Detonics question

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gunlaw

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Just got back from a local pawn shop after considering a used detonics 45.
It's a consignment piece,Asking price id $899. I would say the condition is about 85% with a blued finish.
There is no model on the pistol. Only markings are Detonics Seattle WA.
Serial #C21563. 3 inch barrel and 1 mag.
Any need help regarding value and parts availability.

Thanks
 
Without a picture it's hard to tell. You are paying top dollar. The gun is not a target gun, strictly self defense. I would pick up a commander for that kind of money and have the best of both worlds. The sights on the Deltonics are not really the best. Also if you want that size an Agent or defender are not much more and more accurate IMO. You also have a multitude of springfield and para guns in sizes close if not a little larger of smaller than that one, it's a nostalgic gun made popular by a TV show. But not really special as far as amount of rounds or accuracy goes.
 
Thanks gym. You confirmed my suspicions about this piece. Sorry about the lack of pics but it's still at the shop. Gotta admit, this thing does have a certian cool factor. Maybe I can get the seller to come off his price.
 
If you can get it for 7 I would go for it, look at gun trader, last time I looked someone was making them again, or bought the company, google that, like deltonics history, or something like that, perhaps one of the members will chime in with more info, good luck.
PS: I just put new sites on my EMP, that's a great little gun, and you can pick one up close to that in 40. I got one on a trade for a R1, and love it. Plus it's flat, a bit heavy in steel, but small and thin.
 
Thanks again gym. I saw one in better condition with 2 mags and 2 sets of grips for $600,but already sold. Based on that I think the one I saw was about a $400-$450 pistol.I think I'll pass on this one. Thanks for your help.
 
I will say I am pretty sure the ones made up in Washington to be of better quality & more collector value than the ones made in Phoenix, AZ.
 
They have had a checkered history . My personal experience with them was very poor and I personaly think for that kind of money there are better choices. Like a Hi-Point ! :neener:

Seriously - I would pass .
 
Folks like Detonics and Swensen's Bobcat got the short barrel 45 concept on the dealer shelves. Now it seems as though lots of makers are offering the 45 shortie.

If you scratch a little deeper you will find groups of users and collectors who have a much higher opinion than what you have read so far on these pages.

The Detonics firm, like Samuel Colt, had a good idea that was hampered by leadership that didn't prove to be up to the task.

Then, I also like Edsels, GTOs, and Studebakers.

salty
 
I have a pair of them, both early guns.
One blued and one in Hard Chrome.
When I got them they would jam like a jazz band.
Replaced the recoil springs with new ones from Detonics, Lubed them up with Slipstream Weapons Lube... and they run like sewing machines.
The grip is shorter than the popular compact models, I get 2 fingers on them with a pinky curled under.
I carry them in an Alessi dual shoulder rig.
LOVE them.
Price on the one you saw seems a touch high to me.
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Jim
 
I have a friend who has one.. it's a neat piece and NOT as rough on the hand as you'd think it's going to be.

They look chunky and blocky but I'd say its a good CCW piece.. IF you get reliable magazines. The magazines are the weak point--I'm not sure any aftermarket mags work very well. Factory replacements aren't cheap:

http://www.shopdetonics.com/

I think I saw Jerry Ahern model that rig in Soldier of Fortune in the 80's ;) (Ahern once had a big stake in Detonics)

Strangely the newer models lack the distictive 'scalloped' rear receiver that made them stand out among other 1911 type pistols. $750-800 seems to be the average 'buy it' price on Gunbroker.
 
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Didn't "Crokett cary one as a backup with his Bren" in Miami Vice?
 
Well the head gunsmith for Detonics said, in print, that about half of the original Detonics guns were returned to the factory as not working and about half of those (one quarter of the total production) was scrapped as being unrepairable, and replaced with a new gun with the old SN. Makes me wonder how many guns just became safe queens when they didn't work.

I wanted to buy some Detonics .451 brass and sent Detonics my FFL and RTP. Got a letter back that they needed my FFL, so resent my FFL and RTP. Got a letter back, thanks for the FFL, they needed my FFL and RTP, so I sent them both AGAIN. Now they needed my Yellow Pages and AND copies of my FFL and RTP. THEN they needed my FFL/RTP/Yellow Pages ad and photo of my store front. THEN they needed...well I actually don't know what they needed this time as I through the letter away after reading it to that point. Detonics got sold, new company was set up, repeat above. Makes me wonder how many Detonics guns were ever sold as they sure didn't act like they wanted to sell any!
 
I have carried a Detonics Mark VI for 25+ years daily. I go to the range with it all the time. It is a great carry gun. It rarely if ever jambs. New replacement springs are available. Lots of ways to conceal it. You will be constantly asked at the range what it is and can they shoot it. Carry it at a gun show and you will draw lots of attention. I have seen one at a gun show in the last 15 years. I have no idea why they are so reasonably priced for how few are available and their history. The first stainless 1911. Really the first compact 1911. A grass roots company that is back in business today. I will never sell my three.
 
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