Price Check: Early 70's Colt Diamondback (Blue, 2.5 inch)

[SVT28]

Good afternoon everyone,

Just got one of these on a multi-gun trade and since I really don't have a lust for Colts, and haven't fired it yet (aka become attached), I'd like to seek opinion on a good local sale price vs putting it on Gunbroker.

Recent closed auctions put the value somewhere between $1300 for cleanish 95%+ guns to $5k+ for NIB, Nickel, .22LR, 2.5inch or any combination of these. I'm not the biggest fan of shipping and dealing with certified funds, but I don't like to get hosed locally either with lowballers and flakes.

I take receipt of the pistol tonight. It is about 98%, original wood grips, with no major imperfections. No box that I know of. Just a slight turn line and only the lightest blueing rub at the end of the muzzle. You wouldn't be able to notice it unless you held the revolver within 5 inches of your face.

a) Does anyone have one of these they really enjoy or dislike? Why?

b) If I were to sell it, what would a good local asking price be or, would you put it on gunbroker?

c) It's 38sp only, is +P safe for a casual range visit?

d) What's the easiest way to determine the exact year of manufacturing?

Thank you!!
SVT28

 

[kip595]

Hi there,

I've handled several of these over the years, never owned one, having always preferred the weight and balance of the Python. That said, they do have a fervent following amongst both Colt guys and wheel gun aficionados in general. Depending partially upon era of manufacture, fit and quality should be anywhere from vg/excellent to approaching complete custom (again, many argue the absolute "best" fitting went to it's big bro the Python).

With wadcutters most will hammer targets close enough to make the typical amateur bullseye shooter happy all day or until the ammo runs out; strength-wise +P should be fine, although given the relative intricacy of the Colt lockwork I'd limit the quantity. It'd be rare to find someone carrying one of these for SD or CCW these days.

Value will go largely to region and gun specifics such as caliber (.38 I assume from your post), condition, SN date, evidence of use, and most importantly on these, the condition of the action (I passed up a 4" blued .38 just last weekend due to bad timing.). That said I can't remember the last time I saw one of these offered for under 1k retail, though I had a dealer buddy who picked on up for about 850 over the counter a few years back. As usual, gunbroker will help to determine the actual going price in the daily market vs. the typical asking price.

In any case all the Colt 'Snake Guns' are highly collectible these days and depending on how quickly you wish to sell, should have no problems finding a buyer.

Hope this helps!

P.S. IIRCC, Colt's site still offers a general yearly index of their serial numbers so you can get a rough year of production date for yours.

 

[HARDWARE]

These are thru the roof now. Just like pythons..especially 2 1/2"

But the diamondback is not a .38 Python... It's basically a dolled up detective special.

 

[Art Doc]

The 2.5" models are very rare and command huge premiums. Even showing a bit of wear. If mine, I would start at $4K and come down if it doesn't sell.