Should I buy a Colt ACE.

[bnz41]

Need advice please, Been offered a COLT Model ACE SERVICE TRAINING PISTOL. in .22rf dated to 1935. What should I look out for if there are any issues.
Thank you in advance.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

There's actually lots to that question...lots of info. If you want something to shoot, I might steer away from them as I had two and neither one functioned as they should. Other guys had them and sang their praises. There's different types, Colt Ace, Ace conversion... Sounds like you have the whole pistol coming and it should be a beauty. Polished and blue and beautiful walnut scales. You're asking what to look for as a collector's piece?

[RCS]

Early examples with the smaller slide are very rare to find, the regular Colt ACE is not known for accuracy and does foul-up rather fast. The floating chamber get dirty. If you collect Colt 1911's you should have a ACE.

Years ago I made some ACE barrels from Winchester Model 52 barrels that were new but cut-up in random lengths by the military salvage Accuracy was improvedAttachment 106151

[bnz41]

Thank you for the replies,

I had read that they can foul quickly the seller said it should get through 200-250 rounds of quality .22rf before need cleaning. I don't mind cleaning. We have Colt's as part of a collection 1 x 1911 .45acp a 1903 .32acp & revolvers, so thought another 1911 would fit in nicely.

Hi Jim yes as a collectors item what should I look for, it is in mint condition from the pictures I have seen. It has a 4 digit serial number, which does date it to 1935. It would not get shot very often.
Thanks again.

[johniv]

I have the conversion unit. I like it. The floating chamber does need cleaning after use. I can shoot 200 + rds with no trouble.

[browningautorifle]

I have the conversion unit. I like it. The floating chamber does need cleaning after use. I can shoot 200 + rds with no trouble.

I find that amazing, I had two and neither one worked worth a hoot. They would plug solid and the floating chamber would be jammed... I tried all nature of ammo too. Like I had to strip it every few mags.

[25-5]

I have a postwar Colt Ace that I really enjoy shooting. I use only standard velocity ammo and have not had any fouling problems of ant note.
A High Standard, it is not.
It is my understanding that the pre war Aces' are worth a lot of money. Not the expert though.

[browningautorifle]

I use only standard velocity ammo and have not had any fouling problems of any note.

That may have been my problem from the start, poor information. I was using newer stuff, HV.

[fjruple]

I had one of the newer conversion kits that were sold as a match set with a Colt National Match .45ACP Enhanced Gold Cup. I found that after about 150 rounds the floating chamber would start to malfunction. I put the conversion kit on a stainless Steel Caspian frame. I stuck with the High Standard Military Citation which is better gun.

[browningautorifle]

I found that after about 150 rounds the floating chamber would start to malfunction.

Glad it wasn't just me...