AMT Backup 380 questions

[TennJed]

Are the older model AMT Backup 380s (not the DAO version) DA/SA or is it single action only. I al talking about the one with the grip safety and thumb safety. If it is not double action on the first pull can you decock it safely? If you decock it, is the hammer exposed to cock?

Thanks

 

[RUT]

>>Are the older model AMT Backup 380s (not the DAO version) DA/SA or is it single action only. I al talking about the one with the grip safety and thumb safety. If it is not double action on the first pull can you decock it safely? If you decock it, is the hammer exposed to cock?<<

Ok, the older model AMT B/U (see below) is single action only. It is "striker fired", and therefore has no hammer as such. Nor does it have a de-cocker, so once you've chambered a round the only way to make it safe is to engage the safety. In order to clear it at that point (without firing it) you would have to first remove the magazine, then rack the slide, thus ejecting the chambered round. I hope this answers your question.

 

[TennJed]

Thanks. I haven't seen it in person yet. The model I am looking at is a "D" serial number. I don't know if anyone knows if that is a II or not. I know they have mixes reviews, but "supposedly" this is not picky on ammo and the safeties function as they are supposed to.

If anyone can shed any light on the"D"
Serial numbers I would greatly appreciate it. Also is the Backup considered drop safe?

Thanks

 

[ku4hx]

How old is old? The one I bought NIB circa 1992 has a hammer and is DAO. Not the best exploded diagram, but #4 is the hammer and #7 is the firing pin.

 

[sarge83]

I have one that has the clear plastic grips so you can see how many rounds you have left. Goes bang every time but kicks the crap out of you and carries like a boat anchor compared to other .380's that are out there now.

 

[firesky101]

>>Are the older model AMT Backup 380s (not the DAO version) DA/SA or is it single action only. I al talking about the one with the grip safety and thumb safety. If it is not double action on the first pull can you decock it safely? If you decock it, is the hammer exposed to cock?<<

Ok, the older model AMT B/U (see below) is single action only. It is "striker fired", and therefore has no hammer as such. Nor does it have a de-cocker, so once you've chambered a round the only way to make it safe is to engage the safety. In order to clear it at that point (without firing it) you would have to first remove the magazine, then rack the slide, thus ejecting the chambered round. I hope this answers your question.

The single action backup .380 is hammer fired. If you want a real headache take it apart and you will find the hammer. I am making a custom hammer for my dads backup right now as there were two generations, and I could not find the 2nd gen hammer anywhere. BTW the hammer is cast and junk. We like the little gun, but once i get it fixed he is going to sell it (wisely).

 

[wally]

Yup the AMT Backups are hammer fired. The original SA .380 has the hammer hidden inside the slide.

They filled a role in their day, they are heavy compared to the current crop of little .380 and even some 9mm pistols, which is helpful when shooting but not so great for a gun that might be carried a lot and only shot a little.

Reliability has always been spotty with AMT, so I'd strongly suggest some test firing before buying if possible.

 

[45bthompson]

I have one. It's heavy but also heavy duty due to being made of ss. I like it. It works every time. They are kind of a pain to take down though. You have to knock a drift pin out to remove the slide. I would not bet on it that they are "drop safe" but the grip safety prolly would prevent it from firing. Thankfully I've never dropped a firearm. I have seen it happen plenty of times. Usually followed by a few angry NCO'S like me yelling DROP WITH IT!