
High Standard AMT BackUp
Bottomline
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense backup gun or a deeply concealable option, this little beast can deliver.

Regarding compact concealed carry options, the High Standard AMT BackUp will either save the day or make things… interesting. As an experienced shooter, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with pistols promising to be the ultimate pocket powerhouse, and let me tell you, the AMT BackUp has some quirks worth unpacking. Let’s dive in and see if this pint-sized puncher is worth the ride.
Table of Contents
Bottomline
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense backup gun or a deeply concealable option, this little beast can deliver.
Pros
- Compact design
- Light SA trigger (4.5 lbs)
- Affordable
- Fiberglass checkered grips
- Locking barrel action
- Stainless steel construction
- Wide variety of calibers
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Heavy for a pocket pistol
- Significant felt recoil
High Standard AMT BackUp Specs
Caliber | Capacity | BBL | OAL | Width | Height | Weight |
.45 ACP, .40 SW, .400 Corbon | 5+1 | 3″ | 5.75″ | 1″ | 4.0625″ | 25 oz. |
.38 Super, 9mm | 6+1 | 3″ | 5.75″ | 1″ | 4.0625″ | 23 oz. |
Key Features of the High Standard AMT BackUp
Caliber Variety
Compact pistols don’t usually venture into the big leagues of caliber options, but the AMT BackUp isn’t your average pocket rocket. This little beast lets you play with serious firepower, offering calibers like .380 ACP, .45 ACP, and .40 S&W, just to name a few. Whether you’re after some subtle self-defense or something with a bit more bite, the BackUp’s got you covered. It’s not just a sidearm; it’s a versatile choice for any occasion or mood.
Compact Design
When it comes to staying discreet, the AMT BackUp is a pro. Its slim build and tiny 3-inch barrel make it a perfect candidate for deep concealment, easily vanishing into your pocket or ankle holster. Need a reliable backup for your primary carry? The BackUp lives up to its name, offering practicality without screaming, “I’m packing heat.”
Construction

Built to take on whatever you throw at it, the AMT BackUp boasts a stainless steel frame and slide that can endure some serious wear and tear. While this makes it impressively durable for such a small pistol, the tradeoff is its slightly hefty feel compared to other compact options. It’s rugged, reliable, and built like a tank, but you’ll feel it when you carry.
Trigger
Let’s talk triggers. The AMT BackUp features a double-action-only (DAO) trigger that means business if the business involves a 15-pound pull. Yep, it’s on the heavier side, which might not win it any points for being user-friendly. Still, with some practice, it’s manageable. Just don’t expect it to be a joyride.
How It Shoots
Shooting the AMT BackUp is a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s dependable and goes bang every time. On the other, that heavy trigger and small size make it a challenge to shoot accurately under stress. For up-close-and-personal scenarios, it works, but don’t expect to win any shooting competitions with it.
Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews
Final Thoughts
The High Standard AMT BackUp is rugged, always there when you need it, but not exactly built for comfort or finesse. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense backup gun or a deeply concealable option, this little beast can deliver. However, if you’re all about smooth triggers and pinpoint accuracy, it might leave you wanting more.
For me, the AMT BackUp is more of a nostalgia piece. It’s a reminder of when compact guns were built like mini tanks. It’s not perfect, but it has a charm that modern polymer guns just can’t replicate. Would I carry it every day? Probably not. But as a backup or range novelty? Absolutely.
What’s your take on the AMT BackUp? Is it a reliable partner in your arsenal or just a fun piece to talk about? Let’s hear it in the comments!
High Standard AMT BackUp (.45 ACP) Score Card
Ergonomics | Grip is too small for large hands. | 2.58 |
Trigger | Heavy DAO trigger. | 3.5 |
Accuracy | Good accuracy. | 4 |
Quality | Solid stainless steel build for the win. | 4 |
Value | Budget-friendly. | 2.38 |
Overall | If you’re looking for a no-nonsense backup gun or a deeply concealable option, this little beast can deliver. | 3.29 |
I have an amt 45 backup DAO and found it to be the best gun I’ve ever owned along with the amt 380 backup SS. These guns are durable and extremely easy to take down for cleaning. I can’t say enough about the stainless steel that they’re totally made of. I wouldn’t own anyother gun than these. They kept me alive when two guys tried to rob me in a store parking lot. One guy had a knife pulled the other stood behind me. I came out of that situation the winner.
HI 38SUPER BACKUP SINCE WHICH YEAR PRECISION THX
Just got one of the new Hi Standard Backup’s in 40 S&W what a great improvement from the old AMT backup’s, current carry gun is a Kahr PM40 so this will nice as a back up in the same caliber. Surprisingly it doesn’t recoil anything like I thought it would, while not a target gun it will get the job done. Did the little trick of rubber cementing in a piece of string trimmer line in the front sight channel, big improvement.
Looking at a 40 cal. Is High Standard using a new slide stamped AMT – Houston, Texas, or using the old AMT logo slide? Also, is there any printing on the right hand side? Not sure if it’s a new gun or an older gun with a new slide. It’s in an older AMT cardboard box, not a newer plastic one. Thanks. Jim
Have 3 of these guns in 45 ACP Two paired for carry in left and right hand holsters, and a third in a versacarry rig. Luv ’em! They are the AMT guns, NOT the new Hi Standard, but they all function just fine. Trick with these guns is that you simply CAN NOT LIMP WRIST THEM! Do your job of providing a firm wrist, and the guns will do theirs.
WOULD LOVE TO GET ANOTHER ONE BUT A LITTLE TO PRICY
I would like to purchase one AMT in a 45ACP. Can you send information to me.
Thank you,
Judy