Looks like the AMT Backup is back

[LDBennett]

As for believing Texas High Standard: Forget it!

My and others experiences with them has proven that they are not schedule oriented and will tell you anything to satisfy you , then not deliver. I highly recommend NOT doing business with them, even for a AMT clone (no matter the model). If you do, be prepared for the worst. My experience with them left me with a $700 gun that won't load ammo or shoot reliably.

LDBennett

 

[A. Patriot]

I too still have an AMT Backup semi-auto in 380 I bought new in the early 1980's. Never any problems with it. Have carried it concealed a lot over the years.

Nowadays, I really want a more effective round than the 380. At a minimum, a 9mm.

Still, 380 is a lot better than nothing at all or a 22.

 

[Seismic Sam]

AMT Backup

I got one in trade along with a 45 Hardballer in exchange for a 44 Automag that wouldn't stay fixed. I sold it immeidately, because I have large hands and there was no way I could ever shoot it without the slide cutting me up.

Back then (mid 70's) SS 1911's or any small auto were a real rarity, which was probably what made the guns attractive to begin with. Since then, there have been a TON of new small handguns in all kinds in of calibers, and whatever uniqueness the AMT Backup had is LOOONNNNNGGGG gone.

BTW - while my Hardballer is still shooting, I discovered years later that AMT barrels are made in two pieces, with the back end of the barrel over the chamber heat fit over the turned part. This was probably done because in the mid 70's CNC barrels were not available, and so they turned one part and then force fit another over the end to save on total metal that had to be machined.

 

[pocketgun]

A big part of AMT's problems stemmed from their early forays into using stainless steel. Back in those days, stainless was not commonly used in pistols, and made them desirable to many. Unfortunately, they had galling problems that hurt their reputation, and they never really got past it. The location of the factory in SoCal was near the "Ring of Fire" companies (Lorcin, Raven, Jennings, etc.) that people associated with very cheap pistols using inferior materials, and didn't help any.

The pistols were made with high quality materials, and often copied successful designs (1911, Ruger MarkII and 10/22). They even got past the galling problems, but never could shirk the POJ label in the minds of many. It is kinda funny to me, as I see a good number of Kimber problem threads on the gun forums, yet that company seems to be thriving. I am not trying to bash Kimber here, but point out that if AMT had come about in the present day, things may have been much different for them. In my experience, most AMT products work well and are fairly well made, particularly the AutoMags (II-V) that they designed. I have read of some people who were pretty pissed off over them too, mostly regarding the 1911 clones they made (Hardballer, Skipper, Javelina, etc.).

As for believing Texas High Standard: Forget it!

My and others experiences with them has proven that they are not schedule oriented and will tell you anything to satisfy you , then not deliver. I highly recommend NOT doing business with them, even for a AMT clone (no matter the model). If you do, be prepared for the worst. My experience with them left me with a $700 gun that won't load ammo or shoot reliably.

LDBennett

Bro, I was just kidding. Many have had a pistol that just wouldn't work and we couldn't get support (that made a difference) from the manufacturer. It sucks, and there is no positive way to take it. For me it was a Taurus that cost me way less than $700. At some point you have to figure that your own pistol and experience were probably far worse than most other buyers, or else the company wouldn't still be around. Not to say I am going to buy another Taurus, but I realize many have had them work out just fine, and they aren't junk.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The High Standard guy told me they were bringing back the Automag IV (in .45WinMag only)

We should all write them and tell them to offer the 10mm mag again. Starline still makes brass.

 

[ulflyer]

AMT 45

Had one many years ago. Bought on saturday, sold on sunday. Erratic cycling, jamming, and a trigger pull from hell. Never again.

 

[pocketgun]

The Automag III always appealed to me because of the abundant/relatively cheap ammo for it. I have never seen a box of 9mm WinMag, 10mm Automag, or .45 WinMag on a shelf anywhere; to say nothing of .357AMP or .44AMP. For those whol load their own ammo, it might be a different story. The .50 AE is at least something you can find at many places, but at $1/round it gets expensive.

 

[Bergerboy]

I have a little OMC .380 Backup, which apparently produced the Backup pistols for a short time before becoming AMT.

If I rack it slow, the feed ramp tends to get caught by the neck of the bullet, but that's the only bad thing about it. Rack hard and no problem. Has a stiff trigger, not the greatest sights, decent recoil, but is very small and a great subcompact gun!

I am really looking forward to seeing the .45 offerings in the new line

 

[pocketgun]

I am not aware of any manufacturer or credible gunsmith who will tell you that racking a slide slowly works well on an autopistol. If you rack it slowly, just expect it won't work right and be happily surprised if it does.

 

[gbran]

Automag II back also (22wmr)