@georgeclark And I guess I would respond by saying who the hell is George Clark to tell anyone anything, let alone decide what are "pot shots" and what anyone else should say. This forum is for a Auto Mag fans, not just people waiting for their cashed check to pay off. Your post is exactly what I was referring to in mine above. No sour grapes here, I have lost no money, but maybe before you start dictating to others you might look at your own bullying behavior. I will buy my next Auto Mag when I actually put my hands on on it first, and I can take it home with me when my credit card is charged, and not before! Your 2 1/2 loss is not my problem so dont take it out on me, as it is your post that is not helpful. Thanks for NOT replying to me if all you intend to do is act like an armchair internet thug, as I'll be too busy actually shooting my Auto Mags!
@georgeclark Hey George, Im pretty sure we are done shipping with the ravens. We may have one more in the back that needs some work on it before it is shipped but shipments have been 8.5s and 6.5s. I worked on the physical files over the weekend because they were completely out of order. Because we do not have the production software I need to create an up to date backorder list so it is a whole lot more works rather than a few key strokes. Yesterday I matched up the physical files with the corresponding information on the excel sheets that I have to make sure we have a file. Today I should I am doing a sort to take out refunds and already shipped guns. I’m working hard to get the list out to you as quickly as possible.
Too often what gets lost in the drama that surrounds situations like that which has surrounded the Auto Mag from 1970 on, is that at the core of these situations are hard working and dedicated employees. We also too often forget that they also suffer the anger of many disgruntled customers in these matters.Thank you for all your hard work, Bob!
Regardless of whats happening, no one should be taking it out on the employees that are just trying to do their jobs and working hard to make everything work. Applaud them for sticking with a company suffering any problems.
We see so little loyalty from employers these days, its no winder we are now seeing it from the employees these days. So its quite encouraging and refreshing to see a dedicated employee working hard to keep the machine running.
The above quoted post is a perfect example of something that cost the author nothing, but can buy priceless support for everyone still waiting for their Auto Mag.
@packhawk I've seen what happens to individuals who air out dirty laundry amongst this company, so I am going to politely refrain from discussing my identity at all. What I can tell you is that I've had a front row seat to observe Automag's dealings with relation to the "butting of heads" following the investor group getting involved. I'm not a troll, and not here to cause trouble, I just firmly believe those who purchased this gun and exist in it's orbit are owed the actual facts of the situation.
The interesting bit about all of this is there are a little over 2 dozen investors who privately contributed to Automag's revival, and now all of the sudden, on the heels of this TRO hearing, Patrick is not only able to build guns, but rushing them out the door. We were at an absolute stalemate for the better part of a year getting guns built, let alone shipped for reasons unknown. That is to say, it's interesting how Patrick can now do this expeditiously having burned through the totality of said investor's capital. Millions of dollars vanished into thin air, with absolutely no plan or roadmap for how to pay them back. No capital for production, R&D, Marketing, anything. But suddenly, guns are being built and shipped based on the chatter in this forum and beyond.
All in all, it's a net positive and massive win for the customers, which I am grateful for. However, there is an entire layer to this saga that you all have been shielded from as it would destroy the going narrative. The truth will eventually be revealed, but in the meantime, I am elated to hear so many of you are receiving what you paid for.
I may seem like an adversary for trying to correct the record, but I am indeed a friend and maintain all of your collective interests.
Understand.
Thank you for your responses. I appreciate it.
I received my Automag last week. I was #11 on the list. I hope everyone above me received theirs. I got a chance to fire a few rounds today, despite the weather. My initial big test load was 19.0 gr 296, Lyman 429421, 250 gr cast, sized @ .431, in cut down .308 cases, 1.680 OAL. The fired cases ejected about 3 feet. The gun is beautifully finished, with a 4 lb trigger pull. My biggest complaint, is the bolt is almost impossible to cycle. I got blood all over the gun, from the rear sight tearing up my hand. I had to get a padded glove, and even then it was quite difficult. For safety reasons, I put an empty magazine in the gun before attempting to retract the bolt. This way the bolt locks back on it's own. I then load the magazine, insert, and release the bolt. I prefer the slingshot method. I was uncomfortable trying to charge the gun initially with a loaded magazine, fearing an accidental discharge, with the muzzle potentially pointed at the lower extremities. I conveyed this concern to Rob, and he was going to get me a cocking assist tool. Also he stated there is a video out there, on tips for operating the bolt, he would supply me a link to. I thought one of the "improvements" was reduction of cocking effort. My old TDE Automag was much easier to cock.
