My Latest 10mm Conversion -- a true pocket pistol!!!

[flyandscuba]

Here are some pics of my newly converted new-production (High Standard) AMT Backup from .40 S&W to 10mm. I still have to engrave the barrel with the new caliber, but you can see how the Double Tap 135 gr. Nosler JHP fits nicely into the magazine once the spacer has been removed. The fit & finish of these new High Standard-produced Backups are MUCH nicer than the old AMT stuff out of California. They have even added a thin stainless steel plate to the right side under the grip panel that covers the tigger bar linkage that was left exposed when AMT was making these.

It is a hand cannon and not for the recoil sensitive shooter!! The heavy trigger spring helps to retard the slide along with the recoil spring and dampens the recoil effectively. For an "up close and personal" deep concealment pistol, I believe this is the first TRUE pocket pistol in 10mm.

Range reports to follow...

Regards,
flyandscuba

[Skeezix]

I had an AMT DAO Backup in .45acp and it was a hoot to shoot.
That 10mm should be a real hand full. Have fun!

[confedneck]

that is SICK!!! love it!

[flyandscuba]

I don't have a chrono -- but I might need to invest in one...

A local gunsmith did the barrel work -- it was a simple reaming of the chamber to the 10mm cartidge dimension. I removed the mag spacer myself in about 30 seconds with a screwdriver. Minimal filing of the dimples that held the spacer in the mag was performed as well.

No change to the recoil spring. The heavy but smooth DAO hammer and spring actually assist the recoil spring to retard the slide and absorb the recoil.

As conversion projects go, this was a very simple one. If you had the patience, you could even do the reaming of the stainless steel chamber by hand if you have the proper reamer and "go" gauge.

Since this particular pistol is the same dimension for all of their caliber offerings (9mm, .38 Super, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .400 Corbon) -- the hole in the barrel is larger or smaller depending upon the caliber, but the exterior dimensions of the barrel remain the same -- I have no doubt that the pistol can handle any commercially produced full-power 10mm loads.

However, I doubt that I will use anything greater than a 165 gr. bullets for carry loads to lessen the recoil.

[ipscscott]

You sir, are a crazy man!

[flyandscuba]

Here is a size comparison with my current everyday carry CCW -- a Rohrbaugh R9s in 9mm. When pocket size allows -- and maximum firepower is desired -- the 10mm BackUp is certainly a pocket-capable firearm...

[birdman]

Size difference looks like about 1 mm to me... The one on top is a 10mm and the one on the bottom is only a 9mm... Last time I checked my ruler 1 mm wasn't very big

Just teasing...

OBTW flyandscuba...That's a neat conversion you have there... How hard is it on the hands when you shoot it? Is it something AMT might go production on?

Allan

[glockpacker]

You shoot Double Tap ammo in that?

[flyandscuba]

birdman -- shooting it isn't too bad, but I'm not a recoil sensitive guy either. I doubt that High Standard/AMT will put 10mm in production as they opted to go with 400 Corbon instead -- it gets close to the same performance as 10mm with less pressure.

glockpacker -- yes, Double Tap loads up to 165gr... I haven't tried any of the heavy bullets and probably will not as it is strictly a self defense pistol.

I just ordered some of the Double Tap Equalizer loads to try in this -- a 135 gr JHP with a 95 gr ball behind it... Two holes for every shot fired -- very appealing for a near-contact self defense pistol! I ordered some of Double Tap's new Barnes X 125 gr. solid copper HPs as well.

[btm31]

Wow that is unreal, any chance you can make a video of you shooting it? I would love to see the recoil on that.

[flyandscuba]

As I promised, here is a range report from a little shooting today. While traveling on business, I stopped in to a range near Charlotte for a little afternoon session with the BackUp and my Pointman.

Blazer ammo ran fine through the BackUp. The only issue I had at all was two grip screws -- one on each side -- departed the frame during the shooting. Upon examining the screws, the first few threads appear stripped. I believe the screws are a little shorter than they should be and aren't getting a proper purchase into the threaded holes in the frame -- especially the screw that has to pass through the grip panel as well as the metal plate covering the trigger bar linkage that was left open in the older AMT BU's.

I'll order some new screws and possibly use a little Locktite to secure them.

Anyway, here is a picture of a target that received two magazines (10 rounds) at 3 yards. Standing slow fire, all 10 rounds made it center mass within a 4 inch spread. Eliminate the one "flyer" at the top, and the remaining group measures about 3.5 inches. Given that the pistol only has a channel on the top of the slide for a sight, I am well pleased with the accuracy considering the long and heavy DAO trigger pull.

My next step will be to assure reliable function with 50 rounds of chosen self-defense ammo. I'm going to try the new Double Tap 125 gr. solid copper HP as well as the 230 gr. Equalizer load to start.

[cj5mrt]

Nice job. I bet that thing is a handful.

Mike