Colt Diamondback .22 LR 2.5″ DA/SA Double/Single Action Revolver 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,275.00
LSB#: LSB260611JS056
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: D25601
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 CONN. 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: 2.5″ 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 topstrap and rib have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions. There is light handling wear. The checkering remains sharp with only a few peaks lost. 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 minor fouling present. There is no 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. There are scattered handling scratches and compression marks. There is sporadic oxidation freckling, with more noticeable staining on the hammer. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly, though it is sticky and slow to reset and will need to be cleaned. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Colt serial matching box.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1966, the Colt Diamondback was a deluxe D-frame revolver that brought much of the styling of Colt’s prestigious Python to a smaller, lighter package. Its ventilated rib, fully adjustable sights, shrouded ejector rod, target-style hammer, and finely finished contours gave the Diamondback its familiar “miniature Python” appearance, while chamberings in .22 LR and .38 Special made it equally suited to sporting, target, and recreational use. Of particular importance is this revolver’s combination of .22 LR chambering and the short 2 1/2″ barrel; collector references specifically identify the 2 1/2″ .22 LR Diamondback as a scarce variation, making this considerably more desirable than the more commonly encountered longer-barreled rimfire examples.
This example remains in strong cosmetic condition, retaining approximately 97% of its original blue with only scattered handling marks, light oxidation freckling, staining to the hammer, and a faint cylinder turn line. The checkered walnut Colt stocks remain in Fine condition with sharp checkering and no structural damage, while the bright 9/10 bore with sharp rifling is another substantial positive. Mechanically, the revolver cycles but the action is sticky and slow to reset, indicating that cleaning and possibly further service should be considered before regular use. The included serial-matching Colt box is especially desirable on a scarce short-barreled .22 Diamondback, and rare-feature Snake Guns are precisely the type for which factory documentation can materially enhance collector confidence. Overall, its scarce factory configuration, high remaining original finish, excellent bore, and matching box make this a notably collectible early Diamondback despite the sluggish action. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY