Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT) Backup.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT)
Model: Backup
Serial: DA15426
Caliber: .380 ACP (9mm Kurz)
Finish: Stainless Steel
Barrel Length: 2 ½"
Optics/Sights: Full Length U-Notch
Stock/Grips: Black Synthetic Grips with Checkering
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The AMT Backup is a compact American-made semi-automatic pistol that became widely known during the 1980s and 1990s as one of the earliest truly compact stainless-steel concealed-carry handguns, earning a reputation for rugged construction, deep concealability, and distinctive styling. Manufactured by Arcadia Machine & Tool, commonly known as AMT, the Backup was specifically designed as a close-range defensive pistol intended for undercover officers, plainclothes law enforcement personnel, and civilian concealed-carry users who needed a handgun small enough for pocket or ankle carry while still chambered in serious defensive calibers. Unlike many compact pistols of the era that relied on lightweight alloys or blued-steel construction, the AMT Backup stood out for its all-stainless-steel design, offering exceptional corrosion resistance and a very solid feel despite its compact dimensions. Over the years, the pistol was produced in a wide variety of calibers, including .380 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, and even .45 ACP, making it one of the more ambitious compact defensive pistol lines of its time. One of the defining characteristics of the AMT Backup is its extremely compact, snag-resistant profile, with many versions featuring a smooth slide and minimal external controls intended to reduce the risk of snagging during a defensive draw from concealment. The pistol generally utilized a double-action-only trigger system combined with a simple blowback or locked-breech operating mechanism, depending on caliber, and most examples omitted external safeties in favor of heavy trigger pulls for defensive security. The Backup typically featured a short barrel, fixed sights machined directly into the slide, and compact grip panels that prioritized concealability over extended shooting comfort. Mechanically, the pistol’s stainless construction contributed to durability and recoil absorption, though the heavier calibers in such a small frame often produced sharp recoil and stout handling characteristics.
Model: Backup
Serial: DA15426
Caliber: .380 ACP (9mm Kurz)
Finish: Stainless Steel
Barrel Length: 2 ½"
Optics/Sights: Full Length U-Notch
Stock/Grips: Black Synthetic Grips with Checkering
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The AMT Backup is a compact American-made semi-automatic pistol that became widely known during the 1980s and 1990s as one of the earliest truly compact stainless-steel concealed-carry handguns, earning a reputation for rugged construction, deep concealability, and distinctive styling. Manufactured by Arcadia Machine & Tool, commonly known as AMT, the Backup was specifically designed as a close-range defensive pistol intended for undercover officers, plainclothes law enforcement personnel, and civilian concealed-carry users who needed a handgun small enough for pocket or ankle carry while still chambered in serious defensive calibers. Unlike many compact pistols of the era that relied on lightweight alloys or blued-steel construction, the AMT Backup stood out for its all-stainless-steel design, offering exceptional corrosion resistance and a very solid feel despite its compact dimensions. Over the years, the pistol was produced in a wide variety of calibers, including .380 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, and even .45 ACP, making it one of the more ambitious compact defensive pistol lines of its time. One of the defining characteristics of the AMT Backup is its extremely compact, snag-resistant profile, with many versions featuring a smooth slide and minimal external controls intended to reduce the risk of snagging during a defensive draw from concealment. The pistol generally utilized a double-action-only trigger system combined with a simple blowback or locked-breech operating mechanism, depending on caliber, and most examples omitted external safeties in favor of heavy trigger pulls for defensive security. The Backup typically featured a short barrel, fixed sights machined directly into the slide, and compact grip panels that prioritized concealability over extended shooting comfort. Mechanically, the pistol’s stainless construction contributed to durability and recoil absorption, though the heavier calibers in such a small frame often produced sharp recoil and stout handling characteristics.
In practical use, the AMT Backup gained popularity because it offered substantial defensive firepower in an exceptionally compact package during an era when many concealed-carry options were still limited to small revolvers or underpowered pocket pistols. Shooters appreciated the pistol’s ruggedness, corrosion resistance, and ability to be carried discreetly in a variety of situations. However, the Backup also developed a somewhat mixed reputation due to inconsistent quality control across different production periods, with some examples proving highly reliable while others required careful ammunition selection or tuning for dependable operation. Despite this, the pistol maintained a loyal following among concealed-carry enthusiasts who valued its solid stainless construction and compact dimensions. The AMT Backup also gained cultural recognition through appearances in films and television during the 1980s and 1990s, further cementing its image as a classic deep-concealment handgun of that era. Today, the AMT Backup is regarded as a historically important early concealed-carry pistol, appreciated for its pioneering role in the development of compact defensive handguns, distinctive all-stainless construction, and enduring place in the evolution of American concealed-carry firearms.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the AMT case and all other contents pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1178642353 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-06-07 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
206 |