Maybe filing down or rounding the corners of the rear sight might help with the cuts from charging the Auto Mag?
I tear up my hands on the rear sight also.
Has anyone done this to their rear sight blade?
Curious how you guys are holding your gun to get caught up on the rear sight? Its close for me, but not close enough to have ever had the sight scratch me.I received my Automag last week. I was #11 on the list. I hope everyone above me received theirs. I got a chance to fire a few rounds today, despite the weather. My initial big test load was 19.0 gr 296, Lyman 429421, 250 gr cast, sized @ .431, in cut down .308 cases, 1.680 OAL. The fired cases ejected about 3 feet. The gun is beautifully finished, with a 4 lb trigger pull. My biggest complaint, is the bolt is almost impossible to cycle. I got blood all over the gun, from the rear sight tearing up my hand. I had to get a padded glove, and even then it was quite difficult. For safety reasons, I put an empty magazine in the gun before attempting to retract the bolt. This way the bolt locks back on it's own. I then load the magazine, insert, and release the bolt. I prefer the slingshot method. I was uncomfortable trying to charge the gun initially with a loaded magazine, fearing an accidental discharge, with the muzzle potentially pointed at the lower extremities. I conveyed this concern to Rob, and he was going to get me a cocking assist tool. Also he stated there is a video out there, on tips for operating the bolt, he would supply me a link to. I thought one of the "improvements" was reduction of cocking effort. My old TDE Automag was much easier to cock.
Maybe filing down or rounding the corners of the rear sight might help with the cuts from charging the Auto Mag?
I tear up my hands on the rear sight also.
Has anyone done this to their rear sight blade?
I just pulled out a standard 6 1/2 VR Pasadena and then one of my 8 1/2 VR guns and checked. I pulled the 8 1/2 as it has a different sight (Millett) I had no problem with either, but I will say the Millett is a smaller sight so it was not even close.
Most people would not like the Millett sight, but its what I asked for when I had this barrel made. its the same sight as the Baby Auto Mag uses.
I know the new guns have different sights than the originals, is it bigger or different enough to be the cause.
Wondering if you have shot an original and had the same problem or its a unique issue with the new guns/sights???
I, too, struggle to see how somebody can be cutting up their hands on the rear sight while cocking the gun, unless they are reaching over the top and trying to hold the cocking piece like the cool kids hold their slides when slingshotting their Glocks? Left thumb on the left side, fingers on the right side, hand over the barrel extension? That seems hopeless, but a great way to tear up your hand. Occasionally I have tried this technique when attempting to lock the bolt back without a magazine, which requires pushing up on the bolt hold-open with the right thumb while drawing the bolt back with the left hand. It’s always a struggle and it’s far easier to just use an empty magazine to accomplish the same thing.
My normal technique is to hold the gun in my right hand, and pinch the cocking piece with my left thumb and forefinger, with my thumb on the right side of the cocking piece. I’m too much of a weakling to be able to pull the cocking piece back; instead I hold it firm and then punch the frame away from me with my right hand, like the manual says. When doing so, no part of my left hand comes anywhere near the rear sight?
Maybe we are missing something. A picture of how that are grasping the gun could help. Until then I just cant quite visualize it. Not a good way to start out with an expensive new gun,,, But I suppose if a set of shooting gloves fixes it, thats not too bad. I just wish I could see whats happening.I, too, struggle to see how somebody can be cutting up their hands on the rear sight while cocking the gun, unless they are reaching over the top and trying to hold the cocking piece like the cool kids hold their slides when slingshotting their Glocks? Left thumb on the left side, fingers on the right side, hand over the barrel extension? That seems hopeless, but a great way to tear up your hand. Occasionally I have tried this technique when attempting to lock the bolt back without a magazine, which requires pushing up on the bolt hold-open with the right thumb while drawing the bolt back with the left hand. It’s always a struggle and it’s far easier to just use an empty magazine to accomplish the same thing.
My normal technique is to hold the gun in my right hand, and pinch the cocking piece with my left thumb and forefinger, with my thumb on the right side of the cocking piece. I’m too much of a weakling to be able to pull the cocking piece back; instead I hold it firm and then punch the frame away from me with my right hand, like the manual says. When doing so, no part of my left hand comes anywhere near the rear sight?
