TDE El Monte AutoMag Model 160 .357 AMP 6.5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,525
LSB#: 240105JL001
Make: TDE (Trade Deed Estates), El Monte
Model: 160
Serial Number: AO7734
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
Barrel Length: 6 1/2″
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. The rear sight is bent and heavily damaged.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black plastic grips with smooth borders. There are a few light marks and nicks. There are a few light hairline scratches. The checkering is strong with some scattered wear. The grips rate in 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 but there are tool marks on the lands. In this writers opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The rear sight is bent and heavily damaged. There are scattered areas of discoloration from previous oxidation, scabbing, and erosion. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are handling and operational marks. Some of the marks have caused smooth spots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about 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 standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one 7-round magazine and an Auto Mag hard case. The lining has been removed from the case and the clasp has broken.
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 iconic 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. The Automag name is one that is rife with business struggles, production changes, and ultimately failures. The Automag ended up wearing eleven different manufacturers’ names over its lifetime and the theme of struggle runs in the family. Just like many gun companies that go through business struggles, produce few arms, have production nuances, and name changes, these have developed a devout collector following. These collectible handguns now routinely go for prices the original manufacturers could have only dreamed of. 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