Amt Hardballer

Some are worth buying and some people have had problems. I bought one new from Levers 15 or 20 years ago and had a barrel problem that could have been a reloading mistake on my part,I put a colt barrel in it and it is still going strong. Other people have had problems with pin holes in the castings and in the very early ones the slide rails could develope galling if there wasn't enough of the right kind of lube( I used a gun grease made for stainless steel I believe by RIG). Get it ,if it is a good price and you get to try it,but it can be a crap shoot. Most or all colt or 1911 after market parts fit. I was happy with mine and I am looking at getting an AMT LONGSLIDE, but I have 4 1911 style guns and don't know if I should. There are so many other things I would like to get.
 
I have one. I read in a book once that it was considered one of the top stainless steel copies of the 1911. I've shot the crap out of mine. I've upgraded parts and shot some more. I find it is a really good solid gunand if you want to upgrade it from stock it will handle that too. Without seeing it I can't tell you to buy it or not. Basically if it dosen't rattle when you shake it, buy it and get a big box of bullets. 45s are fun you'll like it.
Dave
 
Its interesting that Bearman had a problem with his barrel.

I bought a used Hardballer back in '88 from a S&W smith I knew. Long story short, several years later and only a bout 300 rounds on a new slide I noticed that 2.5" down the pipe was a flaked oval spot that looked like it had been welded (which it wasn't). A different smith thought that it may have been an original flaw. I traded it to a gun store after telling them the whole tale for another gun as the owner was looking for a .45 receiver.

Still, I've always wanted a longslide and probably would give one a try again. Might have been just a Friday-Monday gun.
 
I have had a real bad experience with my Hardballer and ended up getting rid of it.

My hardballer just didn't work dispite warranty work from AMT (it didn't even work with Hardball ammo!!!. There's irony for you). The dimensions were also off slightly so that even good mags didn't fit in the mag-well. Anyhow after that I did pay attention to articles etc on the Hardballer and I know this is substandard.

It was my first 1911 and first pistol and I didn't know better. I actually was going for another 'good' 1911 but was talked into the Hardballer by the sales guy. Needless to say, this store is out of business.

Anyhow, this is my experience and I would NOT recommend an AMT anything. In my mind and personal opinion, AMT stands for "American Machined Trash". Yes, I know, there are people with good experiences with it, but you can take your chance or shell out a bit extra for peace of mind.

Sincerely,
on-ca

ES175 said:
Is anyone familiar with a 1911 45ACP called the AMT Hardballer? Is it worth buying?
 
Max Owner said:
A shop in London has/had one for $500. Was thinking about it for awhile.

I'd probably spring for one for $500... hard to find any 1911 for less these days... unless it's a Norc...
 
Back
Top Bottom