Colt Ace Slide Stop Problem

[FPrice]

I posted this in the Autoloader section but seeing as it involves a 'smithing issue, I thought I's re-post it here for more visibility.

My FFL just took in a bunch of used handguns. One of them is a Colt .22lr ACE, serial number SM29,xxx. My copy of R. L. Wilson's Colt serial number book only goes to 1945 and sn SM13803. Does anyone have an idea when this one may have been manufactured?

It has one minor problem (other than being very dirty). The rear edge of the slide stop notch in the slide is peened (?). There is a small but noticeable burr rising at the bottom corner. Can this be fixed easily?

Because of the general condition if this pistol I am thinking about offering $400 for it. I wonder if this is a reasonable offer considering the general condition and the problem I mentioned above.

 

[Jim Watson]

What kind of rear sight does it have? There was a reissue of Aces in the 1970s with Accro sights like a Gold Cup, but I don't have SN information on them. Mine is on a 70B frame like a centerfire, which I have read was about as common as a SM at the time.

Mine is burred at the slide stop notch, too. I am not a gunsmith but think it could be knocked down with a smooth-ended punch.

$400 would be a steal for an Ace in operating condition at all. A good conversion kit will usually sell for that much.

 

[FPrice]

Jim,

It appears to have an Eliason rear sight with a white outline on the moveable part of the rear sight. The front sight is the typical target sight. I just went back and checked, it says "Service Model" on the left side of the slide.

There are actually three of them there, all Service Model versions. One is the Electroless Nickle finish with an arched MSH. The two blued ones have flat MSHs.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Snap it up!

You can peen the slide notch as mentioned, with a smooth punch -- make one out of a big nail, and polish the end before use.

 

[Jim Watson]

OK they (They!!!) are reissues made 1978 - 1982, serial numbers SM14001 - SM43830 but with some like mine numbered in the B70 centerfire series. I don't think I have ever seen an electroless nickel Ace. If you can document it as factory - box label, maybe - it would be worth a tidy sum. If you like the looks.

 

[Old Fuff]

The ACE kits had a special slide stop unique to the .22 unit. Be sure you have the right one.

 

[FPrice]

The ACE kits had a special slide stop unique to the .22 unit. Be sure you have the right one.

How do I tell? Inquiring minds want to know.

These all appear to be factory-made pistols. Also, a guy who worked for my FFL (while they were at Colt) fitted the beaver-tail grip safties they all wear.

 

[Jim Watson]

I think if it is a complete gun, the chance is high that the slide stop is correct. If you want to know for sure, take it out and look on the back for a numeral 2. (No 3 is .38 Super.)

 

[Old Fuff]

Admitedly the wrong slide stop isn't likely. But I have seen it happen. Always a good idea to check and be sure.

 

[FPrice]

Always a good idea to check and be sure.

I'll take all the advice I can get. Right now I am seriously thinking about the electronickless model. Have to go back tomorrow and check it out carefully.

 

[FPrice]

The ACE kits had a special slide stop unique to the .22 unit. Be sure you have the right one.

It's a "2".

I field stripped it Sunday to check on the condition and it was FILTHY! Did not clean it but just taking it apart and putting it back together made the slide move a lot easier.

Also noticed while I had it apart that the extractor tunnel was open on the bottom (inside the slide) so that you could see the middle of the extractor. Was this a modification to let it run longer on dirty .22 ammo before cleaning was required?

 

[Old Fuff]

Also noticed while I had it apart that the extractor tunnel was open on the bottom (inside the slide) so that you could see the middle of the extractor. Was this a modification to let it run longer on dirty .22 ammo before cleaning was required?

No, that and a number of other cuts were made inside of the slide to lighten it. Even with a floating chamber (which must be kept clean and deleaded) the slide is pretty heavy for that poor little .22 LR cartridge to move.