Rifleman Q&A: What Was the Colt Ace?

by
posted on February 26, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
colt-ace-rifleman-qa-f.jpg
Q: I ran across this used .22-cal. Colt Ace semi-automatic and am considering buying it. However, I don't know much about these guns. Would you please give me a brief history and some information on that firearm?

A: The original Colt Ace .22 semi-automatic pistol was first introduced in 1931 and produced through the beginning of World War II. After the war, a few guns were assembled in 1947.

There were some problems with the original blowback-operated Ace functioning, as the .22-cal. cartridge did not always have the power to move the slide backward for proper ejection and reloading.

That problem was addressed in 1937 with the introduction of the Service Model Ace, which included a floating-chamber design to allow more reliable functioning. The Service Model Ace was produced through 1945. After World War II, Colt’s production of the Service Model Ace ceased.

In 1978, Colt reintroduced an Ace Service Model, which was produced until 1982. A conversion unit for converting a standard Model 1911-type pistol from .45 ACP to .22 Long Rifle was also offered for many years, and it was called the Ace II.

However, Colt does not offer any .22-cal. conversion kits for its guns at present, and there are no existing rimfire models in the company's lineup.

Latest

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Review: Galco Revenger Holster & SB7 Gun Belt

For those who choose to carry a finely finished, K-frame revolver, Galco offers one of its finest concealed-carry setups in the form of its Revenger holster and SB7 gun belt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.