Well, "cheap", but...CrashCart is probably what you're thinking of? They were a "competitor", but it turned out they were made to subordinate people for the Universal Brotherhood/Insect spirits. The first book about Dirk Montgomery shows all of that...private detective, RABID anti-cyber and wielder of a Colt Manhunter.

...!
Stoke Mandeville, Esq & The Victorian Ballsmiths
"Nobody Want Verdigris-Covered Balls!"