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Colt .22 conversion

bobd44
I have a Colt auto (1911?) that was converted to a Colt .22 long rifle years ago (maybe 1944?) by my Dad, who recently passed away.
It has "No. 459018" stamped below the slide on the right side.

Question #1: Can this be changed back to a .45?

I'm guessing all I need is a barrel and a clip??
I don't recall this gun ever being shot, and the gun is very clean.

Question #2: Value as is?
Question #3: Value if converted back to a .45?

In advance, many thanks. ...and Happy Holidays!
Bob
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • heavyiron
    Conversion can usually be made, as you stated with, a barrel and magazine. A slide will be necessary also.

    Is this a Colt Ace?

    Regards,

    Heavyiron[8D]

    bullitt_county_4199_small.jpg
    "If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix
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  • perry shooter
    HELLO yes you can reconvert you will have to replace the entire top half " slide, barrel, extractor, fireing pin, fireing pin return, spring, fireing pin retainer, recoil spring and slide stop pin". as far a value we need alot more information as I think this serial No. range would have slide serial No. to match frame.You would also have to have the right type of finish BLUE or Parkerized and the right Manu, colt, springfield ETC If I were you you I would just enjoy and shoot it and convert if you want a shooter. However to get all the right parts to make it a collector grade gun would cast more the IMHO it would be worth. quote:"PRAISE THE HARDBALL GUN"
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  • bobd44
    Thanks to both heavyiron and perry shooter for your replies.

    I don't have the time to inspect for numbers, etc. right now (suppertime here in FL) but I will try to get to it tomorrow and get back to you. I might have time for a couple of pics, too.

    I didn't see a serial # on the slide, but I'm not familiar with this gun and haven't really looked it over closely yet. I just got it from my Dad's closet about 2 weeks ago, and he passed since then, so I have been kinda busy.

    I think I would rather have it as a .22, but was just curious about a re-conversion to .45.

    I have a small collection of handguns, and my Sig .40 and S&W .357 are heavy enough for me. I didn't have a .22, so that fills that niche.

    Thanks for your interest and your help.
    Bob
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  • perry shooter
    Hello serial 459018 with no letters before or after the numbers would be made by colt in 1918 and should be a brushed black finish if it is Parkerized it has been rebuilt for duty in WW2 look and see if there is anumber on top of slide in front of rear sight. Does it have adjustable sight It should be. Your pistol was shipped sometime in OCT 1918
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  • bobd44
    I have just taken a few pics, but at best they are "shaky", as I can't find my tripod right now.

    1911-1.jpg
    1911-2.jpg
    1911-3.jpg
    1911-4.jpg
    1911-5.jpg
    1911-6.jpg
    1911-7.jpg
    1911-8.jpg
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  • perry shooter
    Hello the frame of your pistol was rebuilt for WW2 at augusta arsenal Augusta Ga.At that time it was Parkerized the 22 Conversion unit was installed some time later I tis most likely a good shooter but unless you had the correct TOP HALF it is just that a shooter enjoy.
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  • perry shooter
    I have a question for YOU in picturec one it shows the serial # with large part of frame below that is free of marks but on picture #3 it looks like a crude set of maybe SS number. I hope you did not deface this pistol. My suggestion to all is never deface a fire arm with your SS number for 2 reasons First do you really wan't someone to have your ss number if it is stolen or you want to sell it " a thief will grind/ or flie it off if visable" second it could be on a high valuee gun and have serious Effect on its value . IMHO it is better to put a paper label under grips or butt plate. and take good pictures and keep records in a safe place.s
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  • bobd44
    Hi perry shooter,

    Thanks for all the info!

    Yeeesss, that IS an SS# below the serial No.! *sigh*
    I "photoshopped" it out for the closeup, but it's there...

    Back in the early 1960's, the local police station was loaning out Dremel tools to scribe SS#'s. My Dad got hold of one for about a week, and there was NOTHING he didn't put his # onto! ...including the TOASTER!!! He musta loved that toaster! *LOL*

    I actually sold a Mauser "broomhandle" here a few years ago to a guy in Texas, and he was okay with the Soc.Sec.#. He said it gave even MORE history to the gun that my Dad took away from a German officer!

    But I know what you mean about "defacing" an item like this. Wait'll you see what I have in his old Army foot locker!! ...as time allows I'll dig the stuff out, photograph it and show it here. I may be selling some of it, too.

    I now have to find out what Parkerized means, but later...

    Suppertime now, and they can call me anything but late for supper! *LOL*

    Thanks again for the info!

    --
    Regards,

    Bob (c)?(c)?
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    Work with what you get and try to make it better
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