Colt Diamondback .22 LR 4″ DA/SA Double/Single Action Revolver 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,530.00
LSB#: LSB260511RP009
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: D24195
Year of Manufacture: 1968 / C&R
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK” / “.22 LONG RIFLE”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The inside of the crane and crane cut are marked with the serial number. The left side of the frame is marked with the Rampant Colt.
Barrel Length: 4″ Vent-Rib, Full underlug
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 topstrap and rib have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut target grips with silver Colt medallions and a speedloader cut on the left panel. There are minor compression marks. There is thinning of the finish along the backstrap edges. There is light finish loss at the toe and heel of the panels. The checkering is sharp and defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is minor handling wear and faint scratches. There are a few compression dings along the barrel and on the edge of the muzzle. There is a turn line on the cylinder. There are heat marks at the front edges of the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the double action is smooth. The lockup is tight with very minimal play at each chamber. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Diamondback was introduced in 1966 as a smaller-framed companion to the prestigious Python, incorporating many of the same visual features in a more compact package. Built on Colt’s D-frame, the Diamondback used the company’s traditional double-action lockwork and was offered in .22 Long Rifle and .38 Special with 2 1/2″, 4″, and 6″ barrels. Its ventilated rib, full-length ejector-rod shroud, adjustable sights, finely polished blue finish, and checkered walnut stocks gave it the appearance of a scaled-down Python, while the .22 LR chambering made it especially well suited for target shooting, training, and small-game use. Production continued until 1988, and early examples such as this 1968 revolver are increasingly desirable among collectors of classic Colt double-action revolvers.
This early-production Diamondback retains approximately 98% of its original blue finish, with only faint handling marks, minor compression dings, limited muzzle wear, and a cylinder turn line. The checkered walnut target stocks remain in Fine condition, while the bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull, crisp single-action release, and tight lockup with very little play at each chamber. Its 4″ barrel, excellent finish, strong mechanics, and desirable .22 LR chambering make this an especially attractive example of Colt’s classic Diamondback revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY