Colt Diamondback .22LR 6” Double Action Revolver in Box 1981 D5160
SOLD FOR: $1,825.00
LSB#: WY250429EH077
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback, Model D5160
Serial Number: S84318
Year of Manufacture: 1981 (Verified via Colt factory serial number lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Double-Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade pinned to a ventilated rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with gold Colt medallions. There are only the faintest signs of handling with no notable flaws. The checkering is sharp, and the grips rate in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is a crisp, thin turn line on the cylinder with no burn rings or fouling present. Only a few light handling marks are visible on the frame under close inspection. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. This revolver appears to have been factory-fired only and shows no evidence of field or range use. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The timing is precise, and the cylinder lockup is solid in all chambers. Both single and double-action trigger pulls are smooth and consistent. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the original Colt factory box with foam insert and owner’s manual. The exterior label has been torn off, but the box is original to the revolver and still accompanies it.
Our Assessment:
The Colt Diamondback is a refined double-action revolver that shares much of its design lineage with the Python but built on Colt’s smaller D-frame. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, this 6” Diamondback offers a combination of excellent balance, long sight radius, and crisp trigger pulls that make it equally suitable for precision shooting or collection. Its high-polish Colt Royal Blue finish and ventilated rib give it unmistakable character and quality.
This 1981 example remains in near-pristine condition, showing virtually no signs of use beyond its original factory testing. The thin, clean cylinder line, absence of burn marks, and sharp grips are strong indicators that it was never holstered or fired extensively. With its factory box and manual still present (despite the torn label), this is a superb collector-grade piece that has survived the decades beautifully.
For collectors of Colt revolvers, especially those who value condition and originality, this Diamondback stands out. As these models continue to gain traction in the vintage revolver market, pristine examples like this are increasingly difficult to find. Whether you’re adding to a Colt-focused collection or looking for a standout display piece with investment value, this Diamondback deserves serious consideration. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
