.44 Auto Mag Project - Pt. 1

Published on October 26, 2016
Duration: 6:19

This video details the acquisition of a rare, original .44 Auto Mag pistol manufactured by Automag Corporation in Pasadena, California. The presenter, a long-time enthusiast, plans to undertake a project to restore and make the firearm operational, focusing on the significant challenge of manufacturing custom ammunition due to the scarcity and cost of factory loads. The project will involve sourcing components and developing safe handload data.

Quick Summary

The .44 Auto Mag is a rare semi-automatic pistol from Automag Corporation in Pasadena, CA, with fewer than 3,000 made. Operating it today is challenging due to scarce and expensive ammunition. Reloading is an option, using .44 Magnum bullets, but requires developing custom load data due to a lack of published information.

Chapters

  1. 00:14Introducing the Original .44 Auto Mag
  2. 00:26Target Audience for the .44 Auto Mag
  3. 00:37Rarity and History of the .44 Auto Mag
  4. 01:02Automag Corporation Pasadena Origin
  5. 01:13First Half Production Lot
  6. 01:19Decades-Long Fascination
  7. 01:33Cosmetic Condition Assessment
  8. 01:46Mechanical Soundness Assessment
  9. 01:52The .44 Auto Mag Project Begins
  10. 01:54Reason for Not Firing Yet
  11. 02:00Ammunition Scarcity
  12. 02:18Plan to Manufacture Own Ammo
  13. 02:23Ammunition Component Sourcing
  14. 02:37Bullet Compatibility with .44 Magnum
  15. 02:44Lack of Load Data Challenge
  16. 02:53Developing Initial Loads
  17. 03:03Volunteer to Fire First Shot
  18. 03:09Included Magazines
  19. 03:16Missing Original Case
  20. 03:21Magazine Damage and Repair
  21. 03:30Overall Condition Recap
  22. 03:39Bolt and Chamber Inspection
  23. 03:44Barrel Condition
  24. 03:50Mechanical Inspection Summary
  25. 03:56Owner Tendencies with Rare Firearms
  26. 04:04The New Project Gun
  27. 04:16The Original .44 Auto Mag
  28. 04:22Stay Tuned for More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the .44 Auto Mag and why is it significant?

The .44 Auto Mag is a rare semi-automatic pistol originally manufactured by Automag Corporation in Pasadena, California. It's significant due to its limited production numbers, estimated at less than three thousand units, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.

What are the main challenges in operating a .44 Auto Mag today?

The primary challenge is the extreme scarcity and prohibitive cost of ammunition. Factory loads are very difficult to find and can cost upwards of $300 for a box of 50 rounds, leading many owners to consider manufacturing their own.

Can you reload for the .44 Auto Mag?

Yes, reloading is a viable option. The bullets used are compatible with .44 Magnum, which are readily available. However, a significant hurdle is the lack of published load data, requiring careful development of safe handloads.

What is the typical condition of original .44 Auto Mag pistols?

While mechanically sound examples can still be found, many original .44 Auto Mag pistols show cosmetic wear, indicating they may not have been consistently well-cared for over the years. However, internal components like the bolt and chamber are often in good condition.

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