Colt Diamondback Nickel ‘Snake Gun’ .38 Special 4″ 6-Shot DA/SA Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,984.00
LSB#: LSB260611JS080
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: D89305
Year of Manufacture: 1976 (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
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 gold Colt medallions. There are minor handling compression marks. The checkering remains sharp. There are no chips or cracks. 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 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are light handling scratches along the metal surfaces. There is light oxidation around the trigger guard. There is faint clouding along the barrel and ejector shroud. There is carbon residue in the flutes of the cylinder. There is a faint turn line. The screw heads are strong and sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight 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: Wooden display box and cleaning kit.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1966, the Colt Diamondback was conceived as a smaller, lighter companion to the prestigious Python, combining Colt’s compact D-frame with the Python-inspired ventilated rib, full-length ejector-rod shroud, adjustable sights, and distinctive target styling. Chambered in .38 Special and .22 Long Rifle and offered in several barrel lengths, the Diamondback occupied a premium position above Colt’s more utilitarian small-frame revolvers and was available in both blue and nickel finishes. Contemporary testing praised the 4″ .38 Special version for its balance, handling qualities, and six-shot capacity, while its close visual relationship to the Python eventually secured the Diamondback an important place within the highly collectible Colt “Snake Gun” family. The 4″ nickel .38 Special is an especially attractive configuration, pairing the model’s Python-like profile with Colt’s bright nickel finish.
This 1976 Diamondback presents very well, retaining approximately 97% of its original nickel finish with only light handling scratches, faint clouding, localized oxidation, carbon residue, and a faint cylinder turn line. The checkered walnut target stocks remain in Excellent condition with sharp checkering and only minor handling marks, while the screw heads and markings remain strong. Mechanically, the revolver is equally appealing, with tight lockup at each chamber and a correctly functioning action, complemented by a bright 9/10 bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. The included wooden display box and cleaning kit make for an attractive presentation, though no claim of factory originality for those accessories should be made without supporting documentation. Overall, this is a handsome, high-condition example of one of Colt’s most desirable classic small-frame revolvers. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY