[oldjarhead]

Zapp's right. The .22 Magnum was designed for more killing power at longer range for small game. It was to be used in bolt action or lever guns, not semi-autos...and never really meant for semi-auto pistols.

The revolver could, and was however, easily adapted to the longer cartridge as proven by several manufacturers. Ballistics gain? Probably not much from the short barrel but can still be considered formidable.

The real challenge was to design a semi-auto for the .22 Magnum and due to it's longer case made it difficult. AMT/IAI met the challenge with the AutoMag II but as with many new models was plagued by design issues; thus, as is the norm, the shooting community immediately labeled AMT/IAI guns as poor quality and essentually killed further developement causing the manufacturer to fail. Awarded a poor reputation, No support, No market, No sales, good bye.

IMO, had Colt or S&W attempted such a feat, gun community support would have been over-whelmingly positive. Surprisingly, but too late, the AutoMag series guns are now becoming collectible...go figure.

Here's my two... AutoMag III over the AutoMag II