Unfired Colt Diamondback: value?

[keithhagan]

Came across a NIB Colt Diamondback 22lr 6" purchased in the early 70's.

Guy was asking $2,000. I walked. Would you?

 

[Old_Cop]

Yes, I leave Colt collecting to the rich guys.

 

[blaser1234]

Check online sites like GB and Guns America. If that price includes original box and contents it is certainly in current ballpark.

 

[Kitgun]

Yes.......

 

[JH1951]

As you describe it, 2K is not out of the question.
If it is really NIB, unfired, no turn lines or any wear, with wrapping, tags, papers, all in pristine condition, you could likely add a few hundred dollars.....
Check GB recently closed sales to make sure my assessment is in the ballpark.

 

[Kurusu]

Well... If it's unfired, how do you know if it's any good.

 

[22hipower]

Python and Diamondback prices seem to be down a bit where I shop; at least for those that are priced to sell, not as museum pieces. If truly ANIB with everything as originally shipped $2k might not be unreasonable. The ones I'm seeing that show some use and don't have box/etc. are $1200-$1800 depending on condition, barrel length and how badly the owner wants some cash.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Just another 22 shooter]

Was at a local auction a month ago. Many Smiths and Colts in great condition. The 22 Diamonback, fired, but with the original box, no papers brought $1975. Location is sw Iowa. I would not give half that for one, but that's just me.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Although I am not an expert, the price does not surprise me, nor would I choke on the price if I wanted one. However, a lot of the value of that gun is in "NIB," and I have almost no interest in a gun that can't be shot. I'm not saying I mightn't pay that if I had to, but using it would cost many hundreds of dollars if that is something that concerns you. Of course, if you never sell it, you can do what you want with it.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[reddog81]

$1,500 to $2,000 is probably about the current going rate. One thing to watch for is that there's a big price difference between a gun that's 100% and a gun that's 98%. Even a few small blemishes can decrease the value by $100's.

 

[keithhagan]

Although I am not an expert, the price does not surprise me, nor would I choke on the price if I wanted one. However, a lot of the value of that gun is in "NIB," and I have almost no interest in a gun that can't be shot. I'm not saying I mightn't pay that if I had to, but using it would cost many hundreds of dollars if that is something that concerns you. Of course, if you never sell it, you can do what you want with it.

Different strokes for different folks.

I walked at that price because I knew that I wouldn't be able to stop myself from shooting it. I feel better, now, that I did.

 

[Rubone]

My 4" Diamondback .22 cost me $150 in about '87, my 4" Diamondback .38 cost $400 about 25 years later. Both are shooters, though not that often any more. And both have original grips as well.

 

[Goblin]

This may not matter, but I would only pay top dollar for a 4”. The 6” is very muzzle heavy, not well balanced like the Python, 686 with their .357” bores, or even the Model 17. I have a 6” Diamondback and wish I could trade it for a 4”.

As to your question, I think this will be your last chance to buy a NIB Diamondback for $2,000. Will you be comfortable when you still have your $2k and will never own that gun?

 

[Imissedagain]

Never owned a Diamondback as accurate as a K22 Masterpiece.
Pretty, but as my boy said..... sell it and buy a Python.
I have no use for a Python either.....but a 6” uncompensated 460 with a fluted cylinder and Ebony stocks ....

 

[gman51]

If it is actually unfired and original box then it could bring even more than 2 grand. But like was said if it isn't 100% LNIB then the price drops big time. I like Colts but I am not that big on 22lr even if it is a Diamondback. Myself I would rather spend 2 grand on a Python 357.

 

[oysterer]

prices are flat and slightly down at the LGSs but the guns are just sitting there and every LGS has them incl. Pythons. I guess everyone who wants a gun too just look at has a few by now.

 

[JH1951]

Let's not forget that not all boxes are created equal. Due to reproduction boxes on the market, a buyer must now become an authority on box construction, materials, etc. Sadly, not all NIB offerings are NIB items. There is a fake box with papers and tags on eBay for almost anything you want these days. Sold by some guy in Sparta TN I think. Sad.

 

[alwslate]

Came across a NIB Colt Diamondback 22lr 6" purchased in the early 70's.

Guy was asking $2,000. I walked. Would you?

No I would run

 

[sophie]

I wouldn't have considered the gun to begin with as I don't collect Colts, but I have a friend that does and he would have probably bought it. As a matter of fact I sold a Colt Diamondback .22 caliber w/6" barrel for him at a gun show here 5 years ago (to a vendor) for $1500.00 w/box, from the 1970's, didn't look like it had been shot to me. My friend has kicked himself many times since then because he all of a sudden got turned on to collecting Colt's and I have seen him pay more for some of the Diamondback's since then. I would say the gun you mentioned is worth the money.

 

[Grayfox]

For a pure collectible and never to be shot safe queen that's actually a good price. I don't buy nothing I won't shoot. I wouldn't be interested.