Model K22/Model 17 Versus Colt Diamondback?

[dsf]

Personally, I feel there is no comparison. The Diamondback is not the "junior Python" some seem to think it is. The ones I remember when they were still being made were pretty mediocre. The action is gritty and the accuracy is poor.
While it looks flashy on the outside, performance-wise it is closer to a Charter Arms or Harrington & Richardson.

But, if you want a finely tuned .22 revolver that possesses match grade accuracy and you want to see the "prancing pony" on the frame in deeply polished blue steel, I highly recommend the Colt Officer's Model Target or Officer's Model Match. The latter was made until the late 60s or so, the former dates back before WWII. Another nice one, often overlooked, is the old Colt Police Positive Target. It's built on the smaller Colt DA frame, but it shoots great!

These were made when Colt still employed highly skilled workers who knew how to build and tune a fine revolver.
Be aware that the early "Target" models have a windage adjustable rear sight and an elevation adjustable front sight. That is, unless you run into a rare King's Gunworks modified Colt.
The later "Match" version has a conventional Elliason target style fully adjustable rear sight.

My brother owned a pre-war Colt Officers model Target. He bought it from a collector in unfired condition. We fixed that right away! It was the finest shooting .22 revolver I have ever shot, bar none. It was also absolutely beautiful.

All if this, of course, is just personal opinion.

And the Officers Model Special. This is an end of the line OMS, one of the last 75 made in 1953 -



Stocks probably aren't correct for the gun, but in excellent shape and fit right. Medallion is actually silver, lighting makes it look gold.

 

[Engine49guy]

I have both,
First off what is your intention?
Do you want an accurate reliable gun that you will shoot often or do you want a collectors piece that will go up in value if you don't use it?

IMO if it's going to be a range gun buy a 10 shot 617, comes with a warranty so if it breaks it gets fixed for free, 10 shot cylinder means alot less wear n tear on the yoke from reloading, (example to fire 600 rds in a 6 rd gun requires 100 loading ejecting reloading procedures vs 60 in a 10 shot gun) so more shooting less reloading.

Bottom line,
IMO the SW's have better actions and triggers and are easier to work on and find parts for.
The Colts look pretty and will go up in value in high condition if you oil them regularly and don't shoot them.

If you get into collecting and shooting you will eventually realize the solution is to have many in each flavor.

 

[RKmesa]

Just last year I had Alex Hamilton install a 6" .22 D'back barrel on a finish challenged model 18 creating a "Smolt" revolver. Everything was fit to perfection and the result was a VERY accurate .22...
Mike

Mike:

We need a few photos of that gun...

 

[bmcgilvray]

Agree with the comments that the Colt Officer's Model Target/Match is the analog to the K-22. The Cold Diamondback is more like a very fancy finished Kit Gun. Using this comparison, both Colts are larger and heavier than the S&Ws.

My 1933 OMT is smoother in DA than the 1931 K-22 Outdoorsman, but the SA let-off on the S&W is better. Colt's sights are better for target work, but my K-22 has a somewhat odd notch rear/bead front.

Colt is more tempermental and has required a trip to a top-notch gunsmith for work. The S&W just fires and fires. Colt is more of a range gun while I wouldn't hesitate to take the S&W afield; their current condition also has something to do with that assessment. Were the S&W nearly perfect and the Colt more nicked up, I might reverse that...

Your descriptions are sound.

My first .22 handgun, this Smith & Wesson Model 17-4 K-22 purchased new in January of 1980. One of the real "usin' guns" here. More shots have been fired through it than any firearm in the menagerie and it still just shoots and shoots and shoots. It's been holster up and marched about in the field since it was new. It better in this 2008 photo than it looked at that time and the intervening years haven't improved appearance.



Just for fun. Picked up seven or eight years ago. Should have acquired one long ago to compliment the long-snouted one.

 

[Walter Rego]

I have always admired the Colt Diamondbacks but only in 4" configuration. The 6" guns look ungainly and the snubbies look unfinished.

However here in California they bring stupid money. Like at least $1800 for a 4" in .38 and up to $2500 for a 4" in .22 LR. And those aren't just asking prices but prices that people are willing to pay when they find them.

You can find a near new in the gold box 5 screw .22 Combat Masterpiece or 5 screw .22 Masterpiece for about half of those prices and a Model 17-3 or 18-3 for a few hundred less. I don't get it with the Diamondbacks.

A friend called me a few years ago and said he was looking at a very nice 4" Diamondback .38 and the seller was asking $1000. He said that seemed like too much money and what would I do ? I told him he'd better buy it asap and he did. That was a heck of a deal in this market. But it sure isn't a $2000 gun to me.

 

[pwjp2011]

Thanks for all the GREAT replies! It was the exact kind of feedback that I wanted.

The purpose of this gun will be shoot/collect. I like 22LR as I grew up shooting it. Its fun and cheap. I have come to like older guns for their better fit and finish.

I am still going to get a K22/M17. I want an older one. The Colt intriqued me but the prices are stupid high. I have always thought the Python prices were insane. They are nice guns but they arent that nice. Even this 22LR Diamondback was $2500. Besides I prefer the unshrouded barrels like on M27.

I live in a place that has crazy strict pistol laws and have to get a permit for EACH pistol. I am waiting a month already for my permits. Bought a German made PPK that I waiting to collect from the shop. The end result is when I buy, I buy quality because I cant just sell it and buy another one if I dont like it.

 

[Fishinfool]

OP - Cant go wrong with a K frame .22. I have a 6 inch 617 with a 4x scope attached that is as accurate as a rifle, and is a real squirrel killer. My old model 18 is a favorite for casual shooting and woods carry. It is also extremely accurate, with my eye sight being the limiting factor.

Larry

 

[rogerwnuss]

I love the Diamondbacks, have had four over the years, have one now. All in 38 spl. Even back in the day I considered them too much money for a 22 to play with, and it's even worse now. Given the crazy money Dbacks are bringing now, I don't understand how they're even in the running compared to the Smiths

 

[larryofcc]

Don't rule out the very early 22 Troopers. Not a lot of them around. Look like early Pythons. Pre MK series. Big Larry