Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this sought-after semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Auto Mag Model 180!
Less than 9,000 Auto Mags were produced by all manufacturers, with each pistol originally featuring all stainless steel magazines and a short recoil rotary bolt system made entirely of stainless steel. Most of these pistols were chambered in .44 AMP, though the .357 AMP was also a popular factory option. This particular example, an Original Pasadena Auto Mag Model 180, has the serial number A01250, which falls within the Pasadena manufacturing range of A0000 through A03700.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Auto Mag (Original Pasadena)
Model: 180
Serial: A01250
Caliber: .44 AMP
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 6 ½" Ventilated Rib
Optics/Sights: The
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Auto Mag pistol, a unique and ambitious semi-automatic handgun, stands out for its high manufacturing costs, intricate design, and limited production. Fewer than 9,000 Auto Mags were produced across various manufacturers, making it a rare collector’s item today. These pistols were originally equipped with all stainless steel magazines and a short recoil rotary bolt system, also made entirely of stainless steel. The majority of Auto Mags were chambered in .44 AMP (Automatic Magnum Pistol), though the .357 AMP was also a popular option. The .44 Auto Mag was intended to offer the power of a large-caliber revolver in a semi-automatic design, and while it achieved a certain level of popularity in film and media—such as being featured in the hands of Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” in Sudden Impact (1983) and Burt Reynolds in Malone (1987)—it never reached commercial success. This lack of success was primarily due to the pistol’s high manufacturing costs, initial reliability issues (often linked to handloading ammunition), and a design that proved difficult to produce at a profit. Once factory-loaded ammunition became available, however, the pistol’s reliability improved significantly. Despite this, the company, which was initially based in Pasadena, California, filed for bankruptcy in 1972 after producing fewer than 3,000 pistols, with production continuing under different company names through the 1980s.
Model: 180
Serial: A01250
Caliber: .44 AMP
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 6 ½" Ventilated Rib
Optics/Sights: The
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Auto Mag pistol, a unique and ambitious semi-automatic handgun, stands out for its high manufacturing costs, intricate design, and limited production. Fewer than 9,000 Auto Mags were produced across various manufacturers, making it a rare collector’s item today. These pistols were originally equipped with all stainless steel magazines and a short recoil rotary bolt system, also made entirely of stainless steel. The majority of Auto Mags were chambered in .44 AMP (Automatic Magnum Pistol), though the .357 AMP was also a popular option. The .44 Auto Mag was intended to offer the power of a large-caliber revolver in a semi-automatic design, and while it achieved a certain level of popularity in film and media—such as being featured in the hands of Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” in Sudden Impact (1983) and Burt Reynolds in Malone (1987)—it never reached commercial success. This lack of success was primarily due to the pistol’s high manufacturing costs, initial reliability issues (often linked to handloading ammunition), and a design that proved difficult to produce at a profit. Once factory-loaded ammunition became available, however, the pistol’s reliability improved significantly. Despite this, the company, which was initially based in Pasadena, California, filed for bankruptcy in 1972 after producing fewer than 3,000 pistols, with production continuing under different company names through the 1980s.
The Auto Mag’s legacy has been shaped by its role in pop culture, especially in the 1980s, which saw an increase in prices due to the firearm's association with cinematic icons. However, despite this spike in interest, the market for these pistols stabilized after 1989, with collectors now wary of fakes—especially re-serialized and re-stamped models. The ease of swapping barrels on the Auto Mag, allowing for changes in caliber (such as .44 AMP, .357 AMP, and .41 JMP), added to its intrigue, but potential buyers must be cautious, particularly regarding non-original modifications like Mag-Na-Porting, which can detract from the pistol’s value. The Auto Mag Corporation, struggling to balance design and profitability, produced an additional 6,000 pistols before the company ceased operations. The Auto Mag pistol’s high-end features, like a stainless steel construction and interchangeable parts, contributed to its initial appeal, but its short-lived production, costly manufacturing process, and early reliability concerns ultimately led to its financial demise. Nevertheless, the Auto Mag remains a sought-after collectible for enthusiasts and is designated as a “Curio and Relic” firearm by the ATF.
Contents:
This example will ship with the case and magazines, as 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.
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.
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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.
