TDE North Hollywood .44 Automag AMP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1973-82 ATF C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,525
LSB#: 200316IM01
Make: TDE (Trade Deed Estates), North Hollywood
Model: 180
Serial Number: A01039
Year of Manufacture: Between 1973 and 1982, ATF C&R
Caliber: .44 Auto Mag Pistol (AMP)
Action Type: Single Action, Short-Recoil, Rotating Locking Bolt, Semi-Automatic with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel extension/frame is marked with a TDE logo and “AUTO MAG / .44 AMP MODEL 180 / NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. / PAT. PENDING” while the right side is marked “MADE IN USA”. The butt is marked “A01039”.
Barrel Length: 6 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade on an elevated base. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation. There is a full length ventilated rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-pice checkered black plastic. The grips show light handling wear with a few light scuffs and handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel Barrel and Extension with an In the White Cast Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 83% of its metal finish. There is surface erosion on the barrel assembly, most on the right side. The frame has a porous surface from casting and shows scattered light discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong sockets. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a black plastic Automag carry case with foam interior and a total of two 7-round magazines. The exterior of the case has minor storage wear, the foam has light wear from the contents, in about Very Good-Fine condition. The magazines show minor operational wear, some light discoloration, intact feed lips and strong springs, in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This model is the same as the famous gun used by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry film “SUDDEN IMPACT” after he loses his S&W model 29. He is quoted in the movie saying “Well, this is the .44 Magnum Auto Mag and it holds a 300 grain cartridge. And if properly used, it can remove the fingerprints.” There were fewer than 9000 of these handguns produced by at least five different companies with each giving up after a few years as the cost of production was too high to continue profitably. The Auto Mag pistol featured a short recoil design similar to the P38 with a rotary bolt with locking lugs similar to the M-16/AR-15 rifle. The Auto Mag is a heavy pistol designed to give handgun hunters .44 magnum power in a semi-automatic pistol. At the time, this was the only pistol of its kind. This is truly an incredible piece of American Firearms history. Now is your chance to own one of the few Auto Mag pistols made. Please see our photos and good luck!