High Standard AMT/TDE Auto Mag Mod. 180 .44 AMP 6.5” Semi Auto Pistol
SOLD FOR: $4,300.00
LSB#: LSB260611JS010
Make: TDE (Trade Deed Estates) / High Standard
Model: Auto Mag Model 180
Serial Number: A06601
Year of Manufacture: 1974 to 1975 / C&R
Caliber: .44 AMP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short Recoil SAO Hammer Fired Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The bottom of the grip frame is marked with the serial number, “A06601”. The upper is marked with the TDE logo and, “HIGH STANDARD AUTO MAG .44 AMP MODEL 180 EL MONTE, CALIF / PAT PENDING / MADE IN U.S.A.”.
Barrel Length: 6.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade built into the vented barrel rib. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square notch rear sight pinned to the barrel rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This pistol has two piece walnut panels screw-set to the frame. There are minimal handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Two x 7 round stainless steel magazines in Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few moderate scratches and handling marks throughout along with some spots of patina. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good to 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 requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original hard case, 2x magazines, and oil bottle.
Our Assessment: The Auto Mag Model 180 is one of the most ambitious and distinctive American semi-automatic pistols of the 1970s, developed specifically around the powerful .44 Auto Mag Pistol cartridge. Built around a short-recoil, rotating-bolt system and extensive stainless-steel construction, the Auto Mag was intended to deliver true magnum-level handgun performance from a semi-automatic platform at a time when few pistols attempted anything comparable. The High Standard-marked TDE El Monte guns represent an especially interesting production variation. High Standard records indicate that hundreds of A0-prefix pistols passed through its books during 1974 and 1975, while the guns themselves were assembled at TDE’s El Monte facility using High Standard-marked components. This example retains the classic 6.5″ vent-rib barrel, adjustable sights, walnut grips, and seven-round magazine configuration associated with the .44 AMP Model 180. This pistol remains in Good to Very Good condition, retaining approximately 97% of its original stainless finish. The exterior shows several moderate scratches and handling marks, along with scattered spots of patina. The screw heads remain sharp, the pins are unmarred, and the markings are clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, though light stubborn fouling remains present, rating 8.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The two-piece walnut grips show only minimal handling wear, remain free of chips or cracks, and rate in Excellent condition. Both seven-round stainless steel magazines remain in Good condition. Mechanically, the action functions correctly.
For collectors of Auto Mags and high-performance American pistols, the High Standard-marked Model 180 is a particularly desirable variation because it represents one of the more unusual chapters in the pistol’s complicated production history. The combination of TDE El Monte manufacture, High Standard branding, A0-prefix serialization, and the original .44 AMP chambering gives these pistols more collector interest than a generic late-production Auto Mag. With its original hard case, two magazines, oil bottle, strong bore, and high remaining finish, this is a well-preserved example of one of the most technically ambitious large-bore semi-automatic pistols ever produced. -R.E.