Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	AMT-High Standard Manufacturing Co. More Info

About the Gun

Compact, all-stainless semi-automatic pistol from the early production run (discontinued around 1987), chambered in .22 Long Rifle for low-recoil pocket or backup use. The design includes fixed low-profile sights (often groove-type or channel rear), removable grip panels, and a button-style magazine release. It uses a single-stack magazine with 8-round capacity (10-round extended options noted in some references).

Production

This model was produced from 1981 to 1987.

Market value

MSRP at launch was $295. Used market value in 95% condition is currently around $350-$400.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.22 LR
Alias:	.22 Long Rifle
More Info

Analysis

The .22 LR AMT Backup provides minimal recoil and report in a deep-concealment format, with higher magazine capacity than most centerfire variants in the series, making it suitable for practice, plinking, or low-threat backup roles. The single-action trigger combined with grip and manual safeties offers positive control, though the heavy stainless construction adds noticeable weight for its size compared to modern polymer pocket pistols. Reliability in surviving examples varies, with reports of failures to go into battery, extraction issues from tight tolerances or rimfire fouling, and feeding challenges tied to ammo sensitivity or unpolished internals—issues common to early rimfire pocket autos of the era. Production was limited, contributing to rarity; examples often command higher prices due to scarcity and collector interest in transitional features like the grip safety, which distinguish it from later double-action-only centerfire models in the Backup lineup.