I have an FE and when I pull the slide back I use a small peace of the rubber mat that is used in a tool box to keep the tools from sliding. Then I push the muzzle down on a soft surface to unlock the bolt and pull. With the cocked hammer
I works for me I am 84 and don't have lot of power anymore
I, like Mr. Griffin, am getting up there in age and pushing 75 years. I have lost much of my strength, at least 50% of my grip strength, and suffer from stiff and arthritic shoulders and wrists and shooting AMP’s is not as much fun as it was 25 years ago. The cocking tool that Auto Mag sells works well but is a little clumsy to use. I have used Mr. Griffin's method that utilizes the accelerator as an aid to cocking also.
I own more than several Lee Jurras and Kent Lomont Custom guns and have found these to be much easier to cock and shoot. Both of these men did extensive work to their AMP’s before they even tried to shoot them.
Here is a link to Ian Ballard’s information page which everyone should research.
Click on the tabs along the top of the page to access the information.
-Click on publications and then click on Lee Jurras. Click on his newsletter Vol 1-#4
There is an article on smoothing up the actions on AMP’s. In addition to what he writes about you should also polish the sides of the bolt slot that the bolt rotation pin rides in and remove any sharp edges that are on the slot. Additionally you should polish the recoil spring guide rods and check to see if the inside of the recoil spring tubes could use a little polishing.
Click on Vol 2-#11
There is an article on how to smooth up your magazines
Click on Vol 2-#12
Here is an article on proper lubrication
Click on Custom Tune-up- June 1975
Here is a list of what Lee considered important when tuning up your AMP.
I have found the smoothing up the bolt lugs and the locking lugs in the barrel extension helps the most.
Remember, you are just removing sharp edges and not removing any other material. Don’t get crazy with a Dremel and a stone, you are just polishing.
Kent Lomont has had some articles on “tuning AMP’s” but I will have to keep looking to find them.
Good luck.
I have only cut my hand while trying to pull the the bolt back without using the Auto Mag cocking tool and my grip wasn't strong enough and it slipped and my hand caught the sight. My grip in my left hand is not good at the moment due to arthritis and a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder. To overcome my lack of grip strength, I would sometimes grip the cocking piece higher to pinch it better and get some more leverage and that is when I scrape the front sight pulling it back. I usually use the cocking tool with an empty mag inserted to lock the bolt back, then I load in a full mag and then proceed to shoot. After shoulder surgery next week and rehab, I should be able to get some strength back in my arm and hand. But that front sight does have some sharp corners on it.
My 2 Auto Mags that I received last year are the first ones that I have ever actually seen up close or handled. I saw one in a sporting goods store in Pasadena back in 1982 but, as a dirt poor and starving college student, I couldn't afford the $700.00 price tag for it.
I'll check out Ian Ballard's page.
Thanks everyone for the advice!
Merry Christmas too!
@robautomag , how is that list coming ? Anxious for current intel … thanks so much !
@hutch38 I was working on it yesterday, however when I was locking up found a box of parts that may help with production. So I sorted them and the production team is making sure they are in they are in spec. I’m will be back on the back order list today as well as going through unanswered emails sent to sales@Automag and other company accounts.
I have only cut my hand while trying to pull the the bolt back without using the Auto Mag cocking tool and my grip wasn't strong enough and it slipped and my hand caught the sight. My grip in my left hand is not good at the moment due to arthritis and a torn rotator cuff in my left shoulder. To overcome my lack of grip strength, I would sometimes grip the cocking piece higher to pinch it better and get some more leverage and that is when I scrape the front sight pulling it back. I usually use the cocking tool with an empty mag inserted to lock the bolt back, then I load in a full mag and then proceed to shoot. After shoulder surgery next week and rehab, I should be able to get some strength back in my arm and hand. But that front sight does have some sharp corners on it.
My 2 Auto Mags that I received last year are the first ones that I have ever actually seen up close or handled. I saw one in a sporting goods store in Pasadena back in 1982 but, as a dirt poor and starving college student, I couldn't afford the $700.00 price tag for it.
I'll check out Ian Ballard's page.
Thanks everyone for the advice!
Merry Christmas too!
Packhawk - We both have the same physical problems, arthritis and bad shoulders.
I have long thought that the cocking problems were not a problem with the guns but a problem with the age of the shooters and it is looking more like that the more I read.
Perhaps a different design of the cocking piece is in order as an option for the buyer. Here is a pic of what I am shooting the most right now, easy to cock.
