Blued Colt Diamondback .22LR 6” DA/SA 6-Shot Revolver, MFD 1972 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#: WY250204DA020
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: D53887
Year of Manufacture: 1972
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 left side plate has Colt’s rampant logo, the left front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in a triangle. The crane and crane cut have the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6” 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 blade that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are textured hogue monogrip.There is faint handling wear. The stocks are free from any notable damages. There are no rips or tears. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Royal Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operation wear. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder that has not gone through the finish. There are small handling marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 Colt Diamondback in .22 Long Rifle is a highly sought-after revolver, renowned for its precision craftsmanship, elegant styling, and excellent shooting characteristics. Produced in 1972, this 6-inch barreled variant is a prime example of Colt’s golden era of revolver manufacturing. With its full underlug, ventilated rib, and Royal Blue finish, the Diamondback drew aesthetic inspiration from the famed Python but was built on the smaller D-frame, making it more manageable while retaining a premium feel. Chambered in .22 LR, this revolver delivers superb accuracy with minimal recoil, ideal for target shooting, small game, or simply enjoying a premium rimfire wheelgun. This example is in very good condition, retaining approximately 97% of its original finish with some light operational wear and minor handling marks. The Royal Blue luster still shines through beautifully, with only minor thinning near the muzzle and a faint cylinder turn line. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, showing only faint erosion, and rates a solid 9 out of 10. It is fitted with a comfortable Hogue monogrip, which provides excellent control, though it departs from the original wood target stocks. Mechanically, the revolver is sound, with Colt’s famously smooth double-action trigger and crisp single-action break.
As a Curio & Relic eligible Colt revolver, the Diamondback holds tremendous appeal for collectors and shooters alike. Its premium features, limited production, and outstanding build quality have made it a perennial favorite among Colt enthusiasts. Whether added to a collection or taken to the range for slow-fire precision shooting, this .22 LR Diamondback is a testament to Colt’s legacy of producing world-class revolvers. -R.E.
