Colt Diamondback Model D5140 Blue 4″ 22 LR Double Action Revolver, 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1277.77
LSB#: 220420JR031
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback Model D5140
Serial Number: D42756
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
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 CT. U.S.A.”. The side plate has Colt’s rampant logo, the left front of the trigger guard is marked “0”, the rear with “U”. The crane and crane cut have the serial number, the cut also has an inspection mark.
Barrel Length: 4” 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 and topstrap are matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a blade that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have light handling wear with scattered thinning finish, mostly edges, and some nicks, dings and scratches, the most notable at the bottom-rear of the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
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.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrel has light finish wear on each side, heavier toward the front with a few other scattered light marks. The frame has a few scattered light nicks and scuffs with a spot of light surface oxidation on the right-front of the trigger guard. There are very light tool marks at the rear sight pin on the left of the topstrap. At the tips of the screws visible on the right of the frame, there appears to be a ring of light surface oxidation around the rear two screw tips, this may prove to be stubborn fouling after a patient cleaning. The cylinder has a thin, light turn line. The unfinished side faces of the hammer show light discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
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. The model was offered in .38 Special as well as .22 Long Rifle, like this one. This revolver retains about 87% of its finish, sporting a bright, sharp bore and solid cylinder lockup. 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 as it would a shooter. Please see our pictures and good luck!