AMT Hardballer Country USA Type Pistol Manufacturer AMT Introduction 1977 Specifications Weight 38oz (1.076kg) [1.306kg for Longslide] Length 8.5 inches (216mm) [267mm for Longslide] Barrel length 4 in (102 mm) Commando / Skipper 5 in (127mm) Hardballer/Government 7 in (177mm) Longslide / Accelerator / Javelina Cartridge .45 ACP 10 mm Auto (Javelina) .40 S&W (Commando) .400 Corbon (Accelerator) Action Short recoil operation Feed system Seven-round box magazine Commando 8 rounds Sights Fully adjustable Millett rear sight fixed sights on Government

The AMT Hardballer is a clone of the .45 ACP Colt M1911, although some components of the action are not interchangeable with other 1911s. It was made by Arcadia Machine and Tool, commonly known as AMT, from 1977. The Hardballer was the first entirely stainless steel 1911. Other features included adjustable rear sights and lengthened grip safety.

The Hardballer was developed as a sports pistol but in 1978 AMT also marketed the Combat Government, a Hardballer with fixed sights for Police Departments. Since 1985 this model has been called the Government with the term \'Combat\' omitted.

The name Hardballer derives from this pistols reluctance to feed anything but hardball ammunition (full metal jacket bullets). Modification to the feeding ramp will cure this problem.

Galling of the stainless steel was a common issue, as lubrication technology at the time of original manufacture of the Hardballers was not suitable enough to prevent it. Galling occurred due to the alloy used, as well as the fact that the same hardness of alloy was used for the frame and the slide. Usually, different alloys and hardening are used to prevent galling. Modern stainless guns are much less susceptible to galling. Galling is a condition whereby excessive friction between high spots results in localized welding with subsequent splitting and a further roughening of rubbing surfaces of one or both of two mating parts. Early stainless steel alloys suffered from this due to the breakdown of lubricants. Galling can also be prevented by electrolytic nickel plating of the surface. Typically either electrolytic nickel plating the frame rails or slide rails will take care of the problem in virtually all cases.