CZ RAMI vs. Detonics mini-1911?

[MatthewVanitas]

This issue is already somewhat decided for me, as I just bought a CZ RAMI from my local friendly THR compatriot. But I'm still keeping one eye out for a Detonics, at least to feel out and check for fit.

I haven't shot the RAMI yet, but greatly looking forward to wringing it out this weekend, perhaps taking it to the IDPA matches just outside Austin this weekend. Here's how I'm seeing it so far:

OPERATING SYSTEM: a toss-up for most folks, as the majority appear to carry the RAMI C&L, same as the Detonics. I'm trying the RAMI decocked with one in the pipe now, but have tried both ways. I'm under the vague impression that the Detonics can (and was sorta designed with the option of) hammer-down carry, since it has a firing-pin spring. I know it's supposed to be a terrible idea to carry a normal 1911 hammer-down-on-round, but I'm a bit curious as to whether anyone does this on a Detonics. Alleviates the whole safety-lever issue, but makes your first shot like a SAA.

WEIGHT: RAMI is a solid 8 inches lighter than the Detonics unloaded, due to alloy frame.

SIZE: Roughly equivalent? I think the Detonics is a bit smaller, definitely thinner. I'm getting the impression that the Detonics would be a bit more concealable.

COST: $400 for the RAMI, probably $550 for a shooter-grade Detonics ($1000 easily for the new production ones from Jerry Ahern).

CALIBRE/CAPACITY: 10+1 of 9mm in the RAMI, 6+1 of .45 in the Detonics. Even though I keep telling myself that modern defensive 9mm ammo has got to be pretty good, I have this gut feeling pushing me to the .45ACP.


Put down on paper, the RAMI seems to be a better overall carry gun than the Detonics. I still want to at least try one, but unless the RAMI just doesn't fit my body type, I'll have a hard time justifying replacing it. Though I'm new to IWB, I'm finding it a lot easier than I expected, and it's good to get back the pocket space that my P-32 was taking up. I would most definitely rather have the RAMI in a rough situation than the P32, though the little Kel-Tec is still far better than nothing.

I suppose I'm asking whether anyone wants to champion to the Detonics (or comparable model) over the RAMI. Any takers? Any haters?

-MV

 

[Mulliga]

I think you have chosen wisely. The RAMI is my carry gun, as well. I thought the chunkiness would be uncomfortable IWB, but as long as you use the right (thin) holster, it's not an issue. Also, check out the extended magazine or the Pearce XD grip extension mod if you find the default grip extension uncomfortable (I'm okay with it).

I'm thinking about switching to the new Speer short barrel 9mm +Ps.

EDIT: Just looked at the Detonics. Are you referring to the CombatMaster model? That one holds 6+1, at least according to the site. In terms of build quality, they'd probably be nicer than the RAMI, but concealment should easily go to the RAMI. Weight is always a problem.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Ah, 6+1, duly noted and edited. I was indeed thinking CombatMaster. Word has it that Detonics will release a 1911 with the CM (shorter than Officer) grip and Commander slide; like an extra-concealable CCO. But at my price-range, it'll definitely be a used 1980s Detonics should I happen to buy one.

I have a couple 14rd RAMI mags, but use the 10 for CCW. I have small paws, and don't mind the 2-finger grip, so the standard 10s are good for me.

I'm really impressed by the stock RAMI rubber grips: very thing and good texture. I always want to dress up guns, but I can't see replacing these grips with wood.

I'll mess with it a but and see if the chunkiness bugs me. If it does, I'll go find either a Detonics or Kahr. Those Kahrs are awfully skinny, but so are the 1911s.

The main thing I've learned: I should have tried out IWB a long time ago. It's far more comfortable than it sounds. Main downside is having to wear an untucked shirt or covering garment (those tuckable-IWB holsters seem really slow). Pocket carry is very convenient and fast on the draw, but it takes up one entire pocket, and even a P32 prints through my pocket more than my wallet does (I'm a slim guy). OWB is even comfier than IWB, but requires maybe a flowier cover garment.

I'll try IWB on the RAMI for a few weeks, see how it works. After that, I'll either stay RAMI, find a skinnier IWB gun, or go back to the P32.

-MV

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Answering my own questions

Was considering buying a stainless Detonics off Gunsamerica for $500 or so, then decided to actually crunch the numbers:

CZ 2075 RAMI features:
• 6.5” long x 4.7” high x 1.25” wide
• Weighs less than 25 ounces
• SA/DA action
• Manual safety
• Low profile, snag-free sights
• 10+1 in 9mm

Detonics CombatMaster (new model, but should be same for old)
LOA: 7 inches
Height: 4 ¾ inches
Width: 1 ¼ inches
Weight (empty, with magazine): 34 ounces
Capacity: 6 +1 (.45 ACP)
Sights: Low profile fixed combat


So, essentially they're about the same size in most dimensions, just .5" longer on the Detonics and no thinner but much heavier. Detonics would probably have a better SA trigger, but the CZs not bad. Pretty much comes down to caliber and weight.

I do believe I'll stick to IWB on the RAMI for the time being. If it ends up feeling to clunky, there's always Kahr (steel if the weight of the RAMI doesn't bug me, otherwise polymer). Then again, at half the price Kel-Tec will be offering its new single stack 9mm in a few months, only .88" wide, and shorter than the above.

There are far worse things in life than having too many options.

-MV

 

[MICHAEL T]

Just go by a Colt Commander and be done with it. Easy to carry as the others and a better balance.

 

[PWK]

Why not consider a rami in 40 s&w. That is what I have. Pretty much same size as the 9mm. Three fewer rounds but a little more punch and heavier bullet.

 

[warwagon]

Just to confuse the issue

Take a look at the S&W CS .45, about the same specs, 6 + 1 rounds of .45 ACP!