Colt Diamondback Model D5140 Blue 4″ .22 LR SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1977

SOLD FOR: $1620

LSB#: 220117LJ089

Make: Colt

Model: Diamondback, Model D5140

Serial Number: R04990

Year of Manufacture: 1977 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK / 22 LONG RIFLE”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”, the side plate has Colt’s rampant logo, the left front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, and “V” on the rear portion. The crane and crane cut have the serial number, the cut is also marked “E”.

Barrel Length: 4” with Full Underlug & Ventilated Rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a finely serrated ramp blade that is pinned to the ventilated rib; the rib is matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut stocks with gold-colored Colt logo medallions. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips have minor play to the frame, even with the grip screw tight. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as possibly not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a spot of stubborn fouling in a groove in the left of the bore about mid-way down.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is in areas which have been polished bright on the muzzle, the front face of the barrel lug, the hammer, the front and rear of the trigger, and the rear of the frame around the hammer. It appears this may have been done to remove previous oxidation or erosion as there is a little bit on the left of the barrel and lug near the muzzle. The cylinder has thinning at its front edge and a thin turn-line. Otherwise, the finish is generally strong with a few scattered minor marks and infrequent spots of faint surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup is tight with no movement on all 6 chambers when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Diamondback is essentially a shorter framed Python both in the cylinder and grip frame, sharing similar aesthetic dynamics and is no less striking than its predecessor. This is a blued Diamondback with a 4″ barrel, chambered for .22 Long Rifle. Not only does this make it (usually) cheap and easy to feed, it’s also somewhat desireable among Colt revolver collectors. The revolver is in Very Good condition with a good bore and strong mechanics, though there are some areas which have been polished bright, likely to remove surface oxidation or erosion. The revolver is still quite attractive and would be a good Diamondback to actually shoot instead of being a safe queen. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Colt Diamondback Model D5140 Blue 4" .22 LR SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1977
Colt Diamondback Model D5140 Blue 4″ .22 LR SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1977