TDE North Hollywood AutoMag Model 180 .44 AMP 6.5″ Mag-Na-Port Pistol, C&R

SOLD FOR: $5026

LSB#: 230215DK007

Make: TDE (Trade Deed Estates), North Hollywood

Model: 180

Serial Number: A04268

Year of Manufacture: 1973-1982, 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 “A04268”.

Barrel Length: 6 ½” Mag-Na-Port

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. The sights are mounted on the full-length rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece laminate wood with finger grooves on the left panel. There are a few scattered light marks and handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips show light handling wear with a few light scuffs and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent. overall condition.

Also included is a pair of checkered black plastic grips with smooth borders. There are some scattered nicks and light marks. The checkering is strong with some scattered wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine 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 95% of its metal finish. There are some scattered light draglines and handling marks on the metal. There are a couple of minor scratches, the most noticeable are on the right side at the markings. There are a few scuffs that have caused smooth spots. There is some light operational wear. 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 with foam interior, a total of two 7-round magazines, paperwork including the manual, RCBS dies, the previously described grips, spare bolt, spare bolt handle, spare firing pin, and spare springs. The case has split in two along the hinge.

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!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red