Colt Diamondback D5160 Blue 6″ .22 LR Double Action Revolver & Box, 1978
SOLD FOR: $1,618.90
WOA#: WY240415EH019
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback, Model D5160
Serial Number: R55812
Year of Manufacture: 1978
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 / .22 LONG RIFLE”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”, the side plate has Colt’s rampant logo, the left front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle. The crane and crane cut have the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6” with Full Underlug & Ventilated Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a finely serrated ramp blade fixed to the ventilated rib; the rib is matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is an Elliason flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is adjustable for windage and elevation, pinned to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece checkered black rubber Pachmayr Presentation Grip with finger grooves and Pachmayr medallions. The grip has only a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
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 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a couple of tiny marks on the sideplate behind the cylinder latch. There is minor freckling on the unfinished side faces of the hammer. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup is tight with no movement on all 6 chambers when the trigger is depressed. 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: This revolver comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with hand-written serial-matching Colt Custom Shop label and two-piece styrofoam inserts. The label notes “with Elliason sight”.
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. The model was offered in .38 Special as well as .22 Long Rifle, like this one. This revolver retains about 98% of its finish, sporting a bright, sharp bore and solid cylinder lockup with little sign of use. It has been equipped with a Pachmayr Presentation Grip and has an Elliason rear sight. Those familiar with the Python line understand the accuracy these revolvers are capable of, this one should prove to be no different. This will make for as beautiful a display piece, especially with its box, but it would also be a great shooter. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
