I would rate the current "production customs" at least on a par with the Seattle/Bellevue Detonics pistols; the Les Baers, STI Trojan, Wilson CQB, etc. There are more and better components available today, and the new guns are a better value (the Scoremaster cost something like double what a Colt Gold Cup cost, in the mid-eighties, while a good production custom can be had for about 50% more than a Gold Cup, today).

Among the sub-compacts, the Kimber Ultras (OACP grip length, 3" barrel) seem to be very good. The Colt Defender (same dimensions) gets high marks from people who have actually had them. I think I'd get a Colt OACP if I need to replace my Combat Master with another steel-framed gun.