I may have an opportunity to buy a 1979 Colt Service Model Ace .22 LR pistol. I'm roughly familiar with these pistols, but far from an expert. Being the 1911 junkie that I am, I'm very interested. Asking price is $800, which according to my research is cheap! I think this is the same gun that was previously listed at $1200.
The one thing that is giving me pause is that spare magazines seem to sell for $100+ and I would want at least one more.
What can y'all tell me about these guns? Is there a source of reliable aftermarket magazines that won't break the bank?

$800 is a very good price depending on condition. They are fun pistols. The floating chamber requires a lot of cleaning to keep them running. Avoid lead bullets. Mine prefers plated ammunition (Remington Golden Bullets 1255FPS) and I can shoot about 300 or so before the floating chamber requires a good cleaning. There are really no other options for spare magazines. I have (2) Colt .22 Conversion Units that run fine with GSG magazines, and will lock the slide open on the last shot but they may or may not work in your pistol. See if you can borrow one before buying. I tested several manufacturers magazines a couple of years ago for a thread on the Colt Forum and only the GSG and Kart would work. Good luck finding a cheap Kart magazine....Just be aware although fun to shoot with the recoil impulse of the floating chamber, these pistols are plinkers at best as far as accuracy is concerned. Don't buy one to use in a Bullseye match.

^^^Right on^^^

My Service Model Ace is a pleasure to shoot. The floating chamber needs to be kept very clean for proper functioning. Plenty of accuracy for casual range use, but not up to snuff for serious competition.

$800 is a bargain, assuming very good to excellent condition with no damage and all original parts.

...as said...$800 is a bargain if in decent condition.

As to magazines...they can be problamatic,even ones from the factory.

The supplier to Colt is/was Metalform. A friend bought a gun and then 4 spare magazines from Brownells...and none of them would function. My parents live ten minutes from Metalform (before they moved) and I took the magazines there personally and explained the exact malfunctions each did. They took the mags and the next trip down I got the mags back and I swear they were worse than before. Contacted Brownells and told them the whole story and they sent a return ticket...

I ended up buying the gun from my friend and over a period of time amassed 2 or three more magazines that run with zero issues. Wonderful gun and would not hesitate buying the one you have found for $800...

Bob

Buy it! I do not have a Ace model Colt. I do have a Colt Conversion Unit that I use to mount on my Gold Cup Frame, but now I use a 18958 .38 Super Frame and it shoots very well. Wont outshoot my target guns, but still a fun gun.

__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Here are a couple of quick pic's of mine. Follow the link at the bottom to a youtube video of one of my Colt .22 Conversion Unit's on a '64 vintage Colt Government Model 45 ACP frame using a GSG magazine. The GSG magazine works on both of my Colt .22 Conversion Units. I haven't tried it on the Service Model Ace, but it should work.

Attached Images

	2BA73885-E19B-483E-8E02-8D9D5772FF17.jpg (120.9 KB, 13 views)
	1D785E92-4F69-497E-BA08-20185CF28A69.jpg (117.9 KB, 14 views)

Will try a friend's GSG Magazine in my pistol to see if it works. Got to be cheaper than original Colt Magazines.........I bought one after I got my set up, so I would have two. That one original Colt mag cost me $100.00. So the GSG has to be cheaper.

__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Just saw one sell on an internet auction site for 1800$, no box or extras. Not counting 10% buyers fee, shipping or transfer. Made me think about mine in the back of the safe.

Gave one to my son for his 14th birthday, he is 50 now and still has it. I put my conversion kit (COLT) on a series 70 frame and it works fine. Of the 5 magazines I have, two will stay open on the last shot, 3 will not. The stop should have a 2 stamped on the back to give you any chance at all for proper function. I bought a stop of modern make that was supposed to work-- it didnt waiting to hear back froma guy on the Colt forum that is supposed to have a source for new followers--?? Yes, a problem from the beginning with the soft lead ammo. Didnt know that but as noted above, the cure is high velocity ammo. When I first installed mine it very shortly locked up tighter than Dicks hatband-- Cleaned and proper ammo works great the only flaw is the magazines not keeping the slide open on tha last shot. still working on that. It is on par or better than the Gold Cup I had and sold.
Oh yeah, two days after I bought my Sons I was offered one NIB in electroless nickel. I had to pass but wish I had it.

First off, did you snag the SM ACE?

Second thing, zero experience with anything that's not Colt. My SM came with only one mag, marked "Service Model Ace"
on the floorplate. My other ACE mags are just marked COLT .22 L.R. and the rampant pony stamp. All work perfectly.

Hope the aftermarket mags work for you, but DO keep a sharp eye out. OEM mags do pop up every now and then for less than that $100 premium price.

Rob

I'm afraid its still a work in progress and not looking too good. I've sent the seller three e-mails and only gotten one reply that simply says yes, its still for sale.
At this point I'm not sure if he's just real busy or if this is a scam. Gun is supposed to be LNIB. If so the price is way too cheap. So I'm kinda thinking this may be a scam. I'll give it a little more time just to see what happens.

Seems that. at that price, you can buy at least a couple of spare mags!

Three broad stripes on a naval uniform is a full commander. Four broad stripes is a Navy captain.

I have a 1939 Service Ace. It shoots pretty good, for what it is. The way I shoot these days, more accuracy is kinda wasted .

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Buy it! I promise you will not regret doing so. I have a pre-war Ace that is a joy to shoot. I Fist learned to shoot semi-autos on a pre-war Ace and FN Hi-Power.

If you are having qualms about it, then it is probably a scam. Is he local to you? If so set up a meeting to look at the gun. Be careful and set the meeting up in a public place, I would use a gunshop if possible. McDonald's does not like customers with guns on the premises.

__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Clark guns have custom magazines built in house for $85. Don't know if the 22's are for that. 1911 22 mags are built like a tank.

Attached Images

DSC04628.jpg (126.8 KB, 12 views)

If I am going to spend $85 for a Clark magazine, I would just as soon put another $15 or so and buy an original Colt magazine. Just saying.......

__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

The ad says he's in Memphis. In all three e-mails I've said I want to set a time and place for a meet. Unless I can inspect it in person, it'll be no deal.
IDK, the world is crazy these days. Maybe the guy just has a lot going on right now. I'm still hoping, but it wouldn't be the first scam that's tried to get me.

Aw Hell! Its a scam.
Finally heard back from the guy. Says he can only ship it to me for now. Didn't even say from where.
I flagged the ad and am done with it.

Better you get it figured out before you pay any money.

__________________
USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.