AMT Hardballer
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| AMT Hardballer | |
|---|---|
 AMT Hardballer .45 ACP |
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| Type | Pistol |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Arcadia Machine and Tool later Galena Industries |
| Produced | 1977 |
| Variants | Accelerator Commando Government Javelina Longslide Skipper |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 38oz (1.076kg) [1.306kg for Longslide] |
| Length | 8.5 inches (216mm) [267mm for Longslide] |
| Barrel length | 4 in (102 mm) Commando / Skipper 5 in (127mm) Hardballer/Government |
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| Cartridge | .45 ACP 10 mm Auto (Javelina) .40 S&W (Commando) .400 Corbon (Accelerator) |
| Action | Short recoil operation |
| Feed system | Seven-round box magazine Commando 8 rounds |
| Sights | Fully adjustable Millett rear sight fixed sights on Government |
The AMT Hardballer is a clone of the .45 ACP Colt M1911, although some components of the action are not interchangeable with other 1911s. 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. [1]
Contents |
[edit] Variants
[edit] AMT Combat Government
The Hardballer was developed as a sports pistol but in 1978 AMT also marketed the Combat Government, a Hardballer with fixed sights for Police Departments. Since 1985 this model has been called the Government with the term 'Combat' omitted.
[edit] AMT Hardballer Longslide
A version with an extended 7-inch-long barrel, called the AMT Hardballer Longslide, was introduced in 1980. It has the same qualities as the Hardballer but with slide and barrel lengthened 2 inches.
[edit] AMT Skipper
A compact version of the Hardballer was introduced in 1980 and named the AMT Skipper and featured a 4 in (102 mm) barrel. In 1984 the Skipper disappeared from AMT's range.
[edit] AMT Commando
Originally offered by AMT then improved and reintroduced in 2000 (this date in question) under the Galena Industries flag. The original AMT "Commando" was a 5" barreled version and did not have a loaded chamber indicator nor beavertail grip safety. The improved Commando is a compact model of the 5 inch Government with a 4 inch barrel but with the same big frame as the Government. It is chambered in .40 S&W and has an 8-round capacity.
[edit] AMT Accelerator
Basically a Galena-made Longslide chambered for the powerful .400 Corbon-cartridge featuring a 7.0 inch barrel and an elongated beavertail.
[edit] AMT Javelina
An AMT Longslide chambered in 10 mm Auto caliber with an 8-round capacity.
[edit] Miscellaneous
The name Hardballer derives from this pistols reluctance to feed anything but hardball ammunition (full metal jacket bullets). Modification to the feeding ramp will cure this problem.
Galling of the stainless steel was a common issue, as lubrication technology at the time of original manufacture of the Hardballers was not suitable 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] Appearances
[edit] Popular Culture
- The AMT Hardballers are the signature weapons of Agent 47 of the Hitman franchise. His Silverballers are actually enhanced Hardballers with customized grips, slides, and silencers.
[edit] Features
- Finish: Stainless steel.
- Furniture: Wrap-around rubber grips.
- Features: Matte serrated slide ribs. Lengthened grip safety, loaded chamber indicator, wide Target Trigger with adjustable triggerstop, Elongated “beavertail” grip safety on Galena-made models and beveled magazine well.
[edit] References
- ^ Hartink, A.E. (2002). The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers. Edison, New Jersey: Chartwell Books, Inc, 87-88. ISBN 9780785815198.
