Detonics MTX, a modern modular double stack 1911

Many of us older guys fondly remember the mid-1970's and the introduction of the original Detonics CombatMaster.  Others may recall the original Miami Vice TV show with Sonny Crocket wielding the CombatMaster.  The company has changed hands a couple times since those days, but Detonics Defense is now up and running and building a modern interpretation of the classic 1911 that is anything but classic in looks.  Its modular, alloy, and double stack.  Called the MTX, this new 1911 looks modern but feels great.

The current offering from www.DetonicsDefense.com is a 3.5" barrel compact 1911 that is roughly the same size as a Colt Officer's model.  The controls are all pure 1911 with everything where it should be and operating as is should.  Being a short barrel 1911, this gun does use the familiar coned/tapered barrel that has been common on sub-4" barreled 1911 pistols since the original CombatMaster pioneered the design.  The slide and barrel of the new MTX model are 100% interchangeable with older models.  

The grip of the gun, which looks bulky in the photos, is removable and holds a 12 round magazine.  The frame of the gun houses the trigger assembly, hammer, beavertail and frame rails and is attached to the grip with simple hex screws.  While the grip may look bulky, its actually smaller in diameter than the grip of a standard 1911 pistol.  Further, by eliminating the grip safety, they have managed to scallop out the rear of the frame which shortens the length of pull making this gun easier to grip by those folks with an average hand size.  Combining the scalloped out rear of the frame, the upturned beavertail and the undercut trigger guard forces your hand to grip the gun high and at a slightly increased angle, which directs the recoil down your arm rather than over the top of your arm.  This grip angle magic helps to make this gun very quick to return the front sight to target and reduces muzzle flip.

The grip and frame are machined from ALUMINUM and done so with a non-slip triangular pattern.  While the grip is removable the company has not yet released other grip sizes, apparently other grip sizes will be available during the year of 2012.  The same is true with slide/barrel lengths.  Currently the only offering is the compact 3.5" barrel/slide combo but a full size 5" barrel/slide combo is also due early 2012.

The is ideal for IDPA and other competition shooting as it comes from the factory with an extended magazine release and a trigger that has virtually no creep, no over-travel, and a crisp break.  

Finishes available from the factory are the two-tone Black over Titanium or a more traditional Black over Black.  I was so impressed with this gun I bought one of each.