AMT Backup

Published on May 28, 2026
Duration: 2:59

This review covers the AMT Backup, a diminutive .380 ACP pocket pistol designed as a backup for law enforcement. Developed by Harry Sanford of AutoMag fame, it features a stainless steel construction with a separate, pinned breech block. The pistol includes a manual safety and an automatic grip safety, with its lockwork drawing comparisons to the Beretta 34 and Colt 1903. Originally priced affordably, quality reportedly declined towards the end of its production.

Quick Summary

The AMT Backup is a .380 ACP pocket pistol designed as a law enforcement backup, developed by Harry Sanford. It features stainless steel construction, a separate breech block, manual and grip safeties, and a 5-round magazine. While initially affordable, quality reportedly declined towards the end of its production, and clear grips were prone to cracking.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to AMT Backup
  2. 00:06Manufacturer and Design Intent
  3. 00:11Concealment and Purpose
  4. 00:22Developer: Harry Sanford
  5. 00:26Blowback Design and Import Restrictions
  6. 00:36Production Date and Availability
  7. 00:47Magazine Capacity and Release
  8. 00:53Construction: Stainless Steel and Breech Block
  9. 00:65Breech Block Mechanism
  10. 00:71Hardening Process
  11. 00:78Sights and Intended Use
  12. 00:83Safety Features: Manual and Grip Safety
  13. 00:88Lockwork Comparison
  14. 00:93Manual Safety Relocation
  15. 00:98Clear Grips and Their Issues
  16. 01:14Clear Toe and Follower
  17. 01:17Production Markings
  18. 01:23Common Cracking Issues
  19. 01:34Original Price and Popularity
  20. 01:44Quality Decline
  21. 01:48Final Production Location
  22. 01:54Relevance Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMT Backup pistol?

The AMT Backup is a diminutive .380 ACP pocket pistol designed primarily as a backup firearm for law enforcement. It was developed by Harry Sanford of AutoMag fame and features a stainless steel construction with a unique separate breech block.

What are the key design features of the AMT Backup?

The AMT Backup is a blowback-operated pistol with a 5-shot .380 ACP magazine and a heel release. It incorporates a manual safety and an automatic grip safety. Its lockwork is noted to be a hybrid of Beretta 34 and Colt 1903 designs.

What issues are common with the AMT Backup?

Original clear grips and followers on the AMT Backup are prone to cracking. The material at the bottom of the grip can also crack. The video notes that quality reportedly fell towards the end of production.

Who developed the AMT Backup pistol?

The AMT Backup pistol was developed by Harry Sanford, who is also known for his work on the AutoMag pistol. This compact design was practically the opposite of his larger, more iconic firearm.

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