AMT Backup (single action) vs Smith & Wesson sw380

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harsan_ronyo

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May 17, 2007
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I'm looking to purchase my concealed carry weapon and I've looked at a number of places around town, but on my pay I've found myself lacking in the ability to buy a more expensive weapon. I've come across a place that has an AMT backup, single action .380 autoloader and a sw380, both are priced at about $250.

I need a very small gun due to the nature of my job and the social environment I exist in, otherwise I would consider carrying my CZ-52 or my S&W .38S&W topbreak revolver, but any printing/flashing/hard spots on my person would generate a number of negative responses from friends and coworkers.

This in mind I propose 4 questions to the wealth of experience that lies in this forum.

1. Which of the two is the lesser of these two tiny evils? AMT Backup .380 Single Action or sw380?

2. Is it possible to purchase a pistol in that "mousegun" size range that is of better quality and usability for under the $300 mark? I'm willing to pay more for something much better, but I'm also on a strict budget. After the gun there's still $200+ that it costs to get the carry permit.

3. What is the market value in Houston for these weapons? Am I paying too much?

4. What would be the most discreet method of carry?

Please no rants about how horrible these guns I'm looking at are, I already know all the bad things people are saying about them. I'm looking at the best of the not-so-best (at least I'm not looking at only being able to afford a Jennings) until I can afford something better...unless I'm paying way over market value, in which case I really do need to know that.
 
Welcome to THR.

From my experience(s) with the .380 SA, stay even further away from AMT .380. For budget mentioned, I'd come closer to taking risk with a Kel-Tec. Or better yet, save for a while longer and break in a Kahr ...

Regarding "deep cover" carry, there are old threads here and one going now at www.texaschlforum.com about "smart carry" holsters. I personally prefer ankle rigs ...
 
$250 is on the high end for the AMT. My mom's was unreliable until I put a new set of springs in it (under $25 shipped), and it's been good since.

There's a gun show in town this weekend, you might be able to find a Makarov there in your price range. Maybe you'll find something else you like.

You'd have more luck with a Taurus revolver, but if you want an auto you want an auto.
 
I'm getting the impression I might ought want get a P3AT....

ARTiger, many thanks for the suggestion, and I've been to Bud's Gun shop online, they have a P3AT for roughly the same price of the sw380/AMT Backup, but they have the P3AT listed as factory new! Boy, am I glad I didn't make this mistake. CDNN, on the other hand, can't find them. Do you have a link?
 
Get a Kel Tec either 380 or 32 Run from first 2. If you can carry a larger gun get a Bersa CC Its a good pistol also. Its lighter and slighty smaller than Bersa Thunder.
 
Another vote for Kel-Tec

I have had a number of AMTs I prefer the single action and contrary to what everyone else says I never had one that wouldn't shoot. On the other hand, by todays standards it is a boat anchor. I would choose the Kel-Tec in either the p-32 or the 3AT, this is based on price, size, weight and functionality. As other members have posted the plastic frame Kahr is a dandy too, but pricey. One other option is the new Kel-Tec 9mm. A close friend picked his up for about $320 here in Oklahoma City and I eagerley await his testing.
 
Get A Bersa 844 Lusper

I have the same problem with some Liberal friends and co-workers who would dump in their pants if they even thought a gun was close to them. I bought a .32 acp Bersa Model 844 "Lusber." This is a thin, all-steel, single-action .32 that holds 8 in the mag and one in the tube. It's a damned nice gun and works well as a CCW piece. They didn't make too many of them, but you can find them on some of the auction websites (Auction Arms). The "Lusbers" were made for South American cops to carry, but most sat in cosmoline and were never issued. If you are lucky enough to find one, snatch it up and don't think twice about it.
 
I have the SA AMT .380. Mine does go bang every time, but it is heavy and a real hand pounding handgun. I would pass.

Don't know anything about the S&W.

I would go with a kel-tec.
 
Get a P3AT
Click to expand...

+1, if you're going to get a little .380 go with something really small, light, and concealable. I've had my P3AT for several years and it goes with me when nothing else will fit.

That being said, if you're interested in the AMT Backup, find yourself a good one in a more powerful caliber. I have a DAO in .38 Super, it functions perfectly and is a great car gun or for "up close and personal" business.
 
What they said. My little AMT works fine with loads that push the upper limits, but it's downright painful to shoot. I'd actually rather fire the AMT DAO .45!

Never had anything to do with any other .380s except for a few cheapies that I picked up and quickly fed into the nearest pawn shop. Considering a Makarov, but not seeking one.

Good luck on your search.
 
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