Colt Diamondback 2 1/2″ .22 Long Rifle LR Double Action Revolver, 1968 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,123.00

LSB#: WY241106CG003

Make: Colt

Model: Diamondback

Serial Number: D25399

Year of Manufacture: 1968

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.

Barrel Length: 2 1/2’” with Full Underlug & Ventilated Rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a finely serrated ramp blade that is integral to the ventilated rib; the rib is matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with silver-colored Colt logo medallions. The inside of each grip panel has “590” hand-written in white. The grips have some nicks and scratches, most notable on the bottom face. There is general light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

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 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its current metal finish. There is a faint turn-line on the cylinder. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There is minor dishing around most screws and the edges of the sideplate. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear, but there is no Verified Proof. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine-Excellent condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Diamondback is essentially a shorter framed Python both in the cylinder and grip frame, sharing similar aesthetic dynamics and is no less striking in appearance and mechanics than its predecessor. This revolver is a fairly early example from 1968. It retains about 98% of its new metal finish, appearing to have seen little, if any use since it was refinished. The quality of the work is quite good, with just a little dishing and the lack of a verified proof to show that this isn’t genuine Colt finish. The ‘positive lock’ action provides SOLID cylinder lockup, with smooth double and single action trigger pulls. Those familiar with the Python line understand the accuracy these revolvers are capable of, this one should prove to be no different. While most of Colt’s Serpent revolvers are collectible and all appear to be appreciating in value, this could still make for a nice snake gun or plinker today, more than 50 years after it was made. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud  

Colt Diamondback 2 1/2" .22 Long Rifle LR Double Action Revolver, 1968 C&R
Colt Diamondback 2 1/2″ .22 Long Rifle LR Double Action Revolver, 1968 C&R