TDE North Hollywood AutoMag Model 180 .44 AMP 6.5″ Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,000
LSB#: 231026PV003
Make: TDE (Trade Deed Estates), North Hollywood
Model: 180
Serial Number: A04086
Year of Manufacture: 1973-1982, ATF C&R
Caliber: .44 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.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black plastic grips with smooth borders. There are a few light marks and minor nicks. The checkering is strong with some scattered wear. 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 bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there are areas of stubborn fouling that we were unable to remove. In my opinion, this bore is a 9 out of 10 and upon patient cleaning will be 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scattered spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some draglines, scuffs, and light scratches. Some of the marks have caused smooth spots. There is some light operational wear. 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: This pistol comes with one 7-round magazine.
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
