AMT Hardballer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The AMT Hardballer is a clone of the .45 ACP Colt M1911. It was made by Arcadia Machine and Tool, commonly known as AMT, from 1977. The Hardballer was the first entirely stainless steel 1911. Other features included adjustable rear sights and lengthened grip safety.

A version with an extended 7-inch-long barrel, called the AMT "Longslide", is also available.

The AMT Hardballer is not looked highly upon by gun experts or collectors^{[citation needed]}. Collectors who acquire a Hardballer may, depending on the condition of the slide and frame rails, need to have the rails built up and re-cut. The original finish was also somewhat rough on the rounds (rounded parts of the gun), especially on the frame and lower front of the slide. The flats of the slide were usually polished, but not to a high shine. The front strap was also serrated to improve the grip.

Galling of the stainless steel was a common issue, as lubrication technology at the time of original manufacture of the Hardballers was not good enough to prevent it. Galling occurred due to the alloy used, as well as the fact that the same hardness of alloy was used for the frame and the slide. Usually, different alloys and hardening are used to prevent galling. Modern stainless guns are much less susceptible to galling. Galling is a condition whereby excessive friction between high spots results in localized welding with subsequent splitting and a further roughening of rubbing surfaces of one or both of two mating parts. Early stainless steel alloys suffered from this due to the breakdown of lubricants. Galling can also be prevented by electrolytic nickel plating of the surface. Typically either electrolytic nickel plating the frame rails or slide rails will take care of the problem in virtually all cases.

[edit] Statistics

AMT HARDBALLER

• Chambering: .45 ACP.
• Barrel Length: 5 inches.
• Overall Length: 8.5 inches.
• Weight: 38 oz. / 2.36 lbs. (1.076 kg.).
• Magazine: 7-round single-column box magazine.
• Sights: Fully adjustable Millet rear sight.
• Finish: Stainless steel.
• Furniture: Wrap-around rubber grips.
• Features: Matte serrated slide ribs. Elongated “beavertail” grip safety, loaded chamber indicator, wide adjustable Target Trigger, and beveled magazine well.
• Production:?
• Price: $549.95.

AMT HARDBALLER LONGSLIDE

• Chambering: .45 ACP. .38 Special
• Barrel Length: 7 inches.
• Overall Length: 10.5 inches.
• Weight: 46 oz. / 2.87 lbs. ( 1.306 kg.)
• Magazine: 7-round single-column box magazine.
• Sights: Fully adjustable Millet rear red sight.
• Finish: Stainless steel. Tactical Grip.
• Furniture: Wrap-around rubber grips.
• Features: Matte serrated slide ribs. Elongated “beavertail” grip safety, loaded chamber indicator, wide adjustable Target Trigger, and beveled magazine well.
• Production: ?
• Price: $595.99

Better picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AMT_Long_Slide_Hardballer.jpg