TDE Model 160 Automag .357 AMP 8.5″ & AMC 280 44 AMP 10.5″ Upper Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR$2,525
LSB#: 240403DA009
Make: TDE, El Monte
Model: 160, Model 280 Barrel also Included
Serial Number: A07977
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: 8 1/2″ 160 Barrel, 10 1/2″ 280 Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade on an elevated base, it has a custom red insert. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation, it has a custom green insert around the notch. The front sight is integral to a barrel band base and the rear sight is pinned in a base that is fixed to the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. There are a few light handling marks. The checkering is strong. There are a few marks to the bottom faces. The grips rate in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel Barrel and Extension with an In the White Cast Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The 160 bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some minor fouling. In my opinion, this bore rates 9.5 out of 10. The 280 bore is bright with sharp rifling. There are some tool marks in the bore. In my opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scuffs, draglines, and scratches. There are some scattered smooth spots. There is some oxidation on the hammer. There are handling and operational marks. The screwheads have light wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition. The 280 barrel and receiver have heavy pitting on the front sight base and rear sight. There are some areas of dark discoloration and erosion. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The 280 upper rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions. The bolt does not lock back. 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, a and the Model 280 barrel described throughout.
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
