1977 Colt Diamondback 22 - correct grips?

[.38SuperMan]

Looking for advice on correct grips for my new gun show find. From the serial number it’s a 1977 production 22 cal Diamondback. I’m not concerned if they’re original but would like to have at the least authentic reproductions.

I talked to one of the collectors at the show that sells grips but didn’t have any with him today. I asked if they were the same as the 38 cal Diamondback and he said “NO” that the 22 cal was unique. Researching when I got home all I find is the Diamondbacks regardless of caliber we’re all short D frames the same size as the 3rd gen Detective Special.

I know the grips aren’t the same design as the DS but need to know if they are the same style, size and fit between the 1st and 2nd versions of the Diamondback. Do all Diamondbacks use the same size grips and if so what are the differences between the 1st and 2nd generations? Are 38 cal and 22 cal Diamondback grips interchangeable?

I’m looking forward to shooting it. My call is it’s about 98% and you have to look to find the blemishes. It was pretty dirty like it had been sitting out collecting dust for a long time and the action was gummy. The screws on the side plate were so loose I could turn them with my thumbnail. When I got it home I scrubbed it with a nylon toothbrush and Hoppes and flushed out the gummy oil with gun scrubber and did a light lube on the contact and pivot points. Now it runs like hot butter.

Now to find time correct grips.

Thanks in advance.

 

[murphydog]

The only stocks I've ever seen on a .22 Diamondback are the target style, flared bottom walnut type. Actually, this is the first set of Pachmayr stocks I've seen for them.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Diamondbacks all have the same grip frame. All Diamondbacks came with target stocks except the 2.5” which would have service stocks. But…never say never with Colt. There could be a special order or as simple as there was a shortage of one type so the other was used.

Colt didn’t put Pachmayr rubber stocks as standard but they were sold as an accessory…but again…never say never.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

My .22 Diamondback from the mid seventies has the original grips on it.

I will try to get a picture up.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Diamondbacks all have the same grip frame. All Diamondbacks came with target stocks except the 2.5” which would have service stocks. But…never say never with Colt. There could be a special order or as simple as there was a shortage of one type so the other was used.

Colt didn’t put Pachmayr rubber stocks as standard but they were sold as an accessory…but again…never say never.

I don’t think these came on it but never thought about the possibility. Smith puts rubber on 22’s and Colt is putting rubber on their King Cobra 22 so who knows. Anyway they’re really ugly and I’d like to put either original or retro’s on it.

Would a1977 have silver or gold medallions?

 

[SweetMK]

Hmmmmmm,,
My wife bought me a Trooper MKIII about 1982 or '83,,,
It was purchased brand new,, I know the LGS personally, and am positive it is bone stock, and was brand new,,

As a side note,, my wife could ALWAYS shoot this gun better than me,,
DOUBLE- Hmmmmmmmmmmm,,

 

[.38SuperMan]

Hmmmmmm,,
My wife bought me a Trooper MKIII about 1982 or '83,,,
It was purchased brand new,, I know the LGS personally, and am positive it is bone stock, and was brand new,,

As a side note,, my wife could ALWAYS shoot this gun better than me,,
DOUBLE- Hmmmmmmmmmmm,,

That’s very interesting. I’ve been searching grips and seen several with rubber grips. I be figured they were aftermarket but I guess some weren’t.

Your wife and you have great taste!

Better watch out I’ve lost several guns to my wife once she shot them. No problem though, she lets me shoot them if I behave and I gained the best shooting partner I’ve ever had.

 

[Grayfox]

In this picture are a 6" .22 and a 4" .38 Diamondbacks. The .22 was made in 1978 and wears the correct factory target stocks.
Colt did offer Pachmayr Presentation grips as an accessory. These came with Colt medallions in them as seen on the .38.
I don't think Colt ever offered any other style rubber grips, but I could be wrong. I do know that the ones on your gun are definitely aftermarket and not correct.
Be aware that original Colt factory wooden grips are expensive. originals for your gun will likely run in the $300 range.
There is a company that makes excellent reproductions. But, sadly, I forget the name.

 

[BC38]

I don’t think these came on it but never thought about the possibility. Smith puts rubber on 22’s and Colt is putting rubber on their King Cobra 22 so who knows. Anyway they’re really ugly and I’d like to put either original or retro’s on it.

Would a1977 have silver or gold medallions?

Yeah, the only thing uglier (IMO) than the Pachmayr Grippers is the black rubber Hogue Monogrip.
Oddly enough, though they are both ugly as a mud fence, they both fit my hand very well, and the palmswell in the Grippers is a big plus in that regard.
The Pachmayr Presentation grips always made me think of a rubber version of the football relieved S&W wood target stocks.

 

[.38SuperMan]

In this picture are a 6" .22 and a 4" .38 Diamondbacks. The .22 was made in 1978 and wears the correct factory target stocks.
Colt did offer Pachmayr Presentation grips as an accessory. These came with Colt medallions in them as seen on the .38.
I don't think Colt ever offered any other style rubber grips, but I could be wrong. I do know that the ones on your gun are definitely aftermarket and not correct.
Be aware that original Colt factory wooden grips are expensive. originals for your gun will likely run in the $300 range.
There is a company that makes excellent reproductions. But, sadly, I forget the name.

Thanks for your post. I figured the ones on mine aren’t original due to the medallion and figured originals would run quite a bit.

Deer Hollow makes repros and I understand they make very high quality ones. I’m going to contact them Monday and see about ordering a set. Actually I don’t live too far from where they’re located, a little over an hour.

If my gun were 100% and in the box I might look for originals but I plan on shooting it so repros will do just fine.

Thanks again.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The stocks made by Deer Hollow are superb…better than factory originals.

 

[anoblefox]

I have a Trooper MKIII (22 mag) as well and it came new with the same rubber grips. I also have 2 sets of 22 Diamondback original stocks that were removed when I bought the guns. I have shooter guns and agree the packs are ugly. However, they are very functional and the original wood grips are too valuable to get all dinged up; at this time, mine are not for sale!

 

[.38SuperMan]

I went to the Deer Hollow website and they’re out of stock so I put my name on the notify when in stock list. If I don’t find an original or good repro set by the time DH had themI’ll buy a set from them.

Thanks!

 

[CH4]

Here’s my Diamondback .22 from 77, the grips are identical to those on my 1978 38 Diamondback. To my knowledge there’s no difference between the .22 DB grips and 38 DB grips.

You’ll be very pleased with Deer Hollow grips. Ollie does beautiful work.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Thanks again!

 

[clang444]

I have a .22 lr Diamondback that came with after marker stocks. I had these lying around and added them:

I've got a T-Grip on it too now, but sorry no pic. Short D frame grips are what you are looking for. If I had to guess, mine came off a late model Police Positive Special.

 

[oddshooter]

IMHO The Diamondback is the king of the Colt Snake guns. The fit is usually perfect and the finish is like a blue pool of liquid glass. Triggers are smooth as silk and the accuracy is better than the shooter.

The Diamondback grips are one of my favorite parts of the package.


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