Colt Diamondback .22 LR 6″ DA Revolver Nickel Vent Rib Adj Sights 1981
SOLD FOR: $2,713.00
LSB#: LSB260706WT002
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback, Model D5161
Serial Number: S73859
Year of Manufacture: 1981 / Modern
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK” over “.22 LONG RIFLE”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” The left side of the frame bears Colt’s rampant colt rollmark. The serial number S73859 is stamped on the frame and is repeated on the crane.
Barrel Length: 6-inch round barrel with ventilated rib and full underlug.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade pinned to the ventilated rib, with the pin visible at the front of the ramp base. The rear sight is a flat-top, square-notched leaf seated in a channel milled in the topstrap, adjustable for windage and elevation, with the windage screw on the right side.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt rampant colt medallions. The checkering is well defined. There are light handling marks on the butt with slight darkening along the heel edges. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The original nickel finish remains at about 96 percent. The balance of the finish shows light handling and operational wear. There are light wear spots on the face of the trigger and light fouling around the extractor star. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are clean and undamaged. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly in both double action and single action with no play at each chamber. This revolver was not test fired. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1966, the Colt Diamondback was Colt’s premium small-frame adjustable-sight revolver, built on the D frame with a Python-style ventilated rib barrel and full underlug. Nickel-finished 6-inch .22 Long Rifle examples were limited production and are among the most sought-after Diamondbacks by collectors. This 1981 example retains its original bright nickel finish with clear, legible markings and matching serial numbers on the frame and crane, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling. It is an attractive and honest example of Colt’s popular snake gun in the desirable 6-inch nickel configuration. -MY