Make: Colt

Model: Commercial ACE

Serial Numbers: 4020

Year of Manufacture: 1932

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic fed by Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4 3/4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half round blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation, dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have even light handling wear with slightly more notable wear on the right panel at the bottom. There are a few light nicks and small scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, the slide is serial-matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. There is some other scattered light finish wear. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches including a thin "idiot mark" below the slide stop on the left of the frame. Some worn areas are going to a light patina and there is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Shock buffers are installed on the guide rod. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 10-round magazine.

Our Assessment: The development of the Ace began in 1915 as Colt attempted to create a .22 caliber pistol based on the 1911 Government model design. The first Ace was assembled in 1930 and nearly 11,000 were made through 1947. While the intent was to produce a .22 version of the Government model, the Ace has a 1/4" shorter barrel, functions as a blowback rather than a tilt-barrel and has significantly less recoil than the Government model, as compared with the later Service model Ace.

This one is an early production pistol from 1932. It would make a fine target pistol or recreational plinker, but would also make a great addition to a Colt collection. It also retains a nice bore and strong mechanics with the great majority of its original metal finish. Whatever your interest in this Ace, it will be a fine addition to any safe in America. Please see our photos and good luck!