Auto Mag Pasadena Model 180 44 AMP 6.5″ Stainless Semi-Auto Pistol 1971 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4501

LSB#: 230330JS001

Make: Auto Mag, Pasadena

Model: 180

Serial Number: A03361

Year of Manufacture: 1971-1972

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 “A03361”.

Barrel Length: 6 ½”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade 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 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 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are areas of light pitting, mostly scattered over the right side. The gun likely sat in the case in the deteriorated foam for a long time. There is operational wear. There are some scattered 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: Included is an Auto Mag case, a manual, and a single 7-round magazine. 

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 the Model 180, the same model gun used by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry film “SUDDEN IMPACT” after he loses his S&W famous 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.”. This one is the pinnacle, the original Pasadena-made model which collectors view as having the best quality. 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