AMT Frame cutouts

[Tom-C]

I have two AMT frames. One was part of a parts gun and the other an AMT "Hardballer" that I use for handling practicals in training.

They both have a slot machined in the frame, on both sides, just in front of where the barrel lug seats on the frame. No other frame I have has any similar cuts.

Anyone have any idea what they are for?

AMT Framehttp://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q402/tom-c_photo/AMTFrame-1.jpg

Essex frame for comparison http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q402/tom-c_photo/EssexFrame-1.jpg

[Mgonz45]

I have two AMT frames. One was part of a parts gun and the other an AMT "Hardballer" that I use for handling practicals in training.

They both have a slot machined in the frame, on both sides, just in front of where the barrel lug seats on the frame. No other frame I have has any similar cuts.

Anyone have any idea what they are for?

AMT Framehttp://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q402/tom-c_photo/AMTFrame-1.jpg

Essex frame for comparison http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q402/tom-c_photo/EssexFrame-1.jpg
Looks to me like they just machined the lug mating surface from the top reqiring them to go past center on either side for clearance of the lug, leaving the "slots". A cheaper faster easier way to do it then using a long tool from the front, but not as purdy.

[terabyte]

Probably note on those when they moved from Arcadia Covina Irwindale the differences in the parts, prob as stated to ease & quicken the machining proc, typical cost cutting measure which all companies do.

I must of had a dozen of those in various flavors, while others claimed they had issues, I never had a bad one in any way.

[Tom-C]

Looks to me like they just machined the lug mating surface from the top reqiring them to go past center on either side for clearance of the lug, leaving the "slots". A cheaper faster easier way to do it then using a long tool from the front, but not as purdy.

Makes sense, but one of the frames had a raised round boss at the bottom of the lug mating surface where the barrel lug seats on the frame, that would actually only allow the bottom of the lug to make contact. I had to take a frame cutter to remove it and bowtie the frame. The Hardballer frame looked like that had been done. Neither pistol was new when I got them so I have no idea what had been done. The after picture is below
http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q402/tom-c_photo/AMTFrame-3.jpg