colt ace

Harold · July 4, 1999, 06:31 AM

Any idea on the going price on the colt ace pistols or the 22 converdion units?Have a chance to purchase one or the other.Both in excellant shape.

Harley Nolden · July 4, 1999, 09:33 AM

HAROLD:
Is ther a suffix preceeding the SR number? There are two models, pre war and post war. We need to distinguish which one you have.
Please provide the information stamped on the gun.

HJN

James K · July 5, 1999, 06:45 PM

There were two different Ace models in addition to the conversion unit.

The first, original ACE, was made 1936-1941, with a few assembled around 1947 from parts. About 11,000 were made. The frame has only the serial number and the Colt VP with no other markings. It uses a Gov't Model frame without an ejector, and a special smaller and lighter slide and recoil spring. It does not use a floating chamber.

The second, the Service Model Ace, uses a standard Gov't Model frame, and a normal size slide. It has the floating chamber which increases felt recoil to give a feeling more like that of the .45. It was made in about the same time period, 1935-1945; about 13,000 were made. The serial numbers begin with "SM".

The Conversion Kits have been made since the late 30s and usually kept up with the latest style of slide used for the civilian Gov't Model. They are still made. The conversion units use the floating chamber.

Jim

jimmy · July 7, 1999, 01:19 PM

At a gun show a couple of years ago a guy was selling a Service Model Ace made around 1980, LNIB. I nearly choked when he told me he wanted $1,100 for it.

James K · July 9, 1999, 08:49 AM

Well, Jimmy, the latest Blue Book lists the Colt Service Model Ace in 100% condition at $2600. Maybe you should have bought.

Jim

jimmy · July 9, 1999, 11:49 AM

Ouch! Well, it sounds like another addition to my too-long list of guns I've kicked myself over for not taking home with me!

philliphogarth · February 12, 2007, 08:55 AM

I have a Sevice Model ACE and I'm trying to date it. On the right sid under the slide the serial number is SM33***

Jim Watson · February 12, 2007, 10:03 AM

Jim K. please advise where to get a new make Colt Conversion. They did not have them on display or in literature at SHOT.

Philiphogarth, I think your Ace SN is high enough that it is one of the ones made in the 1970s, early 80s.

I have one from that period but it is on a 70B Gov't Model frame (bought new by me as a complete gun, it is not a conversion left on a centerfire frame.)
They were apparently not to careful what upper they put on which lower, there are a fair number of SM numbered .45s out there, too.

July 4, 1999, 06:31 AM	#1
Harold Member Join Date: March 3, 1999 Location: Boothwyn,Penna Posts: 34	Any idea on the going price on the colt ace pistols or the 22 converdion units?Have a chance to purchase one or the other.Both in excellant shape.

July 4, 1999, 09:33 AM	#2
Harley Nolden Staff In Memoriam Join Date: January 8, 1999 Location: Brunswick,GA USA Posts: 1,884	HAROLD: Is ther a suffix preceeding the SR number? There are two models, pre war and post war. We need to distinguish which one you have. Please provide the information stamped on the gun. HJN

July 5, 1999, 06:45 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	There were two different Ace models in addition to the conversion unit. The first, original ACE, was made 1936-1941, with a few assembled around 1947 from parts. About 11,000 were made. The frame has only the serial number and the Colt VP with no other markings. It uses a Gov't Model frame without an ejector, and a special smaller and lighter slide and recoil spring. It does not use a floating chamber. The second, the Service Model Ace, uses a standard Gov't Model frame, and a normal size slide. It has the floating chamber which increases felt recoil to give a feeling more like that of the .45. It was made in about the same time period, 1935-1945; about 13,000 were made. The serial numbers begin with "SM". The Conversion Kits have been made since the late 30s and usually kept up with the latest style of slide used for the civilian Gov't Model. They are still made. The conversion units use the floating chamber. Jim

July 7, 1999, 01:19 PM	#4
jimmy Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 1999 Location: Texas Posts: 1,796	At a gun show a couple of years ago a guy was selling a Service Model Ace made around 1980, LNIB. I nearly choked when he told me he wanted $1,100 for it.

July 9, 1999, 08:49 AM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Well, Jimmy, the latest Blue Book lists the Colt Service Model Ace in 100% condition at $2600. Maybe you should have bought. Jim

July 9, 1999, 11:49 AM	#6
jimmy Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 1999 Location: Texas Posts: 1,796	Ouch! Well, it sounds like another addition to my too-long list of guns I've kicked myself over for not taking home with me!

February 12, 2007, 08:55 AM	#7
philliphogarth Junior Member Join Date: February 12, 2007 Posts: 1	I have a Sevice Model ACE and I'm trying to date it. On the right sid under the slide the serial number is SM33***

February 12, 2007, 10:03 AM	#8
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	Jim K. please advise where to get a new make Colt Conversion. They did not have them on display or in literature at SHOT. Philiphogarth, I think your Ace SN is high enough that it is one of the ones made in the 1970s, early 80s. I have one from that period but it is on a 70B Gov't Model frame (bought new by me as a complete gun, it is not a conversion left on a centerfire frame.) They were apparently not to careful what upper they put on which lower, there are a fair number of SM numbered .45s out there, too.