Detonics Combat Master MK V Mark 5 .38 Super 3.5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol
SOLD FOR: $2625
LSB#: 230314NY005
Make: Detonics
Model: Combat Master Mark V
Serial Number: CR15996
Year of Manufacture: 1976-1985
Caliber: .38 Super
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “DETONICS .38 Super / COMBAT MASTER”. The right side of the frame is marked “DETONICS .45 / SEATTLE, WA. / CR15996”. The interior of the slide is hand-inscribed “5996”. The bottom of the barrel is matched and hand-inscribed “15996”.
Barrel Length: 3 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide. The rear is a square-notch sight dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. There is no notable wear or damage, only very light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Matte Stainless
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there are a few spots of light fouling. In my opinion this bore is a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its finish. There are some nicks and dings on the frontstrap. There are some scattered marks on the trigger guard. The disconnector scallop, at the bottom rear of the slide, has deformations to the left edge. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are some spots of faint discoloration on the top of the sldie by the port, hardly noticeable. There is some light finish wear on the rear sight. There are some scattered handling marks. There is operational wear. The markings are light but clear and the screwheads are sharp. Overall, this handgun is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is one 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: In Guns & Ammo’s December edition of 1974, Jeff Cooper said, “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.” He even went on to call the Detonics a “…masterpiece of combat design (is) gaining recognition as the finest defensive handgun in the world today.”. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. In a time when compact 1911s could only be had by custom modification of a full-sized 1911, and then only properly done by a handful of gunsmiths for a hefty sum, Detonics delivered a powerful, compact, semi-automatic with the familiar controls and function of the 1911. This beautiful Mark V model is chambered in the less common .38 Super and still has the size and power that was so hard to come by in the late ’70s and ’80s. This is a piece of firearms development history and is in Fine condition, a wonderful addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
