Colt Diamondback D5560 .38 Special 6″ Double Action Revolver, MFD 1981

SOLD FOR: $2075

LSB#: 210205MS68

Make: Colt

Model: Diamondback, Model D5560

Serial Number: S77684

Year of Manufacture: 1981 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 Special

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”, 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 rear with “1”. The crane and crane cut have the serial number, the cut also has an inspection mark.

Barrel Length: 6” with Full Underlug & Ventilated Rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a finely serrated ramp blade that is pinned to the ventilated rib; the rib and topstrap are 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 with gold-colored Colt medallions at their tops. There are a few compressions and marks into the finish on the right panel at the bottom rear corner. There are one or two light compressions on the bottom faces. The checkering is mostly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The right panel has a bit of light rotation, the indexing hole appears lightly worn. Overall, the grips are in about Fine Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, there is a gray patch at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a couple of tiny marks, most noticeable on the right of the barrel between the markings and frame and on the trigger guard. The action shows minor operational wear including a faint turn-line on the cylinder, mainly on the lead in grooves. The left of the hammer has what appears to be a bit of the matte black finish from the top and bottom. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up solidly on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is light and 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 retains about 98% of its finish with light wear in the grips, sporting a bright, sharp bore and solid cylinder lockup. This will make for as beautiful a display piece as it would a shooter. Those familiar with the Python line understand the accuracy these revolvers are capable of, this one should prove to be no different. Please see our pictures and good luck!