POTD: It’s Rare For a Reason – The AutoMag Model 160
Sam.S 05.24.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The AutoMag Model 160 was originally chambered in .44 AMP, which was rimless and based on the .44 Magnum cartridge. However, the company later introduced the .357 AMP, essentially a .44 AMP case necked down to take .357″ bullets. The bottleneck design enabled very high velocities; some handloads reached over 2000 fps with light weight bullets, but it is more normal to use 158gr projectiles at 1500-1600 fps. Changing between .44 and .357 AMP cartridges with the AutoMag’s interchangeability of barrels was made easy by complete dual-caliber packages available from the factory. Barrel options were either this example which has an 8.5″ plain barrel or a vented rib type that measures 6.5″. Nevertheless, there is no commercial ammunition for this cartridge so it never attained mainstream status – remaining as only a wildcat handloading endeavor. Nonetheless, these remain relatively rare among those who appreciate firearms since approximately twenty-five percent of all Automag guns produced had alternate barrels for this version that is chambered in a less common round size of just under ten thousand; they are therefore quite scarce and represent something unique even today to owners who love reloading their own rounds.
“Manufacturer: Tde Corp
Model: 160
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 357 AMP
Barrel: 8 1/2 inch round
Finish: stainless steel
Grip: plastic
Standard markings and features. One of only 132 manufactured with the “H” prefixed serial number.”
Lot 3755: T.D.E./High Standard Auto Mag Model 160 Semi-Automatic Pistol – T.D.E./High Standard AutoMag Model 160 Semi-Automatic .357 AMP Pistol with Rare “H” Prefixed Serial Number. (n.d.-y). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4090/3755/tdehigh-standard-auto-mag-model-160-semiautomatic-pistol.
