Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	AMT-High Standard Manufacturing Co. More Info

About the Gun

The AMT Automag II was one of the first semi-auto pistols chambered for the .22 Magnum cartridge. Its stainless slide has cutouts to reduce weight in support of its blowback operation. The unique barrel chamber design with holes and vents was intended to stabilize pressure, keeping the cartridge from expanding and sticking during extraction. Other features include a squared trigger guard and bottom mag release.

Production

This model was produced from 1987 to 2001.

Market value

MSRP at launch was around $300. Used market value in 95% condition is currently $650-$850.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.22 Magnum
Alias:	.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)
More Info

Analysis

The 6-inch model delivers the longest sight radius, highest muzzle velocity (often 1,500–1,550 fps with 40 gr loads), and the most dramatic muzzle blast — making it the favorite for range work, plinking, and small-game/varmint use, though it feels like a true hand-cannon. The 4.5-inch version is widely regarded as the sweet spot: it retains nearly all the velocity and accuracy of the 6" while being noticeably handier without sacrificing the 9-round capacity. The 3.375-inch Compact prioritizes concealability (overall length ~6.6") but gives up sight radius, velocity (~10–15% loss), and magazine capacity; it is the scarcest of the three and often brings a collector premium. During the short Galena Industries transitional period (~1999–2001), all three barrel lengths continued in limited production using leftover AMT tooling and parts, producing guns that are mechanically identical to late Irwindale examples but sometimes show subtle differences in finish, small parts, or markings — these are generally treated as part of the original pre-High Standard lineage.