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

Ithaca Model 66  Super Single Shotgun
Ithaca Model 66  Super Single Shotgun

I Have This Old Gun: Ithaca Model 66 Super Single Shotgun

There was a time when a lever-action, single-shot scattergun was all the rage. Today, it still has some value and practical utility.

Cold-Weather Carry: 5 Great Items for Winter CCW

Don’t let the cold stop you from being prepared should things get hot.

Sighted Fire vs. Point-Shooting

A long-standing argument among handgunners revolves around the concept of sighted fire versus point-shooting. A more productive approach is to understand the problem each is trying to solve.

Derya Expands TM22 Family with Timekeeper & Pump Models

Derya continues the expansion of its rimfire line with two new models for 2026, an update of the original semi-auto TM22 and a new pump-action version.

Gun of the Week: Taurus RPC

The Taurus RPC is a welcome addition to the growing marketplace of PDWs, or personal defense weapons, a concept that pairs pistol-caliber cartridges with larger-format firearms.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 13, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.