Colt Model 1911 Ace
I have a Colt Government Model 1911 .22, Government stamped (I forget without looking; it says either US Property or US Army Property or something like that). I bought the gun from an elderly retired US Air Force Colonel who probably picked it up in the service.
The receiver doesn't say who made it, but checking the serial number, it was made by Remington back in (I believe) 1942 or 1943. The gun was probably (I am guessing) built up into a .22 by a military armorer. The upper appears to be a pre-war Colt Ace kit. I have 3 magazines, 2 used and one new in the wrapper.
The original parkerized finish on the gun is about 70%. Mechanically, the gun in very good shape. It is very tight, with a good trigger pull and it is accurate. I tested it with the two used magazines and with various ammo. My test found that it feeds and fires flawlessly ten different brands and configurations of .22 ammo from the cheap promo standard velocity stuff, the various subsonics (Remington, Winchester, Aguila(?) 62grain sniper subsonic), through the various hi-velocities such as CCI, Winchester, etc.
I really like this gun very much and it's rapidly becoming one of my favorite handguns.
So, what interesting information about these Government Ace guns can those of you who are familiar with them tell me? And, what value range would a gun like this command, given the general information I've noted?
The receiver doesn't say who made it, but checking the serial number, it was made by Remington back in (I believe) 1942 or 1943. The gun was probably (I am guessing) built up into a .22 by a military armorer. The upper appears to be a pre-war Colt Ace kit. I have 3 magazines, 2 used and one new in the wrapper.
The original parkerized finish on the gun is about 70%. Mechanically, the gun in very good shape. It is very tight, with a good trigger pull and it is accurate. I tested it with the two used magazines and with various ammo. My test found that it feeds and fires flawlessly ten different brands and configurations of .22 ammo from the cheap promo standard velocity stuff, the various subsonics (Remington, Winchester, Aguila(?) 62grain sniper subsonic), through the various hi-velocities such as CCI, Winchester, etc.
I really like this gun very much and it's rapidly becoming one of my favorite handguns.
So, what interesting information about these Government Ace guns can those of you who are familiar with them tell me? And, what value range would a gun like this command, given the general information I've noted?
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In order to figure out what you actually have, we would need to see photos.
Neal0 -
Sounds like you have a conversion unit installed on a MILITARY WW II frame. If it has a one piece barrel then it is a Pre WW II ACE if it has a floating chamber small section in rear of barrel chamber area it is a SERVICE ACE the service ace conversion unit was made for many years . a picture of the rear sight will let us tell you what vintage. Your pistol is a PARTS gun and never produced in this configuration. If you double click on my used name and send me a Email with your direct email address I can send you pictures of each vintage of conversion units as well as Colt ACE slides . 0 -
I don't think an original Ace slide will work on an unmodified centerfire receiver. Pretty much has to be a Conversion Kit or the top half of a Service Model Ace.
Agree that it is likely a parts gun even if set up for a Colonel.
I am glad it is a good shooter but I won't guess a dollar value.0 -
perryshooter,
I know this is, essentially, a parts gun. I have no idea of the real value of this gun..
I found some information that details three different ACE "kits". There is a kit with an integral chamber/barrel, which I was uable to date, a second kit with a floating chamber that appears to be the one I have and a third kit with a floating chamber that maybe dates from the 1970's(?).
What it appears that I have is the Government Property-marked receiver from the early 1940's that I mentioned in my original posting and a "Colt .22-.45 Service Model Conversion Unit (Floating Chamber)".
The right side of the ACE slide is marked, "Colt Service Model ACE ("ACE" being enclosed in a parallelogram), .22 Long Rifle." The left side of the slide is marked with all the standard Colt's patent info and address blurb. The slide has a rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation.
The receiver is marked on the right side, United States Property, the serial number and M1911A1 U.S. Army.
It would be interesting to know the various history related to these conversions.
thanks,0 -
Hello James I have sent you an email . I can't post pictures as an answer to your question here on this site but again if you either answer my email of double click on my user name and send me an email with you DIRECT email address I will send you pictures of all the different vintage conversion units.cheers Perry Shooter 0
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