Colt Diamondback D5560 .38 Special Double Action Revolver & Box, 1981 NO CA
SOLD FOR: $2225
LSB#: 220519CG008
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback, Model D5560
Serial Number: S73952
Year of Manufacture: 1981 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”, 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, the rear with “K”. The crane and crane cut have the serial number, the cut also has an inspection mark.
Barrel Length: 6” with Full Underlug & Ventilated Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with an orange plastic insert that is pinned to the ventilated rib. The rib and topstrap are matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a white-outlined, square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have minor handling wear with a few nicks at the bottom edges and some light scratching on the back near the top. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is some light wear at the muzzle on each side with surface oxidation on the right of the barrel at the muzzle-end. The action shows minor operational wear with a thin, light turn-line on the cylinder. There are a few other scattered minor marks including a tool-slip on the right of the frame at the crane screw. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up solidly on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is light and crisp. 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: This revolver comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with two-piece styrofoam inserts. The long and one short ear are missing from the non-label end and the serial number has been scratched off the label.
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 in appearance and mechanics than its predecessor. This revolver retains about 96% of its finish with light wear in the grips, sporting a bright, sharp bore and solid cylinder lockup. This will make for as beautiful a display piece as it would a shooter. Those familiar with the Python line understand the accuracy these revolvers are capable of, this one should prove to be no different. Please see our pictures and good luck!