Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	AMT-High Standard Manufacturing Co. More Info

About the Gun

The AMT Lightning Bull's Eye Target was the primary production model in the Lightning series, introduced as the initial offering when the line debuted in 1984. It featured a heavy bull barrel with ventilation ribs, adjustable rear sight, grooved receiver for scope mounting, and target trigger with adjustable stop. The pistol was marketed as a stainless-steel rimfire target handgun, drawing directly from the Ruger Mark II action while incorporating AMT's all-stainless construction and enhanced sighting system. It used a single-stack 10-round magazine and was the most commonly encountered variant during the brief production period.

Production

Production of this variant ran from 1984 to 1987.

Market value

MSRP during production was around $310. Examples in good to very good condition currently average around $400-$500.

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

Analysis

The Lightning series represented AMT's entry into the .22 LR semi-automatic pistol market, positioning the line as a stainless-steel alternative to the Ruger Mark II with target-oriented upgrades across all variants. The Bull's Eye Target with 5-inch ribbed barrel served as the baseline for general target shooting and plinking, while the 6.5-inch Target/Silhouette and extended-barrel models (8.5 inches and longer) addressed needs for silhouette competition or increased velocity in varmint applications. The design provided solid practical accuracy with consistent ammunition in well-maintained examples, though the stainless construction required regular lubrication to minimize galling on contact surfaces. Production was limited to 1984–1987 due to a trademark infringement lawsuit from Ruger, resulting in low total output and relative scarcity. The series remains of interest to collectors for its role as an early all-stainless .22 semi-auto and compatibility with Ruger Mark II magazines and parts, though practical use is limited by dated ergonomics and competition from more modern rimfire pistols.