High Standard AMT AutoMag II Review

22 WMRRight Side view

High Standard AMT AutoMag II

Bottomline

The High Standard AMT AutoMag II is perfect for the firearms enthusiast who appreciates unique designs and isn’t afraid of a little extra maintenance.

7 out of 10 rating

The High Standard AMT AutoMag II isn’t just another pistol—it’s a quirky yet innovative piece of firearm history that has its fair share of fans and critics. Designed specifically for the .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire), this semi-automatic handgun made its debut in 1987, thanks to Arcadia Machine and Tool (AMT). While production changed hands over the years—High Standard took over until their closure in 2018—the AutoMag II remains a fascinating pistol with an undeniable cool factor.

If you’re intrigued by stainless steel, unique chamber designs, and the challenge of mastering a firearm with a bit of a learning curve, read on. Let’s dive into what makes the AutoMag II a standout, where it excels, and the quirks you’ll need to work around.

Bottomline

The High Standard AMT AutoMag II is perfect for the firearms enthusiast who appreciates unique designs and isn’t afraid of a little extra maintenance.

Pros

  • Solid build
  • Reasonable price
  • Sleek classix design
  • Barrel length options
  • Slide-mounted thumb safety

Cons

  • Limited capacity
  • Heavy and bulky

High Standard AMT AutoMag II Specs

CaliberCapacityBBLOALWidthWeight
.22 WMR9+16″9.25″1.8125″32 oz.

First Impressions

At first glance, the AutoMag II looks like it belongs in a retro action movie. Its sleek stainless steel finish, combined with the functional cutouts on the slide, gives it a futuristic vibe that screams innovation—at least for its time. It’s a solidly built handgun, weighing in at around 32 ounces, which is hefty for a .22-caliber pistol. But that weight is reassuring, offering a sturdy feel in the hand.

The ribbed polymer grip panels? Not the grippiest, but they complement the overall design well. With barrel lengths ranging from a compact 3.4 inches to a full 6 inches, there’s a model for every shooter’s preference. Whether you’re a fan of plinking at the range or hunting small game, the AutoMag II has a certain charm that’s hard to ignore.

High Standard AMT AutoMag II Key Features

This pistol is packed with features that set it apart, even decades after its debut. Here’s what stands out:

  • Caliber: Chambered in .22 WMR, it was one of the first semi-autos designed specifically for this powerful rimfire cartridge. That alone gives it a unique edge in a world dominated by .22 LR pistols.
  • Stainless Steel Construction: Rust-resistant and durable, the AutoMag II was built to last—though it might need a little TLC along the way.
  • Chamber Design: The standout feature is the 18 holes drilled into the chamber. These relieve pressure during firing, a clever solution to prevent case sticking, which is a common issue with .22 Magnum in semi-autos.
  • Barrel Length Options: Available in 6-inch, 4.5-inch, and compact 3.4-inch versions, there’s a model to suit every shooter’s needs, whether it’s accuracy at the range or easy carry in the field.
  • Single Action Operation: The AutoMag II is single-action only with an external hammer and a slide-mounted thumb safety—classic features that contribute to its simplicity.

Is It Fun to Shoot?

High Standard AMT AutoMag II 22 WMRLeft side view

Absolutely—when it works as intended. The .22 Magnum cartridge delivers a satisfying punch compared to its smaller .22 LR cousin, and the AutoMag II’s weight helps mitigate recoil. The stainless steel slide and barrel give it a smooth, solid feel during operation, and the unique chamber design adds a layer of intrigue to the shooting experience.

However, the pistol can be a bit temperamental. Its reliability depends on proper maintenance, quality ammunition, and a little bit of luck. If you’re the kind of shooter who enjoys tinkering and fine-tuning, you’ll likely find the AutoMag II rewarding. For those seeking a flawless out-of-the-box experience, it might not be the best choice.

Who Is It For?

The High Standard AMT AutoMag II is perfect for the firearms enthusiast who appreciates unique designs and isn’t afraid of a little extra maintenance. It’s a great conversation piece for collectors, and its .22 Magnum chambering makes it ideal for small game hunting or target shooting.

That said, it’s not a beginner-friendly pistol. The maintenance quirks, reassembly challenges, and potential reliability issues require an experienced hand and a bit of patience.

Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews

Final Thoughts: High Standard AMT AutoMag II

The AMT AutoMag II’s innovative chamber design, stainless steel construction, and .22 Magnum chambering make it a standout firearm with plenty of potential. But its reliability issues and maintenance quirks mean it’s not for everyone.

If you’re willing to put in the time to understand its quirks and handle it with care, the AutoMag II can be a rewarding addition to your collection. It’s not perfect, but its unique features and undeniable charm make it worth considering for the right shooter.

In the end, the AutoMag II is a fun, interesting pistol that’s full of character. Sure, it’s not flawless, but sometimes the quirks are what make a gun truly memorable. If you’re up for the challenge, the AutoMag II might just win you over, one carefully aligned guide rod at a time.

High Standard AMT AutoMag II Score Card

ErgonomicsHefty!1.4
TriggerLight trigger pull.4.475
AccuracyDecent accuracy.4
QualitySolid stainless steel build.4.5
ValueReasonable price.1
OverallFor those who value portability and functionality over extended shooting comfort or customization, the Shooters Arms Titan is a strong contender.3.075
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5 thoughts on “High Standard AMT AutoMag II Review”

  1. I get a load of fun at a reasonable price per round with this unique semi auto 22 magnum pistol. It is accurate and fun too shoot. Although, I do have the original AMT AUTOMAG 2 6″ BARREL

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  2. ONE VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE WITH THIS AMT AUTOMAG 2. YOU MUST KEEP IT CLEAN, WITH PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE RECEIVER

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  3. My AMT automag 22 sucks to say the least, every shot is a jam, who out there can fix this thing once and forall, Had local gun smith try for 6 months and couldn’t fix it, what do I do Now.

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    1. I just picked one of these up myself I spent the past 2 weeks fixing many these problems true speaking about you still have this and hes still not work

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    2. The AMT Automag II was designed to Specifically shoot he Winchester SuperX 22 WMR ammunition. If you use that it wont jam. dont ask me why but it wont.

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