Auto Mag Pasadena Model 180 44 AMP 6.5″ Stainless Semi-Auto Pistol 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3550
LSB#: 220927HE010
Make: Auto Mag, Pasadena
Model: 180
Serial Number: A00169
Year of Manufacture: 1971
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 an Auto Mag logo and “AUTO MAG / .44 AMP MODEL 180 / PASADENA, CALIFORNIA. / PAT. PENDING” while the right side is marked “MADE IN USA”. The butt is marked “A00169”.
Barrel Length: 6 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a red sticker and is 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. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are some areas of discoloration, some of the most noticeable are on the front sight, front sight base, sides of the frame at the front, and on the back of the hammer. The rib posts have a blue hue. There are a few little scuffs and draglines. There are light handling marks. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong sockets. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine 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, two 7-round magazines, two allen wrenches in Auto Mag case, and paperwork including the manual.
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, the only difference is that his had an 8 1/2″ barrel as opposed to this 6 1/2″ model. 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. This one is the pinnacle, the original Pasadena-made model which collectors view as having the best quality. It even comes with a letter from the factory stating it is in the process of being built and informing the purchaser of what the serial number will be. 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!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
