The AMT Automag II: A Temporary Introduction
The AMT Automag II: A reputation that evokes a sure mix of admiration and apprehension amongst firearms fans. This handgun, chambered within the potent .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) cartridge, held a promise of serious firepower in a compact package deal. Whereas it possessed a sure attract, the Automag II additionally gained a status for being… properly, temperamental. This text will delve into the world of the AMT Automag II, exploring the frequent points that plagued this pistol, potential causes for its quirks, and options that may assist fans maintain theirs operating (or resolve whether or not to stroll away).
The genesis of the Automag II traces again to the progressive thoughts of Harry Sanford and the American Machine & Device (AMT) firm. AMT was recognized for its chrome steel designs, aiming to ship firearms that may stand the check of time. The Automag II was designed to capitalize on the growing reputation of the .22 WMR cartridge, providing a semi-automatic possibility the place revolvers had been the extra frequent chambering for the highly effective rimfire spherical. Its chrome steel building gave it a definite look and appealed to these searching for sturdiness and corrosion resistance. It was a daring idea: taking the high-velocity .22 WMR and adapting it to a compact, semi-automatic platform.
A Nearer Have a look at the Automag II
Earlier than we delve into its issues, let’s look at the pistol itself. The Automag II operates on a straight blowback motion, a design the place the slide is held closed by the inertia of its mass and the energy of the recoil spring. The .22 WMR spherical, recognized for its important energy for its measurement, presents a problem to this working system. The Automag II usually held a nine-round journal. The body and slide had been predominantly constructed from chrome steel, contributing to its hefty really feel and strong look. The sights, nonetheless, had been primary and did not all the time supply the most effective sight image for fast goal acquisition.
Widespread Troubles: Unveiling the Challenges
The Automag II’s promise of energy and sleekness was typically met with a irritating actuality. A major variety of house owners encountered reliability points that hampered the pistol’s efficiency.
Feeding and Extraction Difficulties
One of the frequent complaints centered on failures to feed (FTF). This occurred when the cartridge did not correctly chamber from the journal. The bullet’s nostril would typically get caught on the feed ramp, or the spherical would merely fail to rise excessive sufficient to enter the chamber. The blowback design, whereas easy, typically struggled with the .22 WMR’s inherent power.
Much like FTF issues, failures to extract (FTE) had been additionally prevalent. That is when the spent casing fails to be pulled from the chamber after firing. This might be as a result of quite a lot of elements, together with a weak extractor, a good chamber, or points with the spent brass increasing and sticking. When an FTE happens, the firearm can’t cycle, and the shooter has to manually take away the caught casing.
Failure to eject (FTEj) is said to FTE. The spent casing is likely to be extracted from the chamber however fail to clear the ejection port, inflicting it to get caught within the slide or jam the motion. This might result in a double-feed or the slide failing to shut fully.
Stovepiping is one other frequent downside, the place the empty case is ejected however then will get caught standing upright within the ejection port, resembling a stovepipe. That is typically associated to the timing of the ejection cycle, and will be attributable to quite a lot of points, together with the slide pace, the energy of the ejector, and the pressure of the .22 WMR spherical.
All these malfunctions – FTF, FTE, FTEj, and stovepiping – can wreck a taking pictures session and lift considerations concerning the weapon’s reliability in a self-defense scenario.
Journal Associated Points
The journal itself generally is a supply of issues. Magazines can undergo from weakened springs, resulting in unreliable feeding. The lips of the journal, which maintain the rounds in place, can grow to be worn or broken, additional exacerbating feeding issues. Journal lips can be inconsistent, resulting in failures. Discovering high-quality, dependable magazines for the Automag II generally is a problem, with some aftermarket magazines proving to be extra problematic than the originals.
Accuracy Considerations
Whereas the .22 WMR cartridge is able to respectable accuracy, many Automag II house owners struggled to realize constant groupings. Inconsistent accuracy is a recurring criticism. The elements that may affect accuracy embrace barrel high quality, sight alignment, set off pull, and the kind of ammunition used.
Sturdiness and Construct High quality in Query
Regardless of the chrome steel building, the Automag II wasn’t proof against sturdiness complaints. The end, whereas initially enticing, might be liable to scratching and put on. Some house owners reported elements breakage, comparable to extractor failures or points with firing pins. There have been even points with inner elements, and the way they had been machined in the course of the manufacturing course of. Construct high quality diversified, with some examples exhibiting tighter tolerances and higher fit-and-finish than others. It is a frequent concern in some firearm manufacturing processes, and it may be extra problematic in a firearm working beneath excessive pressures, and with tight tolerances.
