AMT Hardballer

[Bruised]

 Hi, this is my first post in the pistol forum. I have what is supposed to be very early production, 1000 sn range, AMT Hardballer 45acp.
can anyone give me any info about this pistol? All others that I've seen have rubber wrap-around grips, mine are wood. Years ago I was told by an "expert" that early AMT's had barrel cracking issues. Any info on the safety and possible value of this pistol would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Bruised

[Mikey]

Bruised:  I'm not so certain about the value of your Hardballer, only because they are not in high demand and not too many folks have had kind things to say about them.  I'm sure that someone might know of possible collector value or collector associations that could help.  Some say they work well and those folks love them - others have found problems with jamming and galling of the softer stainless steel used when those pistols were made. 

I have not heard about cracked barrels in those pistols but possibly some AMT owners have.  A cracked barrel is a danger and your pistol should be checked by a gunsmith to assure its safety.   The pistol is not safe if it jams up and doesn't run right. 

If you have not had any shooting experience with this pistol I would first have it checked by a gunsmith and if safe, shoot it, trade it or make it a safe queen.  JMTCW.  Mikey.

[Questor]

Try looking at gunsamerica.com, gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com. I took a quick peek and saw values from $510 to $600.

[Bruised]

 Thank you for the info. I have shot the gun, less than 100 rds, with no malfunctions. It's been in the safe for 15 years with out being used so I thought it was time to shoot it or sell it. My current interest is focused on black powder cartidge rifles, so pistols don't
see much use.
Thanks,
Bruised

[44 Man]

My friend, Mike, has had one for over 30 years with zero problems.  There was some early feedback about the barrels originally being 'two piece' with the lower part welded on.  Lot's of static about if that 'might' be less strong or prone to breakage.  I have never heard of either happening!  It was a non issue.  Something that someone wondered about that became a rumor, then a supposed 'fact'.  Take that gun out and shoot it and enjoy it!  Those are very nice guns.  44 Man

[darrell8937]

I actualy own one and am happy so far, I paid 400.00 and it has no jamming issues with hardball. I will not shoot hollow points. I have heard nothing about cracked barrells, and I have read a lot on them. I use some anti galling compound designed for stainless piping in the food industry. and it is reliable. This was the first manafacture to use stainless and have heard that if shot a lot galling can be a problem. all parts are 1911 parts except for the trigger, so I have been told. There are many opinions out there. Make sure it is safe to shoot, just like any other, lightly lube it and tr it out. You opinion is all that really counts anyways.

[Gavinator]

 Lubriplate.

[RangeMasterTX]

I bought my hardballer in 99 for 350 and loved it. it would shoot minute of golf ball at 25 yards all day long with cast bullets or +P GDHP if I did my part. It was my truck gun untill christmas when someone needed it and my stereo worse than I did.  If I ever run across another one I won't hesitate to grab it if the price is right.

[wdelack]

Here is a Hardballer....


http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=15231

[WILDCATT]

I have AMT hardballer.mine was 2nd hand.$200 and I had trouble with stove pipeing.removed extracter and reversed it bent it and placed it back perfect gun now.my 2nd is long slide AMT with gov frame.it will keep in 10 ring at 50 ft.both are Covina CA. guns.load is 200gr swc + 3.6 gr 700x.when the price is right I don't mind doing a little work.there no longer made as Galina?bought the company.