The selling price of a new Detonics USA CombatMaster is probably closer to $995, which is less than some of the short Kimbers, and pretty close to the prices of others. Give the gun a chance -- the company is getting its legs and, while the first guns are good, improvements are in the works as well. But go ahead and load up on the spare parts; I am sure Detonics USA will appreciate the business.

I realize you are distinguishing the Pocket 9 from the Combat Master, but just in case others didn't catch that -- Detonics USA has made it clear they are not going to produce any version of a Pocket 9. In contrast to the Combat Master, the Pocket 9 started out with an innovative design that was poorly reengineered before it was put into production. What emerged is a gun that Conley described very generously. It is loved by a few and reviled by many. The Detonics pistolsmiths generally despised the little gun. The Pocket 9 should not be linked to any of the Combat Masters.

The original Combat Masters were technological marvels for their time and succeeded, despite the corporation's financial failure, because a few very dedicated, hardworking pistolsmiths determined to make a fine product. Some of the original Combat Masters were not as well made as others. Ironically, the poorest guns were produced during the company's largest production periods, while some of the very best were produced later, when the company was struggling financially. This was due in part to a few experienced pistolsmiths using things learned by experience to improve the guns being produced.

Detonics USA has expressed that same devotion to quality, and they deserve a chance to prove themselves. I expect Detonics USA is back to stay. But if you don't think so, this might be a good time to pack two or three new Detonics USA pistols into the safe and see if they become collector's items.