Set off Troubles
Many individuals discovered the set off pull of the Automag II to be lower than preferrred. It might be gritty, have extreme creep, and a protracted reset. A poor set off can considerably influence accuracy and make it tougher to shoot the pistol precisely.
Understanding the Root Causes
The issues related to the Automag II stem from a mixture of design decisions, manufacturing practices, and inherent traits of the .22 WMR cartridge.
Design Concerns
The Automag II’s blowback motion, whereas easy, is subjected to the excessive pressures generated by the .22 WMR cartridge. This may place a major pressure on the slide and recoil spring, growing the potential for malfunctions. The tight chamber design, essential to include the cartridge, can contribute to extraction difficulties, particularly if the chamber turns into soiled. The extractor, the small half that grabs the rim of the cartridge case, can be burdened, probably resulting in failures.
Ammunition’s Impression
The Automag II, like many semi-automatic firearms, will be delicate to ammunition. The .22 WMR cartridge can fluctuate by way of the powder cost, bullet weight, and general dimensions. The Automag II tends to carry out finest with high-quality ammunition particularly designed for semi-automatic pistols. Cheaper or poorly manufactured ammunition can exacerbate feeding and extraction issues.
Construct High quality and Materials Elements
AMT’s use of funding forged elements for some elements, whereas supposed to scale back manufacturing prices, might have resulted in variations in tolerances. These inconsistencies might have contributed to the reliability points. Whereas chrome steel is sturdy, the general match and end of the Automag II might be inconsistent, resulting in operational issues.
The Position of Upkeep and the Shooter
Correct upkeep is essential for the Automag II. The pistol should be saved clear and lubricated. The gun must be field-stripped after every use, and completely cleaned. The feed ramp, particularly, should be freed from dust and particles. The consumer’s method additionally performs a task. Improper grip or limp-wristing can intrude with the slide’s operation, probably inflicting malfunctions.
Troubleshooting and Potential Options
In the event you personal an Automag II and encounter points, right here’s a information to troubleshooting and potential options.
Addressing Feeding and Extraction Issues
Begin with an intensive cleansing. Be certain that the chamber, feed ramp, and extractor are clear and freed from particles. Experiment with various kinds of ammunition. Some ammunition manufacturers and bullet sorts might carry out higher than others. Contemplate sprucing the feed ramp to scale back friction. Test the journal for put on and tear. Be certain that the journal lips are usually not broken or out of specification. If attainable, exchange worn journal springs.
Enhancing Accuracy
Experiment with totally different ammunition manufacturers and bullet weights. The pistol might desire sure ammunition. Contemplate adjusting the sights. If the sights are fastened, you could want to switch them with aftermarket choices. Strive bettering your grip. Guarantee a agency and constant grip to reduce motion throughout firing.
Journal Administration
Repeatedly examine your magazines for harm. Contemplate changing the springs if the feeding turns into erratic. Contemplate buying new magazines from a good producer.
The Possibility for Skilled Restore
If issues persist, contemplate searching for skilled assist. A certified gunsmith can diagnose points, exchange worn elements, and probably carry out modifications.
Evaluating and Contrasting
It is value evaluating the Automag II to different .22 WMR firearms to place its strengths and weaknesses in perspective. Choices embrace the Ruger LCR, which is a dependable revolver. Whereas it lacks the Automag II’s semi-automatic performance and better capability, the revolver presents distinctive reliability. Some small, single-action, .22 WMR revolvers are additionally out there. These revolvers are sometimes compact and simple to hold, however capability is restricted.
Conclusion: A Advanced Legacy
The AMT Automag II presents a captivating case examine in firearms design and engineering. It had the potential to be a groundbreaking pistol, and its chrome steel building and high-powered chambering provided sure attraction. Nonetheless, the frequent reliability points, the ammunition sensitivity, and construct high quality inconsistencies in the end diminished its attraction.
For individuals who possess an Automag II, a dedication to meticulous upkeep, cautious ammunition choice, and an understanding of its limitations is important. The pistol can nonetheless be a useful firearm, but it surely requires a devoted proprietor prepared to speculate the effort and time to maintain it operating. The Automag II’s legacy stays a posh one. It is a pistol with a cult following, recognized for its energy, but additionally for its quirky persona. It may be a rewarding firearm to personal, however solely for individuals who are ready for its challenges. It’s a pistol that calls for respect, a little bit of understanding, and loads of persistence. In the event you’re in search of a dependable, go-to .22 WMR handgun, the Automag II might not be your best option. Nonetheless, for the devoted fanatic, who needs to delve into the distinctive world of firearms, the Automag II generally is a difficult however rewarding expertise.
Bear in mind, all the time observe protected gun dealing with practices, and seek the advice of with a professional gunsmith or firearms skilled for help.
