Among the unicorns of handguns, perhaps only the Bren Ten surpasses the .44 Auto Mag in the world of “ Guns that should have made it.” The Auto Mag has a long and storied history, with less than 9,000 total guns produced. It could easily be described as a great idea, poorly executed, with some bad business plans tossed in the mix. It is estimated that the original Auto Mag cost the company $1,000 in losses for each gun that went out the door. The last of the original Auto Mag chambered in .44 AMP was assembled in 1982. In 2015, a new company formed the Auto Mag LTD. Corp. purchased all the rights to the bring it back to the market.
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The original Auto Mag Corporation opened and closed several times between 1973 and 1982, never achieving commercial success. Collectors loved them, and prices skyrocketed. An original MSRP of $217.50 in 1973 jumped to $4,000 on the collectors market, if you could find one. The unique look and power of the handgun made it iconic, if impossible to find in the wild.
Good news. After several years of teasing, the new Auto Mag’s began shipping this month. We caught up with Larry from Excel Arms at SHOT Show to hear the story. Larry was actually on the original Auto Mag team, going to work for the Auto Mag’s inventor, Harry Sanford, in the late 60’s. Auto Mag LTD. Corp. entered an agreement with Excel Arms to manufacture the pistol.
Impressions & Pricing
The new working version is a dream come true for many shooters, as well as Crossman. Excel Arms has been hard at work revamping the design while staying true to the roots. The Auto Mag would never survive another sputtering start, and they know it. They teamed with an ammo producer, and Corbon still sells factory ammo as well, so it can be fed. The new guns aren’t cheap, with an MSRP of $3,499. But they are cool. If you always wanted one, now is your chance.
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To learn more about Auto Mag. LTD., click here.