AMT Automag III HAMMER STRUT

Time will tell how it holds up, but I guess that it will be fine for a long time if I don’t pull the trigger with the slide removed. 

I don't know if I have any answers, I think Tony and I would come up with the same or at least similar fix. 

Fine blanked stamp components was the norm for AMT/IAI, especially in the later years. No special materials were used. As Harry would say, "use any material, as long as it's stainless". So, the original strut material is probably the hardest stainless material take still could be fine blank stamped. 

I would probably do exactly what Tony mentioned. I would probably turn a new strut on the lathe, keeping it as thick as possible. Hard as possible, without being brittle. 

It would be nice to convert it to the AM1 strut, cup and double spring design. I don't know off hand if the frame could support those components or modification. 

I would do baby steps, until something works. Keep It Simple Stupid.. 

Eric

Much appreciated, Sir

The information on Hard Stainless and untreated, stamped parts is good to know.  I may be wrong but I don't think this strut was SS? Possibly was a repro part as it was owned once previously. As I said, I no longer have a lathe so wing my way around best as I can anymore.  I have some 4130 Chromoly 'normalized' stock coming just to make a spare.  Current one has been heated enough to straighten the stem and tossed in motor oil.  I believe it should last awhile as I don't shoot all the time like I did before I also left my gun ranges behind with the machine tools.

If I discover there is a problem with the un-heat treated 4130, I'll tinker with hardening it.

Thanks Kindly

One Way,

You may be be right. I'm far from being an expert in the AMT 2, 3, 4 or 5. I'm not an expert of the AM 1, but it'd the way I have way too much time with. Like the original AM, the whole AM series seem to be "mass produced prototypes". Not one is the same.

Either way, I'm glad that your fix it working, so far..

Take care,

Eric

"AMEN" To that Brother..

Even though this AM III .30 Carbine is my most intriguing 'plaything', having now realized this quirk about them I would hesitate in grab it up if my life depended on it.  I am an OLD LawDog and anything that gets tucked under my belt will be something that will ALWAYS work.  This fire-dragon needs a lot of proofing before being employed in that capacity.

Altho this .30 Blowtorch fired in the night at an home invader would probably negate having to actually hit them to make 'em 'beat-feet' ..

Take Care, and Thanks

[For inquiring minds] Incidentally, the sear spring that gets leverage from riding on a molded ring on the right side of the hammer (which drops down when hammer is removed to access the hammer strut) is a bear to re-engage until figuring out how.  After thinking about it awhile I realized it could be done by pulling the sear pin just far enough to allow the spring coil to clear then re-inserting the spring (after the hammer is re-installed) with one leg up over said ring on the hammer and the other against the sear face. Carefully, through the sear hole in the right side of the frame with a small pin punch adjust the spring coil to the center and slide the sear pin back into position.  Whoopie!