TDE Trade Deed Estates El Monte Auto Mag Model 160 .357 AMP 6.5″ Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $2681

LSB#: 230330JS002

Make: TDE (Trade Deed Estates), El Monte

Model: 160

Serial Number: A05164

Year of Manufacture: 1973-1982, ATF C&R

Caliber: .357 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 / .357 AMP MODEL 160 / EL MONTE, CALIF. / PAT. PENDING” while the right side is marked “MADE IN USA”. The butt is marked “A05164”.

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black plastic. There are a few little nicks and light marks. The checkering is mostly sharp. There are some scattered light handling marks. The grips rate in about Fine-Excellent 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. There are machining marks. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is discoloration in the ejection port. There are some scattered light draglines and handling marks on the metal. There is a bit of scuffing on the bottom of the barrel at the muzzle. There is some discoloration on the frame. There are a few very small spots of discoloration on the barrel at the muzzle. There is some light operational wear. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. 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: Included is an Auto Mag carry case and a single 7-round magazine. The lid has broken away from the base.

Our Assessment: In 1971, Harry Sanford and his Auto Mag Corporation answered the prayers of many firearms owners by offering magnum revolver performance in a semi-automatic pistol. 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 magnum power in a semi-automatic pistol. At the time, this was the only pistol of its kind. In 1970, Auto Mag Corporation opened a factory in Pasadena, California. The first pistol shipped on August 8, 1971 and the factory declared bankruptcy on May 3, 1972, making fewer than 3,000 pistols. The company opened and closed several times from 1973 through 1982 under several different names: TDE (Trade Deed Estates), OMC, Thomas Oil Company, High Standard, and AMT (Arcadia Machine & Tool). 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 is a TDE Model 160 made in El Monte, California and it sports a 6 1/2″ barrel chambered for .357 AMP. 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