CMC Arms Ace New Orleans .44 Percussion Pocket Pistol – Brass Frame, 4.5" Smoothbore
Produced during the prolific 1970s mail-order era, this CMC Arms Ace New Orleans pocket pistol represents a classic example of the affordable 80% kit guns that flooded the U.S. market. Assembled by its original owner, the piece retains its distinctive brass frame, smoothbore carbon-steel barrel, and guard-less spur trigger—features that make it both a talking point and a solid addition to any black-powder collection.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks in the smoothbore.
Bore Rifling: N/A – smoothbore barrel, no rifling by design.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor scratching, scuffing, tarnishing, and blemishing are present across the brass surfaces, producing an even, attractive patina consistent with careful use and age.
What’s Included
- CMC Arms Ace New Orleans .44 percussion pistol
- Full-length steel ramrod mounted in two brass pipes
Launched at just $29.95 in 1977, over 80,000 Ace kits were sold to hobbyists who completed the final machining and finishing themselves. This example was built from an 80% receiver, giving it the personal touch that kit guns are known for while still adhering to the original CMC design.
The 4.5-inch carbon-steel barrel is smoothbore and chambered for .44 caliber round ball or conical projectiles. Its percussion ignition relies on an external cone-shaped nipple, keeping the mechanism simple and reliable.
All primary components—frame, receiver, and trigger guard—are cast as one piece of brass, eliminating the need for a separate guard and creating the Ace’s instantly recognizable silhouette. The brass has aged to a warm patina, adding visual appeal without affecting structural integrity.
A one-piece walnut birds-head grip provides a comfortable hold for single-handed shooting. The compact spur trigger aligns with the pistol’s pocket-sized intent, and the absence of fixed sights stays true to the historical design it emulates.