Colt Model Diamondback .38 SPL 4″ Double/Single Action Revolver MFD 1977
SOLD FOR: $1625
LSB#: 210223GW01
Make: Colt
Model: Diamondback
Serial Number: N08314
Year of Manufacture: 1977 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DIAMONDBACK / .38 SPECIAL CTG”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A.”. The crane cut and the crane are marked with the serial number, the cut is also marked “T”. The side plate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo. The left of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and the rear with “J”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade integral to the vent-rib at the front. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood Altamont grips with gold colored Colt diamonds, finger grooves, and fleur di lis at the bottom of the checkering. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The grips have a bit of rotational movement. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent 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 pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few light marks on the trigger guard and crane. The trigger guard has a tiny spot of discoloration from previous oxidation. There are a few handling marks and draglines. The hammer has some little tiny spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation. There is a little mark on the right side of the top strap below the rear sight. The cylinder shows a faint dragline not through the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup on this revolver is SOLID on each chamber 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 standards.
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 97% of its finish with wear consistent with light use. The aftermarket grips are in about Excellent condition but do have some very minor play to the frame and still look great. 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 carry revolver today, more than 40 years after it was made. Please see our pictures and good luck!