|
|
01-16-2010, 09:51 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 5,450
Likes: 1,956
Liked 3,499 Times in 1,287 Posts
|
|
Info please on Colt Ace Conversion Unit
My late Father had a Colt Ace .22 conversion unit for a 1911 that I have been having trouble with. He passed away in 1994 and he probably owned it for over 20 years, so I'm not sure how old it is. On right side it is marked Colt Service Model Conversion, with ACE in a diamond. Also says .22 Long Rifle Unit .22-.45. On left is Colt patent markings with no dates. On top in front of adjustable rear sight is marked U 81.It is not complete gun but slide/barrel assembly and magazine only. Bluing is about 98%.
I know there were a number of production runs of the Ace made. Can anyone tell me which one this is, and an approximate value?
Now the problem. When shot, it will not fully cycle slide to eject empty cartridge. I know it has a "floating chamber". Someone told me it is malfunctioning and I should soak the chamber in solvent. Is that a good idea, and what solvent? Thanks for the help!
|
01-16-2010, 10:15 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Southeastern, IN
Posts: 222
Likes: 26
Liked 24 Times in 13 Posts
|
|
I have no idea if what you have is a $$collectable but my experience w/ Colt .22 convertors is keep them clean or they will cease to function until you give them a good cleaning. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS....use a quality high speed ammunition. The cheap low quality bulk milk carton fodder will foul the mechanism quickly. With quality ammunition I have run a full brick through mine before cleaning.
If this convertor has any collector's value, and you want a .22 that handles like your 1911 you might be better off selling the convertor and buying a Ruger Mark III 22/45 (better accuracy.)
JUST AN ASIDE: Make sure you and any observers wear safety glasses when you shoot with the convertor. Mine would regularly throw lead shavings ..sometimes in my face.
Last edited by mtheo; 01-16-2010 at 10:26 PM.
|
01-16-2010, 10:35 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Valdez, Alaska, USA
Posts: 648
Likes: 535
Liked 176 Times in 78 Posts
|
|
If it has the floating chamber check to make sure it is free to slide back and forth a short distance, If it was fired a lot with out cleaning they often gunk up and freeze in place. If it does not move, give it a good soak in solvent until you can rotate the chamber insert and remove it for thorough cleaning.
The Colt Forum has experts that can help out. Enjoy it.
Last edited by akviper; 01-16-2010 at 10:37 PM.
|
01-16-2010, 11:17 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Left coast
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 436
Liked 622 Times in 299 Posts
|
|
Does your unit have its sheet metal ejector? The extractor should pull the case out but the ejector well, it ejects the case. If that is missing then it can be ordered. Sorry I don't have your other answers. Mine is marked differently and appears to be from 1967. Make sure all the parts are there first.
Bruce
Do you need an instruction sheet?
Last edited by Bruce51; 01-16-2010 at 11:22 PM.
|
01-16-2010, 11:33 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 2 Posts
|
|
Some of the Colt Ace's required the ejector being changed from a center fire ejector to one specially made for .22
|
01-16-2010, 11:33 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NE Iowa
Posts: 5,450
Likes: 1,956
Liked 3,499 Times in 1,287 Posts
|
|
Sheet metal ejector
I'm not sure if it's a sheet metal ejector. I'm fairly familiar with 1911s but these are a little different, as you know. I always got the impression from my Dad that this was a really old unit, but now I'm not so sure. It really isn't even mine, it belongs to my Mom, but a lot of Dads stuff is in my safe and I get to use it. At this point nothing is for sale, unless Mom wants to sell something, but I'd really like to get it shooting again. I think I'll soak the chamber in solvent. Any suggestions on a solvent?
Yes, I'd love to have an instruction sheet. Dad didn't have any of that stuff with it. What I'd really like to do is talk to him one more time. Lot's of stuff I'd love to ask him. Thanks.
|
01-16-2010, 11:47 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Left coast
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 436
Liked 622 Times in 299 Posts
|
|
The ejector on the Ace is a separate piece of steel. It is about 3" long with a hook on one end, then a twist in the middle with about another 1' plus which lays flat in the slide. The hook drops into a slot on the right side of the barrel in front of the barrel block as you are looking at it upside down. Without it cases will stay in your gun. Pm me your email and I will scan the four pages of the sheet that I have with mine.
Bruce
|
01-17-2010, 09:47 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Michigan\'s Upper Peninsu
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 207
Liked 1,644 Times in 756 Posts
|
|
I shot the similar Colt Conversion Unit for many years.
Even fired an indoor Bullseye match or two with it.
Plated bullets worked best for me. Plain lead .22s would start the CCU malfunctioning with only a box fired.
|
01-17-2010, 10:02 AM
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South East , PA . USA
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 485
Liked 1,610 Times in 884 Posts
|
|
There's one at a local shop , in excellent condition , in original box , tagged at $585.
|
01-17-2010, 12:05 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: S.E. USA
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 0
Liked 63 Times in 37 Posts
|
|
You may get more information here:
ColtForum - Powered by vBulletin
|
01-17-2010, 02:29 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 3,259
Likes: 1,224
Liked 2,526 Times in 1,043 Posts
|
|
Have had a commercial unit since 1974. Some ammo will lock the chamber up in 25 rds. I have, on the other hand, had excellent luck with Federal 38 gr. HVHP which allows the chamber to still move freely after 2-300 or more rounds.
|
01-17-2010, 02:38 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 10,453
Likes: 3,929
Liked 50,517 Times in 6,022 Posts
|
|
Most unplated lead ammo will foul the floating chamber in short order. The cleanest plated ammo I've found is the Remington "Golden Bullet." The Federal copper-plated rounds are awful and foul things up really quick. Be sure to thoroughly clean the floating chamber on the outside - any deposits there are trouble waiting to happen. Also scrub out the recess for the floating chamber in the barrel. The chamber should slide freely in and out when put into the barrel. Do NOT lubricate the floating chamber - that will only hasten unwanted deposits.
__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -
|
01-18-2010, 10:27 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N/W Florida
Posts: 5,667
Likes: 2,434
Liked 6,218 Times in 2,425 Posts
|
|
Anyone here own a Colt ACE or 1911 .22 LR Colt Conversion Kit ? - Page 2 - 1911Forum
Post # 35, the ejector is lying inside the mainspring, in the picture. Not a great picture, but you can get an idea of what it looks like, and whether or not you have it.
__________________
I always take precautions
|
01-18-2010, 10:43 AM
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Central Michigan
Posts: 468
Likes: 52
Liked 177 Times in 42 Posts
|
|
22-45
With the "Ace" in the diamond & serial U81, you have a 2nd year production (1939) of the conversion unit. In 98% or better, with box & extra mag, they sell for 600.00 (approx). I lucked into one at the Louisville, Ky military show for 350.00, a great buy, Jim.
|
|
Tags
|
1911, bullseye, cartridge, colt, commercial, ejector, extractor, lock, military, remington, ruger, solvent |
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|