Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT) was founded in 1977 in Irwindale, California. The company became known for producing stainless steel firearms, most notably the AMT Hardballer, a 1911-style pistol. In 2001, High Standard Manufacturing, originally founded in 1926 in Connecticut, acquired the rights to AMT's products. High Standard, a company with a rich history of producing .22 caliber target pistols and other firearms, continued to produce several of AMT's famous models. High Standard's acquisition of AMT allowed it to expand its product offerings while preserving the legacy of AMT’s distinctive designs in the firearms industry.