AMT Small Game Hunter II Rifle?

[deltecs]

I have an AMT stainless steel with sythetic rifle stock semi auto .22LR.  I know AMT went out of business.  The model is 25/22 Lightning.  However, all Internet info I can find so far indicate the 25/22 model was factory installed folding paramilitary style stock.  Mine was bought at Sports Authority with the full rifle stock, I think in 1988.  From what I can find, there were not many of these made in that year.  Does anyone have any further information on these rifles?  I'd like to get all the info that I can.

[GatCat]

Hi, I bought an AMT small game hunter II a number of years ago, used. Like you mentioned, it is a clone of the Ruger, made before the "craze" started of all the aftermarked goodies for the 10/22 . I really did not like the plastic stock, it would flex if much preasure was put on the forearm. I do like the intergral scope rail, I mounted a BKL 4" clamp-on on mine. I'm in the process of modifying mine, aftermarket barrel, trigger work, bolt work, and put it in a 10/22 T stock.
AMT ( Acadia Machine & Tool ??) made the .44 automag, and a bunch of 1911 copies, some in .22 mag, and .30 carbine. I think Ruger eventually sued them to stop with the clones of the 10/22.
The ( stainless ) steel reciever was unique for a long time, 'till a few aftermarked outfits started making their own ( FYI " stainless " Rugers still use the Aluminum recievers, with a diferent finish).
If I came across another AMT I would buy it, if it was reasonable. If it was NIB, I'd probably keep it that way. If it was used, I either shoot the stuffing out of it, or use it as a "doner" to upgrade.
Mark

[deltecs]

From the info I can gather, mine is a Small Game Hunter II and not the 25/22.  Yet the 25/22 Lightning is marked on the left side of the stainless steel reciever.  Was this one of the first Small Game Hunters using the barrel and receiver assembly from the discontinued 25/22?  Or is yours so marked also?  I'd like to know.

[GatCat]

Mine is marked "Small Game Hunter II", I think on the left side of the reciever. It sounds like yours is one of the early versions, or perhaps the rifle was put together at the end AMT's life, using whatever parts they had available. I have some older Gun Digest yearbooks, I'll try to go through them on my days off, to see if the SGH II's were made after the lightnings stopped production. I'll pm you my serial # tomorrow, to let you know how mine compares to yours.Like you, I wish there was a collectors clug,or website that gave more info.
Mark

[deltecs]

My serial number on this rifle is J12137.  Maybe this will help.  If I can help research online, let me know.  I just need more search info to look it up.  I'm having lots of difficulty in finding anything.

[GatCat]

My seriall # is J137XX. I went through the old issues of "Gun Digest" that I have ( not a complete set ), and this is what I learned.  The Lightning was introduced in 1984. It was available with either a tapered or heavy barrel, both of which were 18". In 1987 they introduced the AMT Lightning Small Game Hunter, with a 22" Target barrel, and regular stock ( not folding, like the previous ones ). Price then was $269.
I then had no more issues 'till 1998. Somewhere before then is when the SGH II came out. In the 1998 issue they show the AMT 22 Target Model, introduced in '96. Price was $549. I remember those, they were "full-race", with trick looking stocks ( I think still plastic, but a high comb, pronounced pistol grip), and I think a Jewell ( or similar ) trigger. They were the "last hurrah" for AMT.
By the way, my SMG II has a stud mounted in rear of reciever, facing toward butt, to act as a second mounting point to the stock. Does your earlier version have this ( stock has to be removed to see it ). It sort of cantilevers into a recess ( hole ) in the stock.
Also, FYI, in the 1990's AMT made a "Magnum Hunter", a .22 mag, but it shares nothing with Ruger, has a traditional magazine, etc.
Hope this helps a bit.
Mark

[deltecs]

I'm not sure which model that I actually have.  My stock is plastic, with an integral pronounced cheek rest, 22" target barrel, and checkering on the stock, both on the pistol grip and forend.  I don't want to remove the stock, since it shoots perfectly now and I'm leary of changing POI by changing screw tension putting it back on.  Mine is definitely not the Target Model, as I bought it sometime in 1987 or 1988.  I think I even paid $189.00 for it, as it was slightly less expensive than the 10/22 standard Ruger at $205.00 at the time.  I was particularly interested in the stainless steel reciever and barrel for use around salt water in Alaska's Prince William Sound.  Mine is extremely accurate and with a cheap Simmons scope.  I sure appreciate the info and have saved your posts for future reference.  I think mine was made during the transistion between the folding type 25/22 lightning and the AMT SGH II from the info you have provided.