DIY Gunsmithing Upgrade: AMT Backup

Published on December 11, 2025
Duration: 14:12

This guide details a gunsmithing project to upgrade an AMT .380 Backup pistol. Led by Roy Huntington and Brent T. Wheat, the process involves de-burring sharp edges for pocket carry comfort, bead blasting for a matte finish, and installing a functional XS Big Dot front sight via a milled dovetail. The barrel is also crowned for potential accuracy improvements, resulting in a more comfortable and shootable pocket pistol.

Quick Summary

This gunsmithing guide upgrades an AMT Backup .380 ACP by de-burring sharp edges for pocket carry comfort and milling a dovetail to install an XS Big Dot front sight. An 11-degree barrel crown is also applied to potentially enhance accuracy, making the pistol more practical and shootable.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Project Intro: AMT Backup Upgrade
  2. 02:00De-burring Sharp Edges
  3. 03:47Bead Blasting the Slide
  4. 04:46Choosing XS Big Dot Sights
  5. 05:46Milling Dovetail for Sights
  6. 08:30Installing New Sights
  7. 09:57Barrel Crowning for Accuracy
  8. 10:39Final Project Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main goals of upgrading an AMT Backup .380 ACP pistol?

The primary goals are to de-burr sharp edges for improved pocket carry comfort and to install functional sights, as the original sights are minimal, enhancing the pistol's overall shootability and handling.

How are new sights installed on an AMT Backup?

A dovetail must be milled into the front of the slide using a milling machine. An aftermarket sight, like the XS Big Dot, is then fitted into this dovetail and secured, often with JB Weld due to the slide's contour.

What gunsmithing techniques are used in this AMT Backup upgrade?

The process involves de-burring sharp edges with grinders and polishing wheels, bead blasting for a matte finish, milling a dovetail for sight installation, and performing an 11-degree target crown on the barrel.

Why is barrel crowning important for a firearm?

Barrel crowning, particularly an 11-degree target crown, helps ensure a consistent release of the bullet from the muzzle. This can lead to improved ballistic consistency and potentially greater accuracy.

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from GUNS and American Handgunner Magazines

View all →