colt ace
- Thread starter Harold
- Start date
Harley Nolden
Staff In Memoriam
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
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
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
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
philliphogarth
Inactive
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
New member
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.
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.