are Polished Stainless.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fowling, but no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The trigger and barrel have notable scuffs and scratches from use. The dual recoil spring has a light brown patina. The frame and slide have small imperfections from manufacturing. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are lightly struck on the right side of the frame, but is still sharp and highly legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The end of the barrel is bulged, by design, to eliminate the need for a barrel bushing. The rear of the slide has been milled down to make cocking the pistol with one’s leg a swift action. The ejection port has been extended and the mainspring housing is a point-checkered hard rubber insert. The pistol features dual recoil springs, making for a very strong action. . We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One Detonics 6 round magazine is included. It has minor wear and brushed manufacturing marks and rates in about Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is one beautiful concealed carry pistol that has a bright, shootable bore. Shooters might need to move aside for the collectors, as the pistol is in Excellent condition with minor cosmetic marks. The barrel is highly shootable, the dual recoil springs provide a super strong action and the pistol comes with a neat belt clip, which is integral to a grip panel insert. One factory magazine is provided and is in Excellent condition. This 6-5/8” long, 4-1/2” tall, 1-1/4” (including the belt clip) thin pistol is perfect for defensive carry and would drop jaws in your private collection. It is said that the best Detonics pistols were made in Seattle, which is where this one was crafted. From https://gunner777.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/the-original-mini-1911-the-detonics-combat-master/: “Jeff Cooper, Guns & Ammo, 12/74 “This remarkable pistol is the smallest, lowest recoil single action .45 caliber semi-automatic in the world. The Detonics .45 is a premium quality professional tool for the serious handgun expert and combat shooter. It is capable of providing the brute force stopping power of the standard-sized .45 in a size no larger than a snub-nosed .38, or “pocket” 9mm auto. The Detonics .45 has an advanced mechanism which reduces the apparent recoil remarkably below the full-sized .45. This awesomely powerful pistol is smaller, more easily concealed, and has greater short/medium range rapid fire accuracy than any single action .45 weapon available today. This masterpiece of combat design is gaining recognition as the finest defensive handgun in the world today.”
