Colt Diamondback .38 Special 4” ‘Snake Gun’ DA/SA Revolver Nickel 1976
SOLD FOR $1,975.00
LSB#: LSB260225RB068
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: D86227
Year of Manufacture: 1976 (Colt’s Dates of Manufacture by R. L. Wilson)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked, “DIAMONDBACK .38 SPECIAL CTG.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLTS PT.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN U.S.A.” The inside of the crane cut and crane arm is marked with the serial number. The left side of the frame is marked with the Rampant Colt.
Barrel Length: 4” Vent-Rib
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch pinned to the top strap. The top strap and rib are matted for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are a two-piece checkered walnut , with silver Colt medallions. There are little to no handling marks present. There is minimal play between the grips and frame. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is very minor fouling In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light handling scratches along the metal surfaces. There is light thinning of the finish at the muzzle end of the barrel. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are mostly clear and legible. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up is tight with minimal play. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The action is smooth and the lockup is tight.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1966, the Colt Diamondback was conceived as a refined, mid-frame revolver that brought the visual appeal and target features of the Python into a lighter, more compact platform. Built on Colt’s D-frame and distinguished by its ventilated rib, full underlug, and adjustable sights, the Diamondback quickly earned a reputation for both accuracy and elegant styling. By 1976, Colt’s double-action revolver production was at a mature stage, with hand-fitted actions and high-quality finishes that defined the era. Chambered in .38 Special, a cartridge introduced in 1898 and widely respected for its accuracy and manageable recoil, the Diamondback offered a balance of precision and control that complemented its refined mechanical design.
This example remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original nickel finish with only light handling marks, a faint turn line on the cylinder, and slight thinning at the muzzle. The 4″ vent-rib barrel with full underlug provides a balanced and steady profile, paired with a serrated ramp front sight and adjustable rear for precise sighting. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9.5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, showing only very minor fouling. The checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions are in Excellent condition, with sharp checkering and minimal handling wear, exhibiting only slight movement at the frame. The action is smooth with tight lockup and minimal play, reflecting the quality expected of Colt’s classic snake gun line. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY