Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	AMT-High Standard Manufacturing Co. More Info

About the Gun

This pistol whose action is based on John Browning’s tilting barrel locking system is one of the first semi-autos chambered for the .30 Carbine cartridge. The magazine release button is located on the left side of the frame just behind the trigger. The slide mounted safety simply blocks the firing pin whether the gun is cocked or not and does not lock the trigger.

Production

This model was produced from 1990 to 2001.

Market value

MSRP at launch was around $675. Used market value in 95% condition is currently $1,800–$2,000.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.30 Carbine
Alias:	.30 M1 Carbine
More Info

Analysis

The Automag III provides ballistics approaching those of a carbine in handgun form, with mild felt recoil relative to its power level and good practical accuracy at ranges up to 50 yards when using quality ammunition. The .30 Carbine chambering benefits from historically low-cost surplus or commercial loads, though reliability can vary due to occasional galling in stainless components if lubrication is insufficient, and some units experience feeding or ejection issues tied to the cartridge's rimless but elongated case. The 9mm Winchester Magnum variant, limited to original AMT production, offers higher velocity potential but sees minimal use today due to cartridge scarcity. Production was never high-volume, and the Galena transitional examples are mechanically identical to late Irwindale guns but often show minor finish or small-part differences. Current market interest stems from its status as one of only two semi-automatic pistols chambered in .30 Carbine, contributing to collector appeal despite occasional quality inconsistencies from the